Profs on Facebook a new concept for everyone
Since its introduction, Facebook has undergone many changes. It has gone through design changes as well as adding new content for users to take advantage of.
But Facebook has moved from being used just by college students to being used by nearly everyone on the planet.
The large group classified under “nearly everyone on the planet” includes professors here at Franklin.
This can be very helpful outside the classroom. Professors on Facebook can result in a better interaction between students and professors.
Facebook has become a new form of communication for current generations and all others to follow.
Since some students check Facebook more frequently than e-mail, professors can be more accessible to students by using Facebook.
But it calls into question where the line between teacher and student falls.
In the past, the teacher-student relationship acted as a formal relationship. While students could be friendly and social with a professor, when school hours ended, there was no interaction between them.
With the development of the Internet, the line between a teacher and a friend has gone gray.
It is now easier than ever to be friends with someone. Both students and professors need to take responsibility to ensure this doesn’t get out of hand – with the influence of grades, for example.
There is an awareness that needs to be acknowledged by both sides.
Professors must remain professional when encountering gray areas on the Internet.
At the same time, students must respect the professional boundaries that seem to be grayed by Facebook.
