Using Social Media: Guide for Department Employees
Background
Technological change around the world means we are facing the largest transformation in how young people receive, interact with and respond to the learning experience. These changes mean that schools are now broader than the walls of a physical classroom setting. Teachers, students and parents are increasingly using digital technologies for professional purposes (i.e. teaching and learning) and personal purposes (i.e. communicating, creating and socialising) thus challenging the traditional concept of learning in a school setting.
We know that globalisation and technological change are re-shaping the world as we see it. However, it is not just students who need support in this digital age. Some teachers are comfortable in the digital space while others are still working to integrate the use of technology into their daily language and behaviours. In an environment where the digital space moves rapidly, teachers are also learners.
Cybersafety is a major concern facing schools. Again, this does not only affect children and young people. Department employees in schools are also at risk of misusing social media or being targeted by a disgruntled young person or member of the school community. This is not a new concept. As with all forms of inappropriate behaviours the digital world has simply opened up a new platform for it to occur. For this reason, it is imperative that Department employees in schools protect their privacy and consider both the potential implications of their online interactions (personally and professionally) and all materials they post online.
For more information, see: Cybersafety, Bullying and Cyberbullying
Purpose
The Using Social Media Tools: Guide for Department Employees in Schools (Guide) has been developed as a practical guide to support Department employees in schools to understand and meet the obligations and behaviours set out within existing instruments, polices and guidelines outlined within the Scope of this Guide.
This Guide will address standards of behaviour in the context of social media tools, rather than detailed policies and procedures. It is not designed to cover every conceivable situation; therefore emphasis is placed on guiding principles of behaviour that are applicable under the existing policies and guidelines. If you cannot find the answer to your question then it may be helpful to follow a structured decision-making process.
Understanding what is within each of the above policies and resources and how they apply to social media tools is an important part of being a professional. The following advice and workshop questions are designed to engage employees both as individuals and as a group in furthering their learning.
It is recognised that schools will need to develop and/or update school-based policies, guidelines and programs to reflect this Guide and meet the needs of their local community.
For more information on the existing instruments, policies and guidelines, see: Scope