In today’s “information age,” social networking tools can provide opportunities for you to catch up on important decisions made by your district and local Association. CTA, some CTA local associations, and some California school districts are using social networking to enhance public education, create dialogue and encourage more participation in district-wide issues.
Social networking tools can provide opportunities for:
• Easily sharing information and organizing around important issues.
• Posting videos from recent budget hearings and other notable events for those unable to attend in person
• Posting photos from school activities
• Posting questions and responses from parents and students
• Providing links to important pending legislation (Dept. of Ed budget, safeguarding students, etc.)
• Answering frequently asked questions about the recent flu outbreak and other breaking news
• Encouraging “friends” to begin discussion topics that generate further input and conversation in the community.
Facebook, in particular (become a CTA Facebook fan by entering "California Teachers Association" into the Facebook search box) is developing into an engaging and vast online network where people tend to use their real names and share details about their lives, ideas, and tastes.
As public employees, though, it’s important to take a little more care with social networking than many celebrities do (do any of us really need examples?). Consider that students, fellow employees, supervisors, parents, and community members may find their way to your online content. Show moderation!
Some steps to keep in mind:
• Accept an online friendship only from someone you know and trust in the real world. Exercise standard “stranger danger” caution. Also use caution when choosing to accept a “friend request” from a student.
• Take advantage of the network’s privacy settings and control who can see which portions of your site. People can run searches on your background, including work history, personal profile, photos, and so on. Edit what they may find.
• Monitor items posted to your site to ensure the content is appropriate. Often photos can be tagged with your name. Most tags can be removed if the photo may be embarrassing. The people in the photo with you know you all had fun - maybe leave it at that!
• Avoid using vulgar or obscene language, or posting negative information about your students or school administrators. Take a deep breath and count to ten before typing up your thoughts.