We all use it. We all cannot live without it. However, have we ever thought about the dangers it posses to our careers? Technology can be utilized in numerous ways throughout career fields; teachers more specifically. Be it through e-mails, google and apps, teachers are met with a thin line for what is appropriate technology usage. Here are 4 guided ways to use and not use technology so you do not get into trouble FIRED.
1. E-mails Vastly used within the teaching profession as an essential way to communicate within the school building as well as parent-teacher and outside agency communications.
*Administration monitor e-mails and save data therefore can be used within the court of law.
- Write as if administration is reading
- Be professional
- Job related topics only
- Not sure about an e-mail’s liability, ASK
- DO NOT use profane language, discriminatory words, or offensive material
- DO NOT share photos or attachments that are not professional e.g. offensive, discriminatory, violent etc.
CBS News – Fired For Sending E-mail
Producing a vulgar, discriminating, violent, or offensive in nature e-mail can result in the loss of job or possible criminal charges.
2. Search Engines An essential internet tool to the teaching profession to look up anything and everything.
*Administration monitor internet usage and save data therefore can be used within the court of law. Most schools use internet restrictions therefore some searches may be deterred.
- Search only student-learning relevant topics
- Use/turn on Internet restrictions *Most schools have these restrictions already set forth.
- Use caution with search terms
- DO NOT use personal search engines e.g. Pinterest
Search for offensive, vulgar, violent, and indecent in nature topics, photos, or videos can result in the loss of job or possible criminal charges.
3. YouTube Utilized to facilitate learning within and outside the classroom. Often used as a media aide.
*Administration monitor internet usage and save data therefore can be used within the court of law. Most schools use internet restrictions therefore not always accessible.
- Student-learning based only
- Pre-view to its entirety before lesson
- Check sources
- Use expanded screen for viewing (minimizes viewing of possible “suggestions” of other videos)
- DO NOT show or search anything unrelated to or not age appropriate, education related subject matter
Search for offensive, vulgar, violent, and indecent in nature topics, photos, or videos can result in the loss of job or possible criminal charges.
4. Social Media Utilized (with excepections) outside the school environment as a means of communication, social and interest based development.
*Administration monitor internet usage and save data therefore can be used within the court of law. Most schools use internet restrictions therefore not always accessible
- Consider usage for Professional Learning Development instead
- Practice caution and use discretion e.g. profanity, provocative or in-bad taste photos or posts
- DO NOT discuss professional relations or students and their matters (with anyone outside their education interests)
- DO NOT use a school computer to access
- DO NOT “friend” students/parents
CBS NEWS – Teacher Fired Over Facebook
Search for offensive, vulgar, violent, and indecent in nature topics, photos, or videos can result in the loss of job or possible criminal charges
**Misuse of technology could result in loss of job and possible criminal charges. Laws and school wide regulations on technology usage are in place. Make sure you check your school’s or work’s policy.
Teachers can utilize technology to further reach their students, communicate with a vast amount of people/professionals involved in his/her student’s learning environment as well as promote and develop social and personal interests and beyond. However, technology could, in an instant, destroy a career if one is not cautious and proactive in his/her choices. As outlined above, misuse of technology for a professional could result in loss of career as well as bring on possible criminal charges. Thus…
Be Cautious, Be Smart, Be Professional & When In-doubt ASK!
Classroom of heritage 