Should teachers interact with kids online?

More teachers are using social networks or text messages to keep in touch with students and build rapport, but online friendships may be considered inappropriate. Some officials are considering banning online "fraternization" between teachers and students.

The Missouri Legislature is debating a proposal to ban elementary-school teachers from having social networking friendships with their students. And the Lamar County School District board in Mississippi recently passed a policy that bans "fraternization via the Internet" between staff members and students. It also prohibits text messages to students except for educational purposes.

Should more communities consider such bans? The Arizona Daily Star examines the issues.


Tags: Social Networks, Technology, Students, Teachers, Education, K-12, Education by Sistrunk

Children and the digital age

Networking: The new literacy

"Whether we like it or not, social Web technologies are having a huge influence on students who are lucky enough to be connected, even the youngest ones."

Will Richardson, author of "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Tools for Classrooms," makes the case for teaching technology skills and ethics across the curriculum. Not only should students be encouraged to explore topics that interest them, Richardson writes, but they must also learn to use technology wisely.

Digital footprints—the online portfolios of who we are, what we do, and by association, what we know—are quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives. A short lesson on Internet safety is not enough, as Richardson articulates in Educational Leadership.

Tags: Technology, Children, Culture, Social Networks, Education, Student Achievement, Internet Safety, K-12,Education by Sistrunk