Friday 17 October 2014

Teachers, Privacy and Opinion

In our modern time of social media, teachers are being equally encouraged and discouraged to share and engage with their peers and other interest groups.

Many schools have policies that restrict members of staff from sharing photographs of their classrooms (understandably when there are children included), what they are able to discuss outside of the school environment (e.g. schedules, policies, procedures, etc) and even whether or not they are allowed to mention/display what school they are employed by.

Not all schools are restrictive, but many of my peers and colleagues are restricted in their online life by their employers. I have one friend who blogs, but is not allowed to show any photos of her school or name her school. I have another who blogs who cant do either of those things and has been asked to refrain from using her full name so that no one makes the connection between her and the school. Now these are smart and respectful women who handle themselves in a very professional manner, and are being censored.

This doesn't just happen in education. Many corporate employees are not allowed to state who their employer is on social media either. This is all about protecting corporate image, which is possibly the same mentality of private and independent school boards.

The difference is that it makes it harder for teachers to network and engage in meaningful conversation. I was recently reading a post (and when I find it again I will link it - I've searched my twitter feed to no avail) about how teachers are more engaged in more meaningful discussion and reflection through online discussion rather than traditional PD.

Is it a case of we all pay for those who hastily push the post button? Or is it that we are living in an increasingly litigious and judgmental world? Is part of the problem that not everyone understands that opinions are part of healthy discussion?

Personally I feel part of the problem is we are becoming more individual-centric and focused on our rights and neglect our responsibilities.

What are your thoughts?