Thanks to Daniela, who is a member of The Teaching Space Community, for suggesting this episode topic.

You can join the community at community.theteachingspace.com.

This topic has been influenced by my own experience as well a number of articles I read on the topic. I will link to the articles in the show notes which you will find at theteachingspace.com/118.

This episode will focus on teachers using Twitter for their own purposes rather than using it with students.

Highlights What is EduTwitter? (02:50) * Educators on Twitter who generally use EduTwitter as a hashtag.

Positives (03:43) * It's a great way to connect with people from all over the world working in similar, or entirely different areas of education to you. * Building your network in this way can lead to job offers! (Remember AJ from episode 114?) * You can engage in interesting, topical discussions, get help, advice and help. * You can stay current by knowing what is being discussed in education right now. * It's an easy way to find links to interesting articles, podcasts, research, events etc. * Event hashtags are fab. * It's free PD (although often we forget to log it). * It's a great way to try publishing content e.g. tweetstorms.

Negatives (08.27) * Twitter is a 'social' media platform - invariably you will end up using it for work purposes during social time. This is a boundary that needs consideration. * If you are tweeting professionally, you need to consider your employer's viewpoint. * On self-promotion. * Discussions can turn nasty... not often, but they can.

EduTwitter Wellbeing Strategies (11:43) * It's all about boundaries. Think about how and when you will engage in Twitter conversation. Who will you be? Is yours a teaching only feed or a mix? * Think twice before participating in certain discussions e.g. isolation booths, 'prog' v 'trad' teachers, certain behaviour topics etc. * If you are going to participate and disagree, try to 'attack' arguments rather than the people making them (see Greg Ashman's article). * Carefully curate your feed, consider your 'bubble' - don't just follow your sector or people who look at sound like you. * Find hashtags of interest and check those and also use them. * Participate in Twitter chats. * Remember people often only show their 'best bits'. * If you need a break, remove the app from your phone. * Don't be afraid to unfollow people. * Mute words. * Be human.

Final Thoughts (20:33) Treat Twitter as a community but ensure your boundaries are in place. And give me a follow if you're there or joining: MartineGuernsey.

Helpful links * AJ's story (podcast episode 114) * A Beginner's Guide to EduTwitter * The Magic That is EduTwitter and Online CPD * The Golden Rule of EduTwitter * How to mute words on Twitter * Twitter 101: How to Start Your Own Teacher Twitter Account * Martine on Twitter