I recently read an article entitled " Schools Would be Required to Set Social
Media Guidelines.” There is a bill currently being considered in the New Jersey
Legislature that would require every public school district in the state of New
Jersey to create guidelines stipulating how employees are to interact with
students when communicating online and through social media. This bill, if it
becomes law, l would prevent inappropriate communication between school
employees and students. The communication being discussed includes texting,
emails, social networking and all other Internet-based social media. If
this bill is passed through the New Jersey Legislature, school districts throughout the state of New
Jersey would have a four month grace
period in which to create the district’s
guidelines. Each district would also
be required to enforce the guidelines that have been created.
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I always knew that my personal life would probably be
monitored closely if I chose to become a teacher. As a teacher I realize that I will
have to set a good example in the classroom as well as in my community. However, while reading this article I
had several questions that concerned me as to on how in-depth my personal life
would be monitored if, indeed, this bill were to become law. I was
wondering how would the state enforce this policy? Would Facebook entries and emails be audited?
As future teachers, do you feel that this is going to affect your effectiveness
within the classroom? Since education is incorporating technology in classrooms
more and more, would you still feel comfortable using social media on a
personal and professional level?
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As a future teacher, I do agree that there should be some form of an outline for each school district when it comes to teachers and social media. I do know that some school districts already ask perspective teachers if they are on any social media sights and for there information so they can look at it. I think that this is a good way for schools to protect themselves, as well as their teachers. Even if accounts are private, students are getting very good with technology and might be able to view teacher profiles/accounts. However, I also wonder myself how this would affect using social media in education/the classroom. Using social media is a great way for students to interact outside the classroom, as well as a different creative way for teachers to teach. So, if this bill is passed, I wonder if teachers would even try to incorporate social media/technology in their classroom in fear of getting on trouble?
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