A glowing open door floating in a sky full of stars, with educators walking through into a new digital world of collaboration and learning. The atmosphere is hopeful, futuristic, and inspiring, symbolizing the Adjacent Possible and the next step in education’s evolution.

BlueSky: The Sky’s the Limit for Educators

I’d like to talk about a concept I’ve raved about before and is just as relevant today as ever: the Adjacent Possible—and how it’s sparking new connections in the #EduSky community on a new social media app called BlueSky.

If you’ve heard me discuss the Adjacent Possible before, here’s a refresher (and for the newcomers, welcome!). The term, coined by evolutionary biologist Stuart Kauffman, explains how evolution—or innovation—happens step by step, influenced by the surrounding environment and interaction with it. For me, I see it like Link in the 1980s version of the video game The Legend of Zelda, moving room to room through a map, unlocking doors and revealing new pathways as he goes.

Enter BlueSky: The Adjacent Possible for Educators

For over a decade, Twitter was a thriving space where educators shared ideas, swapped strategies, and built communities. But lately? Let’s just say the golden days of #eduTwitter are behind us. Regardless of whether it’s due to algorithms, bots, ads, or politics, the once-vibrant community feels less like a space for learning with each passing day.

When Link can’t find Princess Zelda in one room (did you realize that Zelda was the name of the princess?), he doesn’t stop—he steps into the next room. Innovation works the same way. Enter BlueSky, a platform born out of Twitter’s DNA but brimming with the promise of something better. BlueSky represents the next stage in social media’s evolution, shaped by lessons from what worked—and what didn’t—in other platforms. For educators, it’s the next “room” in our professional journey—a space to reconnect, innovate, and reignite our passion for collaboration.

Why BlueSky Feels Like 2013 Twitter

BlueSky captures what made Twitter magical for educators in its early days: a focus on authentic connections and meaningful conversations, rather than clicks. A few key features make it especially enticing:

A cozy, vibrant digital café filled with teachers sitting at laptops and tablets, engaged in meaningful conversations. Warm lighting, no ads or chaos, just authentic connections. A chalkboard sign in the background reads “2013 Twitter Vibes,” symbolizing nostalgia and community spirit.
Image generated using Canva AI Image Generator (Pro) from the prompt “A cozy, vibrant digital cafĂ© filled with teachers sitting at laptops and tablets, engaged in meaningful conversations. Warm lighting, no ads or chaos, just authentic connections. A chalkboard sign in the background reads “2013 Twitter Vibes,” symbolizing nostalgia and community spirit.” August 17, 2025.

1. Algorithm Control: You choose how your feed looks and feels, curating a space that works for your growth.

2. Non-Viral Focus: Instead of the platform intentionally serving up clickbait or incendiary posts, it instead presents meaningful updates from your community.

3. Customization: Tailor your experience to suit your preferences, from moderation settings to following curated lists of like-minded educators.

The EduSky Community

Already, a dynamic community of educators is forming on BlueSky, grouping under the #EduSky hashtag. Alice Keeler has been a driving force behind this movement, and I appreciate her efforts because the community is already filled with opportunities to connect and grow:

A lively online town square made of glowing blue clouds, where educators gather around virtual “starter packs” (treasure chests), “EduChats” (speech bubbles floating in the air), and “collaborative lists” (scrolls unfurling with names). Each element shines with inviting light, symbolizing growth, collaboration, and community.
Image generated using Canva AI Image Generator (Pro) from the prompt “A lively online town square made of glowing blue clouds, where educators gather around virtual “starter packs” (treasure chests), “EduChats” (speech bubbles floating in the air), and “collaborative lists” (scrolls unfurling with names). Each element shines with inviting light, symbolizing growth, collaboration, and community.” August 17, 2025.

•Starter Packs: Jumpstart your network by following curated lists of educators. In just a few clicks, you’re plugged into an active community.

•EduChats: Remember those vibrant Twitter Chats? They’re making a comeback on BlueSky. Dive into real-time discussions on topics that matter to you.

•Collaborative Lists: Alice’s EduSky Form is a must-visit to discover educators, join conversations, and explore the full potential of the platform.

Why Educators Should Care

BlueSky isn’t just another social media platform; it has the potential to be a tool for professional growth. By stepping into this new space, you’re embracing the Adjacent Possible, opening doors to new connections, ideas, and opportunities that can transform your teaching practice.

A teacher standing at a crossroads of doors, each glowing with possibility—labeled “Connections,” “Ideas,” “Collaboration,” and “Growth.” The teacher is stepping confidently into one of the doors, symbolizing embracing the Adjacent Possible. The background is filled with abstract icons of books, lightbulbs, and digital networks.
Image generated using Canva AI Image Generator (Pro) from the prompt “A teacher standing at a crossroads of doors, each glowing with possibility—labeled “Connections,” “Ideas,” “Collaboration,” and “Growth.” The teacher is stepping confidently into one of the doors, symbolizing embracing the Adjacent Possible. The background is filled with abstract icons of books, lightbulbs, and digital networks.” August 17, 2025.

Yes, you’ll encounter diverse opinions that you may not agree with—but that can be a good thing. Growth often happens when we’re challenged to think differently. And when those opinions go from pushing your thinking to pushing your buttons? BlueSky’s customization features allow you to fine-tune your experience, ensuring it remains a safe and productive space to learn and engage.

Unlike some platforms that prioritize ad revenue and engagement metrics over meaningful interactions, BlueSky is designed to foster authentic connections. For educators, this means discovering fresh ideas, building meaningful relationships, and collaborating with a community that truly values learning.

How to Get Started

Ready to explore BlueSky? Here’s your guide to joining #EduSky:

1. Create Your Account: Start by signing up for BlueSky and setting up your profile.

2. Follow Me: I’m @JakeMillerEdu—let’s connect!

3. Fill out the EduSky Form: Alice Keeler’s EduSky Form will help you connect with other educators!

4. Explore the EduSky Spreadsheet: This is a fantastic resource to find educators, join conversations, and make the most of your experience.

5. Follow Starter Packs: Jumpstart your connections with curated lists of educators. It’s like hitting “Skip Intro” on professional development.

6. Join EduChats: Dive into real-time discussions on topics that matter to you and rediscover the joy of collaborative learning.

7. Join the #EduDuctTape Community: If you listen to the Educational Duct Tape podcast, I’d love to have you use the hashtag #EduDuctTape to share your thoughts. I’ll add you to a dedicated listener list so we can all learn and grow together!

The Adjacent Possible Awaits

BlueSky isn’t just another social media platform—it’s an evolutionary step forward. For educators, it’s a chance to rediscover the joy of connecting, collaborating, and sharing ideas in a space designed for meaningful interactions.

A glowing open door floating in a sky full of stars, with educators walking through into a new digital world of collaboration and learning. The atmosphere is hopeful, futuristic, and inspiring, symbolizing the Adjacent Possible and the next step in education’s evolution.
Image generated using Canva AI Image Generator (Pro) from the prompt “A glowing open door floating in a sky full of stars, with educators walking through into a new digital world of collaboration and learning. The atmosphere is hopeful, futuristic, and inspiring, symbolizing the Adjacent Possible and the next step in education’s evolution.” August 17, 2025.

So, why not take that next step? Open the door to your professional growth. Join BlueSky, explore the #EduSky community, and let’s work together to shape the future of education.

Published by

Jake Miller

Jake is the host of the Educational Duct Tape podcast, the #EduGIF Guy, a Tech Integration Coach, speaker, Former STEM, Math & Science Teacher, and a presenter.