I
consider myself a change agent, a proponent of educational reform, and a
liberal compared to most in terms of technology's role in education. To
note, I still believe Facebook has its place in connecting teachers and
students, but I am humbled by the concept of ethics and professionalism
when it comes to students and teachers "friending."
I
initially created my Facebook page as a 29-year-old varsity volleyball
coach to communicate more efficiently with my players, and it worked g-r-e-a-t.
As a high school English teacher, I began receiving friend requests
from students. I pondered, at that time the door I was opening, but
moved forward cautiously because I liked the idea of building
relationships with students to enhance my educational influence...
although, I will admit, I had wished Facebook would create another term
for "friending" because I didn't view the relationship between myself
and my students that way - and neither did they. It was a way for me to reach out, communicate, and offer a slice of my personal life.
I drew the line within my personal/professional Facebook page: When
I began adding my own personal friends and family, I sent each person a
message explaining that my presence was as an educator and role model,
and that all posts, pictures, and any other reflection of me would be as
that educator and employee of the school district. When accepting
requests from students, I reminded them of my responsibility as a
mandatory reporter and that anything that came across my newsfeed that
was questionable would be reported. Later, due to saturation of student
"discussions," I changed my settings so that I would not receive student
posts. At that time, I felt I was headed in the right digital-direction
professionally and ethically.
However,
what I just realized was that even though I kept my persona
professional and role model-like, I was still putting myself in a risky
position - it was my "ACCESS" that made me liable.
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