Education and the Web look for happy medium

Social networking Web sites are quickly becoming one of the main avenues of communication in today's society. But education may be the one profession that remains exceptionally wary of the social networking craze.

Sites such as Facebook and MySpace allow users to discover long lost friends, announce company meetings, plan elaborate events, instantly chat and upload hundreds of personal pictures for free.

These popular sites have been utilized around the globe by a variety of age groups. Pre-pubescent middle school students and entire universities, to large corporate businesses and the media can all easily be accessed through Facebook and MySpace.

"In education we are very careful of our personal lives," Robert Lundquist, principal at Oviedo High School, said. "We are center stage at all time in front of the public. We do not want to jeopardize the integrity of what we do."

Teachers who are active on Facebook and MySpace are often scrutinized by the media and public for having their personal lives sprawled across the Web for students to see. But some educators see the growing potential to use these new forms of communication as a way to connect with students in and outside of the classroom.

Ashley Sommer, a senior elementary education major, believes Facebook and Myspace may be a positive learning tool.

"I think if gone about the right way, Facebook could benefit student-teacher relationships," Sommer said. "It allows each party to see more into their personality and understand one another. It can also be a more efficient way to keep in touch."

Bethany Thompson-Gordon, a graduate student pursuing a certificate in science education, agrees.

"Students might see teachers to have 'with-it' qualities," Thompson-Gordon said. "It could probably have the added benefit of being used for educational purposes, like maybe explaining outside of school hours something to a student who has questions about class material."

Lundquist believes ultimately the world is headed in an online direction, although he believes text messaging, Facebook and MySpace aren't the most appropriate communications means at the moment.

"We are moving in an era of advanced technology which has developed way for teachers and students to communication on the computer," Lundquist said.

Currently, Oviedo High School uses two online programs for teachers and administrators to connect with students and parents, but in the near future networking sites may be used.

"Facebook and Myspace becoming the next thing utilized for student/teacher relationships is a possibility," Lundquist said.

The controversy surrounding the use of these popular Web sites is that they often jeopardize student-teacher relationships. Student-teacher relationships have delicate, definite boundaries. Boundaries these Web sites may test.

Brittany Yeates, a senior elementary education major, is interested in teaching fourth or fifth grade. She plans on keeping her Facebook after she graduates, but does not expect to use the site to interact with future students.

"There needs to be a difference between the teacher being the teacher, and not the friend," Yeates said. "[Web sites have] stuff kids don't need to be exposed to, or even know about. I don't see kids needing to know all that information about their teacher."

Facebook and MySpace allow users to post a variety of private information on their pages. Addresses, hobbies, groups, interests, friends and up-to-date status reports all are available at the click of a button.

Lindsey English, a senior elementary education major, hopes to eventually teach fourth grade. She does not plan on using Facebook to communicate with students.

"I do not think Facebook should benefit student-teacher relationships," English said. "There are other ways a teacher can communicate to his/her students, such as a class Web site."

Other students are also concerned of students forming friendships through the Web.

Matt Snow, a senior elementary education major, believes parents will be uncomfortable with students and teachers corresponding online.

"I don't think Facebook has a place with students and teachers remaining in contact," Snow said. "I have a hard time seeing parents okay to communicate with their teachers through Facebook."

Boundaries are important, Lundquist said.

"Obviously, there are ethics involved, and teachers need to make sure boundaries are in place," Lundquist said. "You need parameters. The current systems are set up to be user friendly, but not on a social level."

Many graduating seniors are concerned with the professionalism on their own pages and how their pages will be judged by employers.

English makes sure her Facebook is rid of any questionable material.

"I keep my Facebook professional," English said. "You have to be a role model all the time, not just during the school day."

Sommer is concerned with what employers will find. "I actually do worry about Facebook playing a role in the hiring process," Sommer said. "I have considered deleting my Facebook many times for that reason."

Lundquist says Facebook and MySpace currently do not play a role in his hiring process.

Still, students about to graduate should monitor what is posted about them on their pages.

Mrs. Gay Parker, President of Seminole County's Education Association, said teachers are currently not warned about posting personal content on popular social sites.

"All teachers are required to follow school board policies when accessing district-owned software and computers," Parker said.

If a teacher is found to have questionable material posted online, action is taken.

"The district has a security director to conduct investigations [on the Web]," Parker said. "The teachers are usually terminated immediately."

"I wouldn't put yourself in that position," Lundquist said.