MySpace Dilemmas: Ethical Choices for Teachers using Social Networking
Abstract: Pre-service and in-service teachers increasingly use MySpace and other social networking sites for personal and professional purposes. This paper discusses newsworthy cases where negative consequences occurred when personal information was exposed that was interpreted to be “conduct unbecoming a teacher”. Dilemmas that emerge as a consequence of naïveté around technologies could inhibit innovative uses if universities and professional developers aren’t proactive. Those who are responsible for teacher development need to prepare teachers to make informed choices about social networking technologies. Recommendations to university level teacher educators and district professional developers suggest sharing current information about professional and ethical issues surrounding social networking profiles, while taking into consideration teachers’ personal freedoms.