Had an interesting situation today regarding online communities. A parent in the school sent me a friend request on Face Book. I hadn't previously discussed Face Book with him at all. When I saw it Sunday evening I declined it. He came in the library today and told me he sent the request. Awkward. I had to tell him in person I declined because I think it best to draw a line and keep personal and work issues separate. He said he respected my decision but it was still awkward. I didn't feel comfortable - not because I'm worried there is anything wrong with what's on my Face Book, but because I think bringing personal Face Book pages into parent / teacher communications crosses professional lines. Too many risks, like if they let their kids read their Face Book, or if the kids have a Face Book, you definitely don't want to friend students.
On the same topic, I know someone supervised student teachers at a local college and a parent searched and found the student teacher's page on My Space. The page was very inappropriate. The parent told the principal, the principal called the supervisor, and the college and school decided the student teacher had to leave and the college would not recommend her for certification. Online communites bring with them new issues our society is learning to handle.
I also keep my Facebook account as a personal account. I have declined a former student's request to Friend.
ReplyDeleteThe fun is at the high school level I get current students trying to "friend" me on Facebook. I've explained to them that I try to keep my personal account separate from some parts of my life - I also haven't friended teachers here at school or my downstairs neighbor.
ReplyDeleteI'm considering a Charlotte Library facebook page - hesitating, but thinking about it.