I recently finished a paper on the digital footprint. For those who don’t know, the digital footprint is essentially what an internet user leaves behind as a result of interacting online. There are horror stories of people being fired from jobs, or not getting into colleges, etc. because they have posted controversial things on social networks. Facebook seems to be at the forefront of the discussion, and I resisted talking about it prior to completing my research paper.
I was one of the first Facebook users. During my time at Ohio State University, I opened an account in late 2004, when only college students at large universities could have accounts. I’ve made mistakes along the way. I made profane “wall comments” at some point, and I’ve probably had a few pictures that I shouldn’t be proud of.
Ultimately though, I’ve conducted my Facebook existence with common sense. Putting up pictures of yourself doing keg stands is a stupid idea, because it’s obviously a stupid idea. In my most recent photo album, I have pictures of myself consuming alcohol. I am sitting at a bar in Venezuela with my brother and two siblings from Caracas that we met on the beach. There is a caption under the picture explaining this. Any HR person worth his or her paycheck can tell that this is a documentation of a legitimate cultural experience. If that picture alone prevents me from getting a job, then it wasn’t a job worth having. This picture is visible to some people, but not to all. I am intimately familiar with my privacy settings.
Even if I did not like Facebook (or social networks in general), it is my obligation to understand it. I have entered a career with the intention of educating students, and it would be irresponsible of me not to familiarize myself with such a significant aspect of their lives. I’ve learned that common sense is not that common. Students need their teachers to guide them and keep them safe, even if it is from themselves.
Facebook is what you make it. If you want, you can use it to connect with people in other countries, debate gay rights and the death penalty, raise awareness about the genocide in Darfur, petition to allow female ski jumping as an Olympic sport, etc. Or you can write 25 things about yourself and wage a war of pirates vs. ninjas. When it comes to my students, I won’t pass judgment… as long as they’re being smart and safe. Because, honestly, pirates vs. ninjas really is an epic struggle.
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April 7, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Stephen Ransom
That’s a good perspective, Spencer. Common sense usually comes from education coupled with experience and feedback. Too many are getting experience without the education or the feedback, as those who would provide the latter two don’t have the experience/knowledge to give it. As teachers, we must understand cultural and societal evolution and prepare our students well for not only what faces them beyond school, but also to have the understanding that what they create and contribute to while in school can be and is significant.
April 15, 2009 at 11:09 am
Sheryl
I have seen it effectively used in the high school setting. It is a great tool to use for guided note taking, because most students do not have the skill of taking notes. So it makes it so much easier. It helps make the class flow because you can imbed video and with just a click you can show the video instead of messing with a tv and vcr. I haven’t seen much of the interactive used, but think it would be a great tool for review.