I began having an online identity when I created my facebook page entering into college. I love how the website allows me to keep in contact with old friends as well as new, and share what is going on in my life with them through the social network. I know many people run into trouble with sharing too much information online, yet I believe if you are careful, it can be a very effective means of communication.
While creating my "About Me" page as my online identity as a teacher, I found that having a class website would be a great resource for my classroom. I decided I would have a link on my website (which I have provided in my last post as well as to right of the page) for parents to read all about me as not only their student's teacher, but as a person. I included a minimal amount of personal information, yet kept it professional. I believe if the parents are in on my personality, hobbies, and family life outside of the classroom, they may be easier to talk to and more understanding of things. I love to know more about my students and their families and I think that this will be easier when the information sharing is mutual, and technology is a GREAT way of sharing! :)
I agree with you that parents do want to know about their child's teacher in a personal way. As a parent myself, the teachers that my daughter has had that have had websites I also found them to be the best at keeping parents involved and updated on not only my child but what was going on in the whole classroom. Personally I think that a website is one of the quickest and easiest ways to do that. I think your site looks great! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Like you I also have a Facebook page that I use to keep up with old friends and colleagues. I agree it is a great way to communicate. Unfortunately, there are people who put too much information out there and can get in trouble because of it. This is especially true for teachers. The one thing I never do on Facebook if "friend" any of my parents, students, or former students because I feel the risks are too high.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you that using the internet is a great communication tool, especilly for communicating information back and forth with parents. I email parents often, and vice versa. It is very effective. The one thing that I have not tried doing yet is maintaining a class website. I'm sure if I did, that it could be very beneficial, not only for my students, but their parents as well.
Overall, I enjoyed reading your post. It is refreshing to see a teacher that is enthusiastic about the use of technology as a communication tool.
~Lori
I also found this to be a useful activity. As teachers, I too believe that it is a good idea to give parents an easy way to contact you with questions or concerns, and to allow your students and their parents to get to know you a little bit better. My first experience with creating an online identity was with facebook a few years ago, and although I doubt I would share my facebook page with my students (since you can not filter what others post on your wall) I think that the same concept can be a great way to stay connected with your colleagues and students.
ReplyDeleteMegan Smith
I also created a Facebook page when I came to college, and that was very new experience for me. I most I had ever created an online identity prior to this was an AIM (America Online Instant Messenger) profile, and that was when I was 13. I don't think I ever really realized how huge Facebook would become when I first created my page, and now it is my first returned Google result when my name is searched.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree with you about keeping an about me page updated for parent reference. "I included a minimal amount of personal information, yet kept it professional." This is a great idea and will help keep your personal life from bleeding over into your professional life. Your page looks great :)
Alyssa Pinti
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI am with you 100% about facebook and similar social networking sites. When we enter the education field, we took the responsibility with pride and understanding that we are held to a higher standard of behavior. We have to lead by example.
I love that you posted your all about me letter in your bio. I did the same thing. I simplified a bit and added a little more for the site. But I do agree that it is important to let the parents into your life a little bit. We are home away from home for these kids and we are trusted implicitly with the safety and well being of their children. We have to allow the parents in to build trust and security.
Emilie