#4: Teachers Social Media Usage

In the modern world, many individuals use social media to communicate with
friends and to share details of life events. While social media offers individuals
unique opportunities to connect with diverse individuals and information, some
challenges with using such tools do exist. Specifically, some professionals (e.g.,
teachers) usage of social media has caused them problems. Take some time and
review these resources:

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/04/22/my-favorite-teachers-usesocial-mediaa.html
http://www.post-gazette.com/neighborhoods-south/2010/08/18/Brownsvillesettleswith-teacher-over-Facebook-photo-with-stripper/stories/201008180218
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU8m-4_CmtU
http://abc7chicago.com/archive/8044485/
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2008/jun/25/schools.uk2

Now, that you have had the opportunity to view some issues related teachers social
media usage, consider the following questions with your group members:
1. Do you think the teachers discussed in the articles all used social media in ways
that deserved punishment? Why or why not? Should teachers even be allowed to
have social media accounts? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.
2. Do you think social media can be useful in educational environments? Why or
why not? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks? Explain your viewpoint.
3. Now, consider your role as an educator. What responsibilities, if any, do educators
have to their students related to the issues you have researched? How should
educators address and overcome issues considered here in the classroom? Do
potential affordance of technology for educational purposes outweigh potential
drawbacks?