There are many reasons for and against a teacher using facebook or myspace page to connect with students.
One positive thing that can come from having a social networking page as a teacher is that it allows teachers to have an easier way to contact their students. I know that as a student I am on facebook much more than I am on Vista. It’s hard to bring myself to log in to vista when half of the time its either down or just plain confusing. I cant chat with someone that can help me at the click of a button like I can on facebook nor is there really an updated list of people that are online. As a teacher with a facebook page. I can easily post links, share notes, and stay in touch with my class easier. This can lead to problems though.
Using some social networking sites may not allow me to control the content that is posted to my wall or certain pictures I may never want my students to see. Having a social network page would require a lot of upkeep and serious damage control. Also I may find out information about my students that I may not want to know. I wouldnt want to find pictures of one my students drinking underage and then having a bias or possibly having to take disciplinary action causing none of my students to want to utilize this tool.
I believe that social networking sites can be a huge advantage for teachers and students if used properly and in the right setting. In some cases I believe using facebook, for example, is very appropriate. For college students facebook makes it easy for students to write to their teacher and classmates. I believe that the less mature the students are, the more problems you will encounter.
Student gets 5-day suspension for facebook slam at teacher
