The following topics were covered in the Science Media Space modules. These topics and more are covered in the new face-to-face 2-day workshop.

1a Why is social media important?

This module explains why social media is important for scientists in keeping up to date with relevant science news, forming peer networks, and engaging with the public.

1b Creating your profile

This module outlines the factors to consider when creating a profile on social media platforms such as your username, choice of avatar and writing a short biography.

2 Introduction to Blogs

This module explains blogs, blogging and micro-blogging, factors to consider when setting up a blog or micro-blog (eg Twitter) account, and how to decide what the focus of your blog should be.

3 Writing a blog – Top tips

This module provides tips for effective blogging, including writing for an online audience, and making your blog search-friendly.

4 Using images to illustrate ideas

This module explains the use of images in blogging and gives you tips on how to select an image, and considering copyright and quality.

5 Writing a tweet – top tips

This module explains how to write engaging tweets, how to link to content, and what hashtags are all about.

6 Writing good links – top tips

This module provides tips for writing good links to other pages and articles in blogs and tweets.

7 Overcoming bloggers’ block

This module provides ideas for how to continue to blog, sources of potential post topics, and thinking about writing for your audience.

8 Guidelines for social media interaction

This module describes the importance of two-way communication on social media and how to interact, comment and converse.

9 Reflecting and improving

This module provides opportunities to reflect on your own blog posts and the science blog you have been following to learn how to continually improve and evolve your blogging and tweeting.

10 Putting it all together – responsible posting

This module provides a final summary of the course