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In the digital age, social media is a vital tool, revolutionising networking and knowledge exchange in all professions. International education is no different, with educators and other professionals leveraging platforms to collaborate, distribute resources, and keep pace with industry trends. Recognising the importance of these influencers in education, С����Ƶ has, for the past two years, been identifying and highlighting individuals known as ‘Edruptors’. These individuals produce original content that is globally valued across social media platforms, LinkedIn, and X. The results were identified from analysis of key social media platforms. Using our analysis, 20 educators and education professionals are recognised as Edruptors of 2023 for their impact on the international education community through social media. The white paper includes X and LinkedIn connections for all Edruptors.

While conducting our research, we spoke with several Edruptors from the list. Having more in-depth conversations with some key figures in international education offered invaluable insights and guidance for anyone seeking to make an impact in this field. They spoke about various aspects of professional development, ranging from cultivating a robust and helpful network to breaking free from the familiar echo chamber of ideas and individuals you typically follow. They also discussed how to effectively navigate online debates and shared tips for crafting valuable content, including staying authentic and true to yourself whilst taking the time to think and research before you post online. To take a look at these tips, the white paper is available to download for free now.

What educational trends will we see in 2024?

When speaking with the Edruptors, we asked them what prominent trends they think we will see more of within the international education sector in 2024. These trends included:

• Chat GPT and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• The regulation of education agents and student advisors
• Evidencing skills as well as knowledge
• Oracy skills
• Instructional coaching
• Wellbeing
• The future of assessment
• Smoother visa processing
• How to recruit internationally

Advice from international education influencers for 2024

As we enter the new year, these Edruptors have generously shared some pearls of wisdom to keep us inspired.

For educators looking to delve into the sphere of social media, Tatiana Popa, Deputy Academic Director at , urges you to “Embrace change and don’t be afraid. Learn how to adapt and use anything that appears or invites you to use in a positive way.”

Duncan Partridge, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Owner at , encourages you to remember the good in the world: “Although lots of indicators suggest that some things aren’t going well, there are lots of other indicators to suggest that this life isn’t as bad as it should be. So, try and pay as much attention to those as you do to the news and the bad news when it comes in.”

Amy Baker, CEO and Co-Founder of reminds us all to find joy in our work: “We have a good curious eye into the world of international education, but we also really enjoy what we do. There’s a sense of fun as well as professional integrity.”

Ewan McIntosh, Managing Director and Co-Founder of , shares some practical advice which we, at С����Ƶ, will certainly be carrying on into 2024! He suggests learning one small system that can save you time each week and to adopt a strategy to only touch emails once. This approach, he believes, will help us manage our time better and increase efficiency.

May these reflections from our Edruptors inspire and guide us as we continue to learn, grow, and make a difference in the world of international education. To access a wealth of additional insights, and to expand your professional network by exploring our full list of Edruptors for 2023, the white paper is available to download for free now.

Lastly, we’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the Edruptors of 2023 and wish our С����Ƶ Community a happy new year!