Forbidden Facebook?

Earlier this summer, we posted about the pros and cons of using Facebook in your classroom. Since then, the debate over social media's emerging roles in education has continued.

The Dayton Daily News (LEP's local newspaper) recently published an article about the city of Dayton Public School District's decision to ban its teachers from interacting with students via unapproved media, including Facebook and text messaging. This plan applies to the popular industry go-around of professional Facebook accounts, as well.

The move is a first in the area - neighboring districts have safety policies in place, but most of these restrict the conditions or frequency of use, rather than forbidding it outright. Early reaction seems to be positive.

My reaction? Let's call it mixed.While I applaud the district's firm stance (let's not waffle on the issue, I say - pick a side rationally and plant your feet firmly), I have to wonder if it's playing things safe on a convoluted issue. As our previous post discussed, there are many reasons to be concerned about teacher-student communication through social media. But locking the door and throwing away the key seems excessive. True, leaving that door open allows the potential passage of inappropriate communication. But closing it forever stems the gathering tide of opportunity that's knocking with ever-increasing insistence on Education's door.

I do not think it wise to ignore social media's potential positive impact upon students, teachers, and the communication that tethers them. The gap between educator and educated should be bridged whenever possible, the ultimate goal being a unified classroom that thrives together. It's a difficult commitment to make, and the process must be supervised and adjusted in order to craft a properly functioning tool. But, oh, the things that tool might fix!

The Dayton Public School District has decided to ignore that tool's presence. My question? What will they do when they realize how badly they need it?

To Use or Not to Use: The Facebook Debate

Facebook has become an integral component of our lives. Sure, there are those who avoid it like the plague; and there are probably a few scattered individuals who haven't even heard of it. But for most of us, the sensationally popular website is a part of our everyday existence. It has spread from a few colleges and universities to homes and businesses across the world. But should it spread into your classroom?

Last month, The Edublogger posted about the merits of using Facebook as a tool for education (check out the entire post here). They pointed out some of the benefits the networking site could provide teachers, parents, and students. They also addressed some of the problems Facebook presents to educators and offered solutions to several of them.

There's even an official guide for using Facebook in education: Facebook for Educators.

It's certainly no secret that students are using Facebook. It's likely that their parents are, too. And you, teachers, probably have your own accounts. At first glance, it seems like a no-brainer: we should figure out a way to use this tool for education. With the three major players in the process already hooked up to the apparatus, it should be a simple task to make the proper connections and start running together...right?

Of course, it's not that easy.

Facebook presents a number of unique and sensitive complications. It's capable to use the site to track literally everything you do. There are many pieces of information that would be unquestionably inappropriate in a classroom setting. As the Edublogger notes, many schools have instituted policies forbidding teacher-student interaction via Facebook for such reasons. After all, educator and educated lead separate lives outside the classroom, the specifics of which are none of the other's business.

For every complication, however, there seems to be an offsetting benefit. Yes, we lead separate lives, but the opportunity to easily initiate after-school communication is an appealing one. The obvious example: a student struggling with an assignment can go to a teacher or classroom Facebook page looking for help. Wait, you might say, the teacher can't always be available to answer questions. This is definitely true. However, other students (who the student has likely 'friended' already) might be available to assist. Perhaps even more tantalizing is the option for easier communication with a student's parents. No longer are we restricted to parent-teacher conferences and quick before- or after-school discussions. A Facebook message can address an issue within minutes.

It's easy to oversimplify this debate into clear-cut pros and cons. In reality, the issue is not that simple. It's an incredibly complex question that requires much thought and plenty of contingency plans. This might lead some educators to question whether or not it's all worth it. Why not ignore Facebook and concentrate on other options?

With such a versatile and potentially game changing resource already at our fingertips, can we really afford to ignore it?

What do you think? Have you considered using Facebook with your students? Do you already do so? Does the idea make you sick? Share your stories and opinions in the comments section below.