Technological Boundaries

From the point of view of an educator and one who is tech-savvy, a relevant article came across my computer screen this afternoon. It explores the question:

Should teachers be Facebook Friends and Twitter Followers with their students?

The article makes mention of specific incidents and disciplinary actions taken by school administrators regarding teacher behavior on these Social Networking sites.

I will answer the question YES and NO, as it depends on the situation.

During the time period that an educator has a student in their classroom, the student is in the school and the educator is employed in the building, teacher-student Social Networking "relationships" (be it Twitter followers or Facebook friends) should not exist. I answer the question with a resounding NO; and if I were Superintendent, I would ban it.

Those Social Networking Connections take away from the professional relationship between the teacher and student, while at the same time, entering into the realm of "TMI." (Too Much Information) Furthermore, that TMI could be the source of classroom disruptions, which will take away from the purpose of the respective parties being in the classroom. If a student sees their teacher Facebook friend posting inappropriate pics or questionable status updates, it will eventually come out, especially with the proliferation of technology that allows words and images to be passed at the snap of a finger. Those disclosures can lead to the educator's loss of reputation, termination or prosecution of the educator, as they are walking into an area and crossing a boundary that is easily avoidable. Furthermore, if a teacher sees something inappropriate on a student's Facebook page, be it underage drinking, drug use or other behavior practiced by the minor deemed illegal, NJAC 18A:40A-12 statesthey must report it and they open themselves up to criticisms and questions as to why they are Facebook friends with that student:

"Whenever it shall appear to any teaching staff member, school nurse or other educational personnel of any public school in this State that a public may be under the influence of substances (alcohol, controlled substances)...that staff member...shall report the matter as soon as possible to the school nurse (or) principal."

Failure to adhere to this could have deleterious effects on that teacher who is Facebook friends with that student, especially if the district has regulations in place regarding its use.

In other circumstances, I would answer YES. The circumstances consist of the following: the student must have graduated and be a minimum of two years away from the high school. If the educator is not employed at the original school and the student has graduated, the social networking connection is appropriate. The student could benefit from that relationship as the educator could possibly assist the student with networking, resume assistance and good social networking etiquette. Just because a teacher may do their job in the classroom doesn't necessarily make them a good teacher, they must go the extra mile and the open lines of communication after the classroom time is not only appropriate but necessary to that student's continual development. During the six years I have been an educator, I have continually kept in touch with students well after they graduated and not only have they benefited from any advice or networking assistance I've given them, I've benefited as it's increased my level of empathy over the years, as well as enhancing my reputation as an educator who is always willing to provide assistance to a student. It is refreshing to see other educators I know and have worked with participate in similar activities.

I will now provide some additional suggestions in Facebook usage for educators and students. It is a wonderful tool from which all can benefit, if used effectively and appropriately!

Educators
- Remember, your role is one of a leader and you are modeling the correct behavior for former students who may be your friends
- Do not complain about your job in your status update
- Do not post inappropriate pictures
- Do not have inappropriate contact with current (and former) students
- Do not post anything that can compromise your professional duties

Students
- You will be searched on Facebook by a prospective employer or educational institution. Therefore, do not post anything where your character, reputation or ability to follow the law may be questioned
- Do not leave your Facebook page open to the world
- Do not give your password out to ANYONE.
- Always avoid TMI situations
- Remember that words or phrases you may use on Facebook (or in SMS) are not acceptable in the educational or professional world and as a result, you must be cognizant of the use of "filtering"