At the beginning of this course we were required to create a Twitter account to be used for various assignments. Twitter also allows us for professional development and learning communities. However, this is not the sole purpose for social networking. Are teachers supposed to create separate accounts--one personal and one professional? Or should they avoid personal accounts altogether. What do you think the proper protocol is regarding teachers and social networking?
12 Comments
Angie Richardson
10/29/2012 03:46:09 am
I have only one twitter and one Facebook account. I am very cautious about what I post and who I am friends with. I think when you are a teacher you really have to watch how you present yourself both outwardly and online. I think it may be helpful to have both private and public accounts but it is important to know that just because you have chosen "private" doesnt mean a tech savvy student or administrator can't access.
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Brittanee Jacobs
10/29/2012 04:21:39 am
For my summer job, I work at a church camp. All of my campers want to be friends of mine on Facebook. I have them in a specific group that has specific settings regarding what they can see on my profile. Being a recent college grad I do have lots of pictures that aren't bad, but middle schoolers shouldn't be viewing them (i.e. photos of me at a Mizzou tailgate). As for my Twitter, Instagram, etc., these are my "personal-only" accounts. The only people I accept on these are my close friends. Like-wise, I won't allow any of my football players on any of those. My Facebook is the only account available for connecting with them.
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Michelle Unnerstall
10/29/2012 09:30:43 am
I have twitter for this class, but I only use it to look at the professional development. I have Facebook to be connected with friends and family. I can't add students with the the Missouri facebook law. I would rather not add them anyways. I believe in the law and think students should not be friends with their elememtary and high school teachers.
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Aaron Schroeder
10/30/2012 04:48:35 am
As said before, my facebook account is under an alias and it is my private account. I remain professional under this account. I am not sure I will ever create a facebook account with my real name. I did create a LinkedIn account with my real name but do not utilize it much...yet. I figure I will treat is solely as a pln. Twitter account was created for this class and I have not gotten into the practice of utilizing it on a regular basis but I figure it will be mostly something I witness and read more than contribute.
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Lauren Noble
10/30/2012 05:56:10 am
For my Facebook account I have just my first and middle name so it makes it harder for my players to search for me. I also have a lot of security on my profile that protects my photos or some stuff written on my wall from others. I don't accept any friend requests from my volleyball players on either Twitter or Facebook until they are no longer playing for me. I don't like to mix my personal life with my professional life.
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Chelsea Loethen
10/30/2012 08:59:12 am
I don't think it is necessary to have two accounts. I think that you shouldn't put anything on your accounts that you wouldn't want anyone and I mean anyone else to see. I think this goes for all professionals and not just teachers.
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Angel Massie
10/30/2012 11:20:28 am
This is an issue that our district recently addressed. If I use my Twitter account, it is soley for educational purposes. Twitter is for the world to see, so I use it cautiously if at all. Facebook, however, is a different matter. I use it for my photography business as well as personal use. We have strict restrictions NOT to "friend" any student under 18. That being said, when my niece lived with me, I made sure I had access to her account at all times and checked it periodically. As district employees, we are also restricted on texting students! Coaches are to contact one or two parents to get the word out for cancelled practices, time changes, etc. We have had major issues with students and young (as well as older) coaches.
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Kristi Harms
10/31/2012 02:41:10 am
I have always been very cautious with my Facebook account and have all settings on "private" but I also do not post anything that could be seen as inappropriate either. I lead a pretty boring life so that is not a problem!! Educators must be cautious not only with social media but also in their everyday lives because they are setting examples both in the classroom and outside. Children are very impressionable and therefore the role of mentors and setting examples needs to be a priority.
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Lauren Robb
11/1/2012 12:39:45 am
I don't think two accounts are necessarey. As a teacher or another professional they're are many ways to make your accounts more private. You can set your setting for certain people and only let them see certain things or pictures. Also if you're that worried about someone seeing a certain post or picture should you really be sharing it in the first place??
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Daniel Simmons
11/1/2012 10:00:53 am
I believe teachers can create two accounts, or block material they want viewed from a variety of sources. I do not believe it is necessary to tell a teacher they cannot have a facebook or twitter, just because students may see their profile. I do have two twitters, and block my facebook from anyone that I am not friends with. In the past I have changed my name on Facebook by flipping it backwards, for example instead of Daniel Simmons it was Leinad Snommis. I think it is important that teachers have a life outside of work, and social media sites are often the only way many communicate with old friends. Teachers are professionals, but they are also people. As long as they are not adding students, then they should be able to use any social media they would like.
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Mike Tzianos
11/4/2012 05:32:46 am
I feel that a teacher should only have one Facebook or Twitter account. You should always conduct yourself the way to wear it is acceptable no matter who is watching you. As a teacher, I would avoid being friends with students on Facebook altogether, until they graduate. I don't feel that teachers should shy away from social networking.
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Scot Davis
12/2/2012 09:01:19 am
This proposes a good question. Personally, I feel that anything I would do with twitter would probably be more professional and anything with facebook would be more personal. But that may be due to the fact that I have had a facebook account for around 6 years now, and I just now have a twitter account for this class. But going into teaching, I do find it important to watch what is on my facebook account and what I post as well because it is important. Once something is online, it is basically always there for anyone to see.
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Student BlogThis blog is for class conversations for ED 514 at Central Methodist University. These post are by the students of ED 514. We invite input form other teachers about how they use technology in their classrooms. Archives
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