Codes of Conduct with Faculty
It may seem to go without saying, however it must be said; faculty need a Code of Conduct too! SOmetimes we need to remind our faculty that there are proper and unacceptable ways to interact with students online. For example it is not acceptable to discipline a student in a discussion forum in front of all other students. Once it's out there...it's out there! The thing about the INternet is that once something is on the Internet it never goes away, and being on an online environment you cannot take something back. I believe instructors and faculty should be required to go through an orientation of whet Netiquette and Code of Conduct are in an online platform and what as a College we expect and are willing to support, or not, once it's "out there".
Cally,
We have to have it right when we teach them and continue to emphasize good grammar and spelling. Professional communication. Thanks.
That is true, we are encouraged to use proper grammar and spell check our work constantly. It reflects badly on the school if our instructors can't get it right.
We make sure students are doing the same, as they end up being representatives of our school in the real world also.
Regina,
I don't friend students. I uses Facebook only as a discussion and sharing area for the class. This is just for the class (students) not the public.
Thanks for sharing.
Honestly, I don't think "friending" a student on a social networking site is a good idea. I think students and teachers should have comfortable yet professional relationships with one another and avoid exposing information that might be too personal or revealing.
Tim,
You are allowed to hate it. ;-) I rarely use it in my personal life, but have found it useful for discussion in a class, but not all classes no instructors are alike. So, do what works for you. No pressure! ;-)
Okay, I'm going to come out and say it. I hate facebook. I agree by instructing an online course, which is all about delivering content and knowledge over the internet, it would make sense to be all about social networks. My lack of involvement in social networks, stems from what we try to produce with effective communication in an online course. . . involvement and sense of a level playing field while delivering knowledge to many. Social Networks have virtually disintegrated into knowing what my best friend from 3rd grade had for lunch today because they posted a picture of their burrito on facebook at 12:20pm. I personally do not find it constructive to "friend" students to accomplish that. As a former post stated, it's tantamount to joining a professional organization or club with their students. I would rather join the professional club or organization and interact in that way. Although I understand that with geographic limitations, that may not be feasible.
Craig,
Some institutions have rules set and other do not. It's best to be cautious and do what works for you and your students. Thanks!
I know many faculty who won't "friend" students because they are fearful of the unknown with some of the students. At a university I worked for in the past, many of our online students were housed in the state penitentiary. There was no way for students to know where other students were located and sometimes the faculty didn't know the students were either their or in a county jail.
Some of these students were very skilled at "friending" people because of their relationship in a classroom, even online, and then seek out the other students later when they were released. Some of the times this happened the purpose of the friendship was to seek favors financially or for similar reasons. It only takes one or two times for this to happen for many to be too scared to do it.
My current position it is frowned on to friend students in social media sites.
Dale,
I personally don't friend students either. I know many people who do, but we all have to find what works for us.
Dale and Cheryl,
It's a code of conduct. We should all think about how we are role models for the students and others. Even if there is not a written code, there is an "invisible" code of conduct.
Cheryl,
I would agree with you. There should be standards that we as instructors should be expected to adhere to. I think most schools have something that they expect instructors to do.
Kim,
The school I work for supports it, but as a rule, I don't friend students. In fact I don't even do facebook. Just my thoughts...
Ruby,
It's good to have things to do. ;-) We are so very busy, but we need to try new things. Who knows - maybe it will be a tool to make us less busy. Take care.
Actually, I haven't yet. I know I should do that. I barely get on Facebook for personal reasons. I work two jobs and just don't have the time to play. I will put the Facebook thing on my list to do. Thanks for your encouragement Dr. Crews.
Ruby Whitehead
Ruby,
Do you set up a group Facebook just for your class or just use Facebook in general.
I have had students send me friend requests through Facebook. I tell them that I don't have time to get on Facebook and if they need me, they can contact me through my school email. At the end of class, I give the students my personal email (just specific for my students) and tell them I always enjoy staying in touch with my past students. That way if they want to email me when they graduate or get that dream job, they still have a way of contacting me to share in their joy.
Ruby Whitehead
Mike,
I taught high school a LONG time ago, but was told not to smile until Christmas and then someone told me - "Not Christmas - don't smile until spring break." ;-) That may be over the top, but I agree, students have enough friends. They need a professional instructor to help them reach their goals. I too don't let students friend me on Facebook or feel as though we have a friend relationship, but a professional one. Thanks!
I do not allow students to consider me as their "friend". I specifically inform them that I am there as their instructor/teacher and that if they have any questions or problems with the class, they should contact me. However, I never allow them to bring "personal" problems to me.
Joanna,
We need to understand and model netiquette for our students. You are so right.
