Guidelines for Educators Using Social Networking SitesBy Jen Hegnahttp://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2009/8/20/networking-guidelines-revised.html

How do you use your Facebook Profile?http://www.flickr.com/photos/andraspfaff/2185407436/

Professionally?

Personally?

Are you the life of the Party?http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlypayne/3376829709/in/photostream/

The district stronglydiscourages teachers from accepting invitations to friend students within these personal social networking sites.

Do you knowwho your“Friends” are?

FriendsFriends of Friends& Networks

Are strangers looking at me? Remember that people classified as “friends” have the ability to download and share your information with others.Is my administrator looking at me?http://www.flickr.com/photos/bmaas/33308494/

Flickr photo by splorpUnderstanding Facebook Privacy Settings

SECURING YOUR PROFILE

At a minimum your settings should be set to “Only Friends”

Photo Album Settings

SEARCH

Your Facebook ProfileCan be “Googled”

Changing to “Only Friends”gives you more options.

You can determine what is posted on your friends news feed (home button).

Applications

http://www.facebook.com/privacy

Choose these settings wisely!

Due to security risks, be cautious when installing the external applications that work with the social networking site. Examples of these sites are calendar programs, quizzes, and games.

Be sure to check all your application settings. You may be surprised at the privacy level they may be set at!

Protect your Profile!http://www.flickr.com/photos/69108241@N00/491113684/sizes/o/

Flickr photo by bartmaguirePlease stay informed and cautious in the use of all new networking technologies.

Dear Student,Thank you so much for asking me to be friends on Facebook, unfortunately I can not accept your request as I only use this site for my adult friends and family.....however I would enjoy continuing to be your friend at school and at school functions. Dear Mr/Mrs.______________,Thank you so much for asking me to be friends on Facebook, unfortunately I can not accept your request while I am still working (teaching) with your son/daughter. I have made this a personal policy since Facebook can get a bit "tricky" at times with photo tagging etc. I hope you understand and would still enjoy socializing with you at (you can type work, school functions etc.).Example friend request responses

If a you learn of information, on any social networking site, that falls under the mandatory reporting guidelines, you must report it as required by law.

Questions?