In Hopes of Forgiveness?

In today's post I want to ponder a response to a blog from Vicki Davis on the responsibilities that rest on the shoulders of teachers who choose to use Social Networking sites, in this case, Facebook. Vicki Davis feels teachers need to monitor very closely the comments and responses of "Friends". She recommends that participants be "unFriended" when inappropriate comments or material is posted.

The response by Dean Shareski http://www.google.com/reader/view/?hl=en&tab=wy#stream/feed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fideasandthoughts.org%2Ffeed%2F  takes an interesting stand. He proposes not shutting down the site and punishing the guilty party but use this experience to teach students proper social networking etiquette and model "forgiveness".

I am torn by this argument because I can validity in both opinions. On the one hand, I agree that one must be very careful what is put on the web. I also believe one has to decide for themselves where each has their "comfort zone" for the comments and discussions that appear on one;s page.  I personally have cringed as some of the rather personal comments some of my colleagues have shared on our page. But I hope that as long as I don't add to the discussion with my own personal experience, no one would draw the conclusion that I condone what this individual has done.

I also DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, allow students into my friends group, until they are in college. I have heard teachers of elementary students tell us at a conference how it builds trust and community. Nope, not going to buy that one. Too, too risky, as far as I'm concerned.

That being said, I do see some merit in what Dean Shareski calls for in his response. Any one who deals with the Internet on a daily basis knows one is truly, "only two clicks away from nasty, vile material." He makes some valuable points to find a balance.

One of points that jumped out at me was tell parents the reality of the Internet. NO filter, is going to filter EVERYTHING. Teachers must be proactive and give parents as much information about the filter and guidelines that are followed. I send home a note at the beginning of the semester and when ever  a class is doing a project that entails more research. This is above and beyond the district's Internet Use Agreement that most parents blindly sign at the beginning of the school year. I don't take any chances. The political climate has not softened toward technology and the Internet in particular to let my guard down. And I think a valid point needs to be made, I am dealing with students under the age of 12.

However, Shareski goes on to say that we should use these nasty places on the Internet to teach the appropriate response: Don't freak out, call the police, punish the offender (make them an example for others). Talk about what to do, how to handle, who to talk to, and most of all, acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and offer an example of forgiveness. I truly believe that punishment will only stop the behave for the moment, but learning from your mistakes, will be the best experience for all. Something to think about...

Till next time,
Anne