This week we had Jesse Miller as a guest speaker. During his presentation, he spoke about privacy and safety in social media. Specifically, the expectations and policies concerning teachers and social media. He touched on the influences and uses of mobile technology, critical audiences, personal vs professional, and digital consent. Here are my main takeaways from the presentation:

 

Takeaways:

 

– You need to understand the school’s expectations and the policies of your employer.

 

– Educators have three potential critical audiences:

 

  • Public and Parents: Know how the school wants to use social media to connect with the public.

 

  • Staff: Know how your employer wishes staff to use social media to communicate and educate students.

 

  • Students: Understand how the school wishes to use social media to educate students about Internet trends and online concerns in conjunction with parents, community partners, and school.

 

– Be wary of crossing the line on social media.

 

– Be aware of public social activities that students, employers and parents may be able to find and see.

 

– Be aware of those you are friending on social media. There is a boundary you must set with yourself and your students.

 

– There is personal vs professional social media and there needs to be separation.

 

– It is not realistic to have an on/off switch regarding technology in our connected society.

 

– You need digital consent if posting or using photos online.

  • Did you ask permission?
  • Are you sharing someone’s information without informing that person?
  • Share with care.

 

– Be reflective of your current social media use.