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On this website back in March 2008, , a well-kent face in education in Scotland and beyond, mentioned as part of a blog post about the use of mobile phones in conferences, classrooms and elsewhere.

At the time I'm not sure I even pretended to understand what that could mean. Later that month Ewan gave a presentation to our department, during which he highlighted Twitter with a practical demonstration, asking his followers if anyone had any messages for our team at the Â鶹Éç (I seem to remember the demand to "bring back "). He also showed how teachers were using it to share ideas and links.

With that, and after watching this video explaining , I was persuaded to give it a go, despite my anxiety tremors which usually kick in when dealing with anything "social...". So it's thanks to Ewan that I've managed to 'get' Twitter and go on to get things from it. Ewan's been using Twitter since January 2007 - four years on, it's apparently not a passing fad.

But despite the celebrities and programmes really trying and testing Twitter for themselves, especially over the past year, I still hear that "I just don't get get Twitter" from family, friends and colleagues. And all too often you see the aborted accounts of two tweets: "Ooh I've signed up to Twitter!" followed by "Ummm...". As an introduction I always say that I treat Twitter like a text message to no-one in particular: if someone picks up on it then hooray (or heaven help you, depending on content); don't expect an answer or feedback, but don't be shy to help or answer others too.

So here's some reasons for why I suggest if you're interested in education you should be giving Twitter a go:

• Shared links and resources - every single day you'll find something new, from personal blog posts, links a teacher may have stumbled across, the programme they might be tuning into, there'll be something to entice/enthrall/annoy/ignore. And all the way to -city.


• Conferences - this week has seen and . I'd know nowt much about them without reports back from the floor - kudos to tweets pointing to blog posts from and for starters. I doubt I'd know much about either and certainly wouldn't have attended the very special .


• Help and advice - I've seen bona fide cries for help on how to deal with difficult pupils or parents, to tips for next-day job interviews, as well as general queries starting "does anyone know..."


• Expanding your horizons - starting from a Scottish standpoint, I've found some interesting links and viewpoints from every single part of the country, as well as from teachers down south or outwith my own 'range', and noted differences and similarities from educators in America or Australia, for example. Not to mention reports from those that get to travel more than us.


• Friends and personalities - from general banter, the human touch reminds us all that we're all in this together and wee things from insights into family/personal life to social meet ups - in holiday times, or just to celebrate poetry and/or beer - it can be a very good laugh online or in person. And that's not to mention accessibility to a human voice from companies, celebrities or politicians - for example, since the start of the year education secretary .

And all that checkable at a glance on your computer or mobile phone.

The only little warning I'd give, if it's really needed, is to be conscious of its repercussions - it is publishing to the web, and open to all. So that tweet, whether on a whim, as an angry reaction or after a few relaxing glasses of wine, .

And finally, I've an admission to make, I'm not on that other social-media thingy, Facebook - I fear I'd be a bit too much of a compulsive for that, constantly checking. A thing I like about Twitter is in its name - it is like tuning into birdsong - and is as ignorable or as enticing as your mood allows. So if you've not checked it out, have a look and sign up if you like. And if you want help finding new friends and opportunities give a shout. Though for proper engagement and enrichment, I'd suggest start by following (), () and - and we'll put you in touch with some jolly interesting people.

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