The question was asked today: "Should teachers be online with their students?" I have somewhat to say on that subject. The answer: "It depends on the teacher and somewhat on the students." Teachers have been getting some undesireable press, of late, concerning sexual misconduct with their students. The number of these incidents is alarming, but understandable. If a teacher, counselor, physician, or lawyer is to have influence (be believable and motivational) there has to be present a personal and positive bond and relationship. In this age of "E-" everything, it is almost impossible to exist in this society without embracing and partaking of the technology.
Being online with students can be a very positive part of that relationship and very helpful to the educational environment, or it can be the disaster we too often see in the headlines today. Teachers often find their students online in chatrooms or social networking sites. In that casual environment they can lose the official status and demeanor and become a friend. That in some cases leads to an emotional and even romantic bond which can turn sexual all too easily. Teachers have hormones just like teenagers and can be attracted to a pretty face, a great body, or a winning personality. Students are likewise likely to be attracted to teachers in the same way. For me it is completely understandable.
However, I have someone on Twitter I consider a great friend. His name is Jeff Swift He teaches at BYU and uses Twitter, and I believe Facebook, to enhance his classes and further his relationships. He is a great teacher....the best I have ever encountered. He is a person and teacher to be honored, admired and emulated not immolated as some teachers I have known should be. He is not alone in using internet resources in the classroom. I believe he returned from a conference not long ago on that subject. He is joined by a host of modern and enlighted instructors. He uses Twitter to make assignments, to discuss lessons and to comment on things his students say. He also asks for help from others using Twitter to evaluate resources or look for ones he needs. I can't see him ever getting into trouble as others in his profession have done. The differece?
First he is strong and focused on his task as a teacher. He knows who he is and is not distracted that way by his students. Second, he is married to a wonderful and supportive wife and family. He doesn't have to look elsewhere for excitement or appreciation. Third, he is devoted to his faith and has a firm relationship with his God and the principles set down that form his religious beliefs. In my conversations with him and my reading of his posts, he leaves no doubt that all of this is true.
He is not a monk, nor recluse from society. He is involved in politics and educational topics. Sometimes I fear he is too open in some of his involvments but those are his own and do not involve students.
A teacher is like a second parent and must maintain that relaltionship of authority and a stable role model. He must not drop the role and labels he has when dealing with students. If he does he loses some of the respect and honor he needs to stand at the head of the class and direct and shape the minds and lives of his students. Jeff is such a man. He not only teaches, I believe he also makes his students better for having known him. I count him among my most honored friends. Jeff can and does use the internet effectively. Teachers like him can and should be online with their students. Teachers of less vision and strength of character should avoid the internet for contact. I've said my piece and I stand by it.
I know Jeff will critque my blog here and he is welcome to do that. He will undoubtedly say as a persuasive essay I was short on examples and too much on testimonials. I saw each error I made and decided to just role with it and see what grade I would get. LOL I wish I had had the opportunity of his classes when I attended BYU, but I don't know if Jeff was even born when I was there in my freshman year of 1979. All his students are blessed to have him and know him. I am sure they know that.
Any comments anyone has are welcome and hoped for
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You bring up some great points here--there are a lot of dangers of taking classwork online. There are a lot of positive aspects, as well. I think part of the fun of it is that we're all learning as we go--so much of this technology is so new and innovative, there isn't established paths or rules to follow. I hope to be able to reach my students online in a way I wouldn't be able to otherwise, and I hope to empower my students to reach their peers in similarly unique ways. At the same time, I try not to share too much. There's a balance there, and I hope my students feel comfortable enough to participate in the course by helping me find the appropriate balance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comments!
I do use a school-maintained blog to communicate with students from time to time, and I have students who follow me on Twitter, etc. However, I draw a very clear line between my opinions inside the classroom and my life outside school time. Online I discuss religion and politics, both of which can get me in some trouble if I delve into them in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteFor me, a big key is simply to make sure my conduct online, as in person, is something I would not be ashamed to have my students (or their parents) see. I strive to have an online identity that reflects who I am in real life - not a string of pseudonyms to hide who I really am. As a result, I don't post anything that I wouldn't want to be responsible for in "real" life.