Comments on: facebook is not a seedy, back-alley teen club

By: Skyler

Skyler — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:52:39 +0000

I believe in having some of my old teachers from high school as friends on Facebook, because I have found questions concerning teaching as a career choice. I have been able to ask them many different questions, and all were answered easily through Facebook. I was skeptical at first, but I have gotten used to the idea of having teachers in my friend-list on Facebook.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:51:25 +0000

I think this is a very interesting piece concerning facebook. I definitely agree with much of what you had to say! This new generation is entering into one which is full of technology. Many young people rely on the internet. I think its good that teachers be aware of such things and know how to navigate around these things! It certainly helps the students feel more comfortable when their teachers can understand them more!

By: Shandi

Shandi — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:51:16 +0000

I think it is great that you are exploring what the students are interested in so you can form your own opinions rather than relying on some of the stereotypes which are often negative. I have a former teacher of mine on my facebook and myspace accounts and I enjoy catching up with her on occasion. I agree that maintaining a professional relationship is really important.

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:47:53 +0000

I enjoyed your opinion on facebook. I agree with the things you had to say! I am new to blogging, but am a facebook veteran. I began to rely on facebook quite a bit to keep in touch with family and friends. It’s where I find out about my friend’s birthday parties and what’s going on in their lives. It is a great tool and I think people need to be more understanding of it! Great blog!

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:44:25 +0000

Teachers and facebook really seem to clash. What’s so wrong with teachers creating a digital community and culture with their classes and students? Of course, it must remain student-teacher realtionship. However, I had a college professor create a facebook group for her intro to poetry class and it truly engaged the students, not only with the professor (who then seemed more accessible and human) but also with one another.

Just a thought.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:05:58 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Tina. I especially like what you say at the end of your post. As long as we keep the communication with students positive and professional, there should be no problems.

By: Tina

Tina — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:31:37 +0000

I also recently joined facebook after several invitations from adult friends. I have two college students and three teenagers of my own, and many friends outside of the US who I can contact through facebook. It was great to get welcomes from various adult friends, and my college-aged daughter posted a note on my high-school aged daughters wall that said, “What the mom…?” As I was signing up, I got a live message from a friend serving in the Peace Corp in Moldova with whom I was able to chat for a few minutes. I’ve dragged my feet about joining, but agree with your perspective that says we don’t know enough about it until we experience it. And I believe it will continue to be a positive experience as long as I communicate with the individuals who contact me in the same way I would if we were face-to-face. I can still be a teacher to my students on facebook just like I would if I ran into them in the mall. These experiences help them to see us as real, authentic people.

By: Dawn Hogue

Dawn Hogue — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:47:39 +0000

Hey Tammy,
Thanks for the comment and the perspective. I did not know about colleges checking out social network sites. Is this prior to acceptance?

By: Tammy Gillmore

Tammy Gillmore — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:39:28 +0000

Thanks for this post! I had a very similar discussion with my Secondary English Methods students during our last class…I would like to share this post with them.

We discussed that having these accounts are good things…they just have to be careful to remain “the teacher” when communicating.

I said the very same thing to them that maybe our presence would discourage some topics that are discussed there.

It is a part of our Web 2.0 responsibility to inform our students that colleges and businesses are now checking out such social networks during application processes. They do need know they are creating their online digital resume through such tools also.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

By: Kelsey

Kelsey — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:51:56 +0000

I really enjoyed this post!
I am a college student who is basically addicted to facebook. It lets me talk to my friends that live hours away during the summer and it also is very handy for me to use when I need to contact someone!
I’ve spoken with my teachers and prof’s that have facebook accounts and I think it is really nice that they have them. We can always ask questions for assignments or just say Hi!
From a student’s perspective, I love everything Facebook has to offer and I think it is a-okay for teachers to have them also!!

Thanks!