Twitter is not just for social networking but is a useful way to keep updated on the latest news concerning legislation and many influential factors surrounding early years education.
Messages (or tweets) are quick to read or send like text messages. They are no more than 140 characters and usually contain weblinks to further information.
It is free to open an account and very simple to do this by following the simple given on the website, http://twitter.com
If you prefer to maintain your account as private it is simply a matter of adjusting your settings to "protect my tweets" then anyone who would like to follow you can only do so if you accept their request and only your contacts (followers) will be able to see your tweet history (timeline) and the list of anyone else you are following.
You do not have to tweet anything if you do not want to; it is fine just to "follow" other individuals and organisations that may interest you such as
And of course Best Practice Network - find us on Twitter as "bestpracticenet"
You are free to personalise your account page as little or a much as you like and you do not have to use a photograph of yourself as your profile picture or "avatar" if you choose not to.
If you have 3G phone such as Android or iphone you can also download a free twitter app which will allow you to receive tweets on the go. This can be very useful and certainly a way to be one of the first to know the latest news concerning the EYFS review and changes to legislation - these are tweeted regularly by publications such as Nursery World or Children and Young People Now.
As an EYPS group tutor I have recommended Twitter to my trainees as one way to keep in touch with changes in legislation and provision and what is more it costs nothing to do so! Why not give it a try?
Nicky Oram (Deputy Programme leader - Early years)