I think it is interesting that I have always thought of myself as a non-adult. Now there is a difference in being a non-adult and being a child. You reach full non-adulthood after you turn 18 somewhat but moreso after the age of 25. When do you actually become an adult? I’m not sure, but I know that after a certain point it happens and you kinda don’t even know it did until after you have already become one...scary….So, yesterday, I attended a district training that was given by someone who I have a lot of respect for. He (being of African American descent) was talking about the use of the “N” word amongst our students. Now, he made a point that really hit home with me and it was this. He said that he used that word all through college and it wasn’t until he started to think about his impact on the world while he was working on his Ph.D. that he decided to stop using it. My point is not to debate the use of the word but, it is to point out that once you reach a level you are expected to act a certain way. As, professionals we are expected to act just as this. We see it all the time, think about any basketball star who has gotten into trouble with the law. There are all sorts of issues that go on. I remember I learned how a professional is suppose to act years ago from one of my ex’s. She was always so picky about what was put on ye olde Facebook. I thought it annoying but I understood why. It is interesting how this whole subject has sorta taken center stage now with our president being a professional twitterer, and with all the issues he had with his private conversations brought to light. Or we could look on the other side with the “emails” being deleted. So it is very interesting how we communicate online. What would I do if I were to come across an inappropriate post made by one of my students outside of the school? I would have to say something about the post. I would not be overtly, well, I guess it depends on what it says really. If it was something that was demeaning to others I would probably have a heart to heart with the student and see if we could have a meeting of the minds about posting kinder things. If the post is something that could damage their reputation I may choose to take the opportunity to address the issue with everyone and make it a teaching moment for the entire class. I would find one of the articles that talks about how employers/college admin look at social media to determine employment/acceptance. I think that they need to watch what they post or make it tougher to see their profiles/tweets. Now, if this is a repeat offender then I probably tell them the first couple times but after that I am done. If you are determined to destroy your image hey who am I to stop it. Also, it depends on what it really is. If it is one of my younger students I would also, contact parents.
5 Comments
Kelley S. Miller
3/11/2017 02:59:27 pm
Some thoughtful musings here, Adam!
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Jennifer Wade
3/12/2017 09:47:11 am
I like your non-adult title. As teachers I think it is important to maintain them so that we are still relating to the little people that we are with all day. God, if I was more mature, I'm not sure I could do my job at all. That said, I am also not the type that could be an administrator. I just do not have the maturity chops. Nor do I want them. "Stay gold Pony Boy."
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Jennifer Wade
3/12/2017 09:49:34 am
THROW. UGH I wish I knew how to edit what I write in these painfully small spaces!
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Diane
3/12/2017 11:40:18 am
I like how you explained the way you would deal with an inappropriate post depending on the student and age. This is so important. I have only taught younger grades so I right away involve the parent and administrator. I also would discuss it with the student and teach or reteach digital citizenship.
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Zack
3/13/2017 10:33:24 pm
Adam, I think your course of action is solid, I would just suggest using a surrogate example instead of bringing us the students irresponsible posts. The post may not be known to all, so you could be making things worst, by giving them an audience. I think there are plenty of examples around digital citizenship and online reputation you could show. In a past session of 702 the icare document had links to videos with students sharing about the benefits of maintaining a good online persona. The realities, and consequences of online immaturity are relevant to students, I'm sure that reinforcing it in a constructive way could make a big impact.
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Adam Vedomske father of Danger Archives
May 2017
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