All of this talk about technology has gotten me thinking about my exposure to technology when I was younger. I never had issues with finding technology or using it. Nowadays its all about Facebook and Twitter for young kids. I have done an internship at a high school in Nebraska and after my first day I had my students friending me on facebook and trying to follow me on Twitter. I don't think that these young high school kids need to have access to my facebook account. I have also see a lot of the students here on CMU posting on facebook and twitter using extremely profane language and talking about how drunk they are. Every time I see this, it reminds me of the digital foot print that we talked about. How do we get students to understand that our social networking outlets can get them into trouble in the future. How do you keep your student's Twitter and Facebook accounts professional?
41 Comments
Heather Kirkendoll
4/16/2012 02:29:29 pm
I am afraid we may have the development of the human brain working against this dilemma. The human brain has not fully developed what is write and wrong until they are in their twenties. Also, the mindset of teens do not think the bad stuff is ever going to happen to them. We just have to keep empasizing professional choices any chance we can get. One thing that may help, and this is just an idea, not tested at all... Have them make a career plan. Once they have thought of a few occupations they would like to do, have them look up a professional in their field's webpage and make comparisons of their site compared to the pros. A few leading questions may open a few eyes.
Reply
Christopher Sandefur
4/17/2012 12:07:49 am
Most teens do believe that nothing will happen to them. I believe examples is a great way of teaching the correct way to use technology.
Reply
Stephanie Armiger
4/22/2012 08:28:48 am
I agree that it is good to show teens through the examples of others, because unfortunately teens feel invincible at their age and may post way too much online, which they can't take back, especially photos. They send out updates, photos, etc. but they don't really realize that even though they may delete these items off of their wall, their 1,000 + friends, and their friends, etc. may already have these downloaded on their phone or computer, so these items will never truly be deleted.
casey costa
4/17/2012 02:42:46 am
I agree with your point that our sense of right and wrong hasn't developed at that age yet, which is unfortunate in terms of the digital footprint since they'll put things on there without thinking. Another idea of trying to show them the consequences could be to look them up and see what can be found already to show how easily accessible everything is
Reply
Ryan Mansfield
4/18/2012 12:33:09 am
After thinking back to when I was in school, there was not much that you could tell me and I was pretty much superman when it came to stupid shit. Looking back, some of the things that I did were not very smart but its one of those things you don't understand until after you do it. Trying to tell kids nowdays is not going to work until they have a chance to learn for themselves.
Stacy Crommie
4/17/2012 05:18:10 am
I like your idea of picking a career and then following someone in the same career. It is a good example of how they have to keep clean to be successful.
Reply
Thomas Buehler
4/20/2012 12:10:50 am
Heather, I like what you are saying here about human development. I read a study once that talked about how young kids aren't aware of all "dangers" until at least the age of 18. I never really thought about this issue in terms of development. Thanks for bringing up this point.
Reply
Nick Camp
4/16/2012 10:25:34 pm
Tom, I think the only way you can get younger students serious about their digital footprint is let it hit close to home. What I mean is they wont take it serious until it directly affects them or someone they are close to. I have taken all the routes that I'm aware of to keep my digital footprint clean, I'm aware of how important it really is . A dirty digital footprint can cause someone to lose/not get that job they have always really wanted.
Reply
Jeremy Esry
4/18/2012 02:27:12 am
I agree, it almost has to happen to a close friend or themselves for them to realize all the dangers. Hopefully with more and more students getting caught up in having a dirty digital footprint the awarness of its importance will grow!
Reply
Audrey Crabtree
4/18/2012 04:13:49 am
I agree and think that the only way to make them understand is have it affect them. This could never happen to them, so they may never understand because thats just how life works sometimes. The generation is so different now that they don't see how what they're doing now can make a difference down the road.
Reply
Thomas Buehler
4/20/2012 12:12:11 am
Good point Nick. I think if we could find some examples of real life situations it would help these kids to understand the implications of their actions. The only issue is that they haven't understood what it is to have a career and aren't concerned with it at this point in their life.
Reply
Audrey Crabtree
4/16/2012 11:06:40 pm
I think it starts with when we first allow them to use these sites. They need to be taught what is ok to do on the internet and what is not. Then they need to be showed why. I think a lot of times we stress don't do this and don't do that, but we don't show them how it can affect them. It comes off as a lecture for doing something bad, instead of a life lesson. I think we need to incorporate this lesson in technology classes. Give them examples of how others, besides friends, can see what they are putting on it. Their has to be more of an effort than just saying don't because I said so. I think it also comes down to the studnet being that teenager who thinks it won't happen to me kind of deal. We just need to make it known to them that bad can come from what they say and hope that they take in what we tell them.
Reply
Nick Camp
4/17/2012 11:53:29 pm
Audrey, I agree if do not show them how it can affect them it fly right over their head. If you can make students aware that their digital footprint is real and actually means something you may be able to get across to them better. In reality, we have no control of what our students do, we can just try to send them in the right direction.
Reply
Christopher Sandefur
4/16/2012 11:12:38 pm
I believe by educating on how their digital foot print can't be erased can be effective. Speak to them how employers look at social media sites as a way of deciding to hire someone or not. It seems like social media is being used as a first impression on an individuals character. I believe it is important for professionals to have the correct security settings on their social media sites. Also, it is important to realize that even with everything blocked someone can still access your account.
Reply
George Pincock
4/17/2012 02:45:02 am
Example is the only way to teach. I just remember reading an article about a one of the best high school football recuits this year. He had all his scholarship offers taken away because the universities found out what he was posting to his twitter account. It was a shame. You can show and you can tell, but ultimately some students just have to experience for themselves the damage that can be done by shady digital footprint.
Reply
Kelli Miller
4/17/2012 11:51:26 am
I think student-athletes, especially ones that are pro-bound, have the most to lose if they don't think before they post to social media outlets.
Reply
Elyce Lamphere
4/19/2012 03:04:51 am
kelli-
Popi Stevens
4/18/2012 12:52:19 am
Examples are a great method to use. They need to learn from those who the mistake has coasted and not make the same mistakes. And that is really crazy to think that a twitter post can cost you a scholarship (and basically ruin your future) cuz of a silly mistake.
Reply
casey costa
4/17/2012 02:45:24 am
I do feel like it's strange to be friends with people such as your students and think there needs to be a line drawn to keep a professional relationship just that. I think educating them on how things can be found and the consequences is a good idea, however I think some will have to go through getting punished for it before learning unfortunately as some do learn that way.
Reply
Robert Thomas
4/17/2012 02:52:42 am
Something about Twitter and Facebook is once you post something or tweet it, it stays on the internet you cant erase it. There are several that have gotten in trouble with these two types of media outlets. It is very hard to keep things private. Somethings are talked about that have no business being on the internet but there is always that someone that wants to stir the pot. If they are your true friends you shouldnt have to update your status so the rest of the world can know.
Reply
Robert Thomas
4/17/2012 03:00:14 am
There is not alot of positives that come from the use of facebook and Twitter when it comes to your job. One wrong tweet that can be taken out of context or a picture on facebook that you might be passing through in the background but you can be caught in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Not of employers give second chances. The more you like your job you better be careful where you are at. Im not saying that you cant live your live and do what you want but there are eyes everywhere it seemes these days.
Reply
Ryan Mansfield
4/18/2012 12:29:40 am
Good point. It may not even be a part of the hiring process but possibly after you are already hired. If you happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and someone decides to post your picture all over the web, many employers especially in today's economy are not real willing to give second chances to employees if it casts a dark shadow over their business.
Reply
Stacy Crommie
4/17/2012 05:17:09 am
Keeping a clean digital footprint is difficult. As far as my children, I have always taught them to not "air their dirty laundry." Their personal business is their own. If soemthing was said about their personal life, the person guilty of saying it heard it from them or is lying. If one doesnt want anyone to know, dont tell. They dont have to announce it to everyone that they are drinking, smoking, or meetign a person in secret. It is stupid and below them. I try to point out to my students how important their reputation is to their future. It is ok to have fun, but the whole world does not need to know what they did this weekend.
Reply
Audrey Crabtree
4/18/2012 04:17:25 am
Agreed and as I get older I can look back and see how silly some of the things I did or said were probably left better unsaid. Its hard to explain to kids that you know from experience that somethings just shouldn't be said.
Reply
Heather Kirkendoll
4/18/2012 12:20:05 pm
I agree. I know that I am glad there was no facebook when I was in school. I am sure I would have gotten in a lot of trouble with either the fun we had or the "drama" we had. I am glad I had time to "cool off" and think before I let my fingers start typing.
Reply
Kelli Miller
4/17/2012 11:43:52 am
We all know how digital footprints can affect someone's future. Future employers are now starting to take notice at who they might be hiring. Students as well are seeing the effects of what they post on social media outlets.
Reply
Melea Shimkus
4/18/2012 04:03:36 am
I think having guest speakers going to high schools and colleges to speak about their experiences is a great idea. Maybe then students would learn by others' experiences rather than suffering the consequences themselves. I also like the idea of potential employers speaking at colleges; this might hit home with the students and make them change what they post online.
Reply
Cara Barth-Fagan
4/17/2012 11:45:57 pm
Show them articles in today's papers that are direct results of posting on Facebook, like the marine Gary Stein who posted on FB that he wasn't going to follow Obama's orders-
Reply
Thomas Buehler
4/20/2012 12:16:29 am
These are all very good examples of preventing a negative digital footprint. Thank you for posting
Reply
Matthew Clanahan
4/22/2012 08:14:39 am
@Cara: Excellent example of the type of thing we should be teaching students to avoid doing. And you're exactly right — we must lead by example. No amount of talking is going to work if we can't illustrate the actual, real-world danger of such actions.
Reply
Cara Barth-Fagan
4/22/2012 10:52:58 am
Thanks, I have used this information in my classroom (1st week of class) and it's been very very useful. I lead by example
Ryan Mansfield
4/18/2012 12:27:10 am
Unfortunately I am not quite sure this is something that we can convince the kids to change. It used to be a Monday morning thing where if you did something stupid on the weekend, some people would be talking about it and it would be word of mouth or rumor. Now, the entire world knows every aspect of your social life and weekend. Not quite sure how we do this with these kids finding out the hard way and they don't get hired.
Reply
Popi Stevens
4/18/2012 12:42:12 am
It sounds bad but i believe that the only way kids will learn is the hard way. They think they can put whatever they want on facebook and twitter and should not be accountable for it. They need to be shown examples where teachers have been fired due to the content of there social media outlet. Or People who have lost out on jobs due to that. I think that will be the only way the kids will have an eye opener type experience.
Reply
George Pincock
4/18/2012 04:07:24 am
Social Media is a blessing and a curse. It connects us to people, but it allows us to be judged by just about everybody. I think students need to here stories about how social media has affected people their age to motivate them to use it properly.
Reply
Nick Camp
4/18/2012 11:51:25 pm
I think you may be on to something when you say kids will only learn the hard way. It is hard to understand at a young age how important your digital footprint actually is. If adults screw up with what they put on the internet think about how easily a young person can do the same thing. Younger individuals think on impulse and do whats on there mind right then and there.
Reply
Jeremy Esry
4/18/2012 02:24:17 am
This is a great point Tom, I follow some of our guys on Twitter and Facebook and am almost scared to read their tweets or statuses on some nights but when I say I am not going to, temptation gets the best of me and I do. I think there needs to be more done in terms of talking with our students on what’s right and wrong to post on these websites and the consequences of what can happen if they post something provocative or inappropriate. Many jobs have been lost because of social websites and it does not look like it is something that is a fad because more and more companies are going to those websites to do their research.
Reply
Melea Shimkus
4/18/2012 03:57:42 am
There is no way to monitor what students put on Facebook and Twitter because it is considered to be an outside of school activity. But sometimes what the students post on either site can spill over into school, which ususally gets them into trouble. The best way to show students how important it is to keep Facebook and Twitter accounts professional is to lead by example. If the students see others who watch what they do online, they are more likely to do the same. Unfortunately, this will not have a positive influence on everyone. Some people will have to learn the hard way, most likely by getting in major trouble for whatever they did or their close friends did and posted online.
Reply
Matthew Clanahan
4/22/2012 08:21:27 am
Melea is exactly right here. We can talk all day about the awful things some of our students, children, and peers post online, but we must remember that we weren't angels ourselves when we were their age — nobody was. We just didn't have the added social networking element to everyone to know about our screw-ups. We must lead by example. Did you always listen to authority when you were their age? No. We all make mistakes and learn the hard way. The best we can do is teach them and try to show them examples of the consequences of making the more private parts of our lives public.
Reply
Elyce Lamphere
4/19/2012 03:18:13 am
In today's world a person's digital footprint is so important. With that being said, I feel like today's young adults and teenagers don't understand the real impact their drunken facebook posting and pictures really can do for their current career or future prospects. It is important to be aware. I don't think especially high school students know how to handle their facebook or twitter. The only thing I can think of to help get across this message is to keep reinforcing the message "it is not ok to post inappropriate picture ect."over and over, and unfortunately have something happen to them personally, to really experience the seriousness of what social media can do to impact theer life. It can be fun, but it can also be detrimental if a person who does not know how to handle it.
Reply
Stephanie Armiger
4/22/2012 08:17:00 am
I am concerned about young people and their digital footprints. As teens go through normal stages of development, they don’t always make the right choices or say the right things. Unfortunately many of these things are now becoming their “digital footprints”, and even though they may change because they are still growing and maturing, their digital footprints are still out there following them wherever they may go. My great-aunt, who is in her late 70’s, mentioned that kids in her day had diaries that they record their day to day events, all of the ups and downs in their life. Now, teens record their personal diary for everyone to see. Many of these young people do not put up any privacy settings, their profile and pictures are public because they want to share it with everyone. It’s scary!
Reply
Cara Barth-Fagan
4/22/2012 10:49:43 am
I too fear that students are being too friendly with their teachers (in high school or lower grades). I have several students in my college classes that I'm friends with on FB, but I don't ever post anything I wouldn't want my mom or pastor to see (they are both my FB friends). I only update people on my family or silly things my kids do.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
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
March 2015
Categories |