Source: Mobile Communications Video via Personalizing Learning with the iPod Touch
Is it right for school districts to establish a Twitter/Facebook “digital presence” for the community but then block access for teachers and administrators on campuses? Is this a social media double-standard? And, isn’t this action encouraging educators to use their own mobile devices–and networks–to bypass the school district’s network?

“We thought we should be part of the conversation as opposed to just looking in.” This quote appears in the news article below…it makes me wonder, since teachers and staff are blocked from using social media, are they NOT supposed to be a part of the conversation?

• Schools use Facebook, Twitter to get out their message | Oregon Education – OregonLive.com
  • Schools use Facebook, Twitter to get out their message
  • Community forums and newsletters sent home in backpacks are so old school.
  • Social networking isn’t just for kids, trendy parents or curious grandparents anymore. Schools are getting into the act.
  • In the Portland metro area, at least eight districts made the leap this fall, signing up for Twitter or Facebook.
  • At the same time, the new domain comes with a new set of questions about how to maintain the district-sponsored sites, what kind of content is appropriate and who should have access to the sites during the workday.
  • “We’re not talking about a real viable communication tool yet,” Shelby said. “As more people sign on and more people are viewing and interacting, there will be a variety of uses we can find for it.”

    Salem-Keizer joined Facebook more than six months ago, using the site to help tell people about tough budget choices. The district was inspired to join Facebook by a group of community members who supported the district’s bond measure last fall using its own Facebook page, said Simona Boucek, a special projects facilitator with the district.

  • “If it’s constructive criticism, we answer it,” she said. “If it’s offensive or derogatory, then we take it down and give them an opportunity to rewrite. People might have a bad opinion of us and that’s OK.”
  • Students and staff in Portland Public Schools are blocked from accessing Facebook in schools and at the district office. The district is maintaining its ban on the social networking site to cut down on distractions, but the information technology department has allowed access for the people who will be adding new content.

    Karen Kleinz, associate director of the National School Public Relations Association, said most school districts will have to create clearer policies about what’s OK and what isn’t.

  • “One size doesn’t fit all anymore,” said Forest Grove communications director Connie Potter said. “In the old days, you could put something in the newspaper, send out a newsletter and hit most of your constituents. That’s not the case anymore.”

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.