Facebook Opened for Teachers at last
Friday, April 29th, 2011
New South Wales – public school teachers have been granted permission to access their facebook, Myspace, and Twitter account despite the blocking last of social media access in the previous months.
The first day of school meant an access to the primeiere social media sites for teachers-part ofthe surprising teacher appreciation ideas. How did the decision came from negative to affirmative? Well, the department of education realized that it was beneficial for teachers to have acces on social media sites. This will help them become onriented with teh latest technology which they can use in the classroom.
A spokesman reprsenting the Minister of education said that arm teachers with the online weapon against cyberbullying. Online bullying have become an international issue following the suicide of a Rutgers University student. The case is also very common with high school and college students; internet savyy or not.
However, the President of the New South Wales Teachers Fed, have cautioned teachers to put a line between professionalism and personal matters when using social media sites. He told them to be cafeful of who to befriend and who to accept friend invites because the any information online will be imprinted in the public domain.”Be careful of the use of social media, as it’s part of the 21st century technology, students and teachers must be aware of the things they do online”.
In order to implement further policies in the use of social media, the department has created rules and regulations along with the recommendation of staffs and school principals. The policy can be accessed on the governments website. Most of the guidelines encourage teachers to be honest and considerate as well as to use common sense. While the main highlight was to “create a boundary between personal use and professional use”.
“When you mix work and your lives, it can cause a lot of problems, the general public considers us – the representation of the department 24/7″ – says the department. “You must make sure that your personal online activities do not mix up with your job performance”.
Teachers have been also advised to stray away from legal and industrial issues of the community. However, they are also encouraged to speak their minds out and be human in every conversation.
Meanwhile, the ex-President of the NSW secondary principals strongly supports the opening of social media access to teachers. “I am strongly supportive for the access of teachers into social media sites as they can incorporate this on their daily lessons. Teachers will be able to teach their students on how to be behave accordingly in social media and learn more about digital citizenship.
This would be a great Teacher’s day news for every Aussie teacher then. However, they are entitled with the responsibility of drawing a line between work and personal usage.

















