Thing #18--Facebook

The pitfalls of having a facebook is that it can be public and if you're not smart your students will use the things that you post against you, as well as your peers. You must always be professional, or attempt to be, keep your facebook private and watch what you say/post at all times! Even if you're not friends with someone, people can see your page so long as they know a person that is commenting on something on your timeline. Happens to me all the time; my mom always sees the things I post to my friends, because on facebook you can "subscribe" to people and see their every move! The only good use facebook could have in a classroom is by using a "group" to keep your class updated on assignments, group projects, homework, presentations, school functions/meetings, etc. With groups now you know who has read your post and who hasn't. You as a teacher can also monitor the students in this "secure" space and even invite parents/guardians to the group so that they can participate with the class and give their input. Creating a group for the PTA would be very helpful I think, especially with the way facebook seems to have taken over so many social aspects of our culture now.