Blog #4: Should teachers be "friends" online to students?

Many people use MySpace and Facebook to socialize online and teachers are no different, but should teachers have current students and former students as "friends".  For those that do not use the two most popular social networks MySpace and Facebook  (This link shows who runs Facebook, check it out!)  According to Kathryn Linder in an article in Faculty Focus, teachers should ask themselves three questions if they are on these sites:

1) How much do you want your students to know about you?
2) How much do want to know about your students?
3) Some students may not use social networking sites?

The first question should be obvious and should be easy to protect since both sites have privacy settings that can be used, but if they are not, students might see pictures or read things from your friends.  In most states teachers have moral codes that they need to follow to keep teaching and in some states thus lines can become blurred because teachers have rights like the public.  In some state the unions have made suggestions to stop teachers from getting fired for inappropreate discussions and post on thier sites.

Moving on to question #2, this is can be a fine line too depending on which type of students you are allowing to view your page.  For current students you should think about things you might see that you don't want to see, like pictures of them drinking or smoking.  I once was shown a page from a coworker that had my some of my students from a couple of years ago drinking and at the time I knew they were underage.  You might start to view them differently. 

Lastly, you must remember some students do not have access to a social network site and if you "friend" one student and not others you might be setting yourself up to favor some students over others.   You might even make comments about the network and make those that don't have a page feel isolated.

The key to being a professional is to set boundaries and explain to the class on the first day what the site is all about and why and how you use it.  Of course, this may vary depending on what level of education you are teaching at.  Currently, at my college there is no policy in place on social network sites and instructors using them.  We do recieve updates on from our adminstration about acting properly and other things to be aware of when socializing with students. 

Teachers also much be aware of former students contacting them and how that will be precieved.  I do not use a FaceBook or MySpace because at this time I feel like I want to keep my privacy to myself and listening to my students talk about it all the time has sort of turned me off it for now.  I do see the positive things that come from them, such as staying in contact with old friends, but I do a pretty good job of this through email.  Plus, if I show and tell them everything online they will never have to visit me in person.  Just kidding.  Let me know what you think by taking my poll or posting a comment.