Bluesky: A New Kind of Social Media
I’ve long missed the heyday of Twitter, back when educational chats were thriving and the platform was a vibrant space for connecting with fellow educators, sharing ideas, and growing our professional learning networks (PLNs). Those chats sparked real collaboration and inspiration—an experience that faded as corporate interests and algorithms turned Twitter into something unrecognizable.
It’s been years since I’ve felt that kind of authentic connection on a social media platform. But now, BlueSky has brought those feelings back.
BlueSky: A Platform for Genuine Connection
What makes BlueSky so special is its intentional design. Created by Jack Dorsey, this decentralized microblogging platform is built on a foundation that rejects algorithmic prioritization driven by capitalism. Instead, BlueSky puts the power back in the hands of users, fostering a space for real conversations and authentic interactions.
This difference isn’t just theoretical—it’s tangible. On BlueSky, I’ve found myself once again engaging with fellow educators, sharing resources, and reigniting the joy of growing my PLN. It feels like stepping back into a simpler time when social media connected us rather than dividing or commodifying our interactions.
How BlueSky Works Differently
The structure of BlueSky redefines engagement in refreshing ways:
- Reposts Over Likes: While likes are nice, reposting is how you amplify ideas and conversations. This shift brings a collaborative, supportive energy to the platform.
- Chronological Feeds: No more posts buried by algorithms. Everyone has an equal opportunity to be seen.
- Genuine Engagement: Interactions feel more like conversations than competition for visibility.
Features Built for Educators
- Flexible Posting: Link posts to extend your thoughts, breaking free from character limits.
- Rich Media Tools: Share images, videos, emojis, and GIFs seamlessly while remembering to add alt text for accessibility.
- Community-Focused Hashtags: Tags like #EduSky and #AIedu make it easy to join meaningful discussions.
- Alt Text: There is a focus on adding alt text for screen readers making each post much more inclusive. You can even turn on a setting to require you to complete before posting.
Reviving the Spirit of Educational Chats
BlueSky has brought back the energy and sense of community that I loved during Twitter’s peak. I’ve found educators sharing strategies, discussing the future of learning, and supporting each other just like we used to during those weekly Twitter chats. The spirit of collaboration is alive again, and it feels incredible to be part of a network of educators who are passionate about making a difference.
Don’t Miss #TLSkyChat!
One of the highlights of my week is co-hosting #TLSkyChat, which launches on Wednesday, December 4th, with the amazing Jennifer LaGarde, also known as Library Girl. This collaboration has been an exciting journey as we prepare to bring together educators, librarians, and thought leaders to discuss topics that matter most in our profession. These chats promise to be lively, engaging, and a perfect way to reconnect with the kind of professional community I’ve long missed. Check out the website at tlskychat.com
How to Get Started
- Join the Community: Visit bsky.app to create your account.
- Explore Resources: Check out curated feeds like the School Library List and Educator List.
- Dive Deeper: Visit the TLSky Wakelet for resources and tips.
Why BlueSky Matters
For educators like me who have missed the authentic connections that social media once provided, BlueSky is a game-changer. It’s a space that prioritizes people over profit, ideas over ads, and community over competition.
BlueSky is more than a platform—it’s a revival of what social media can and should be. Let’s reconnect, collaborate, and inspire one another to transform our classrooms and our profession.
Ready to rediscover the joy of connection? Join the conversation at bsky.app and see what’s possible when educators come together again.
I am @techielibgrl.com on Bluesky and I hope to connect with you!