Documentation:Digital Tattoo Curriculum/Case Studies for Student Teachers/Questionable Comments for NITEP Student Teachers

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Theme

When used appropriately, social media can be a source of connection and community for teachers

Table Discussion

In groups of 3-4:

1. Read the case study and consider your response to the personal reflection question as you read.

2. Discuss each question below with your group, using the resources to support your responses.

3. Take notes on your discussion to share when the large group reconvenes.


Personal Reflection

While reading the case study, consider your personal response to the following question:

How would I respond to seeing a fellow teacher or teacher candidate make inappropriate comments through social media?


Case Study

someone texting - hand on a cell phone

Before embarking on their educational placements, a cohort of NITEP teacher candidates established a Group Chat on Snapchat. They aimed to communicate their daily experiences as student teachers, along with aspects of their personal lives. They chose Snapchat rather than posting on a public social media platform.


These teacher candidates were drawn to Snapchat because the photos and videos shared within the app disappear after the recipients open them, and they would be notified if someone took a screenshot. They were committed to using this platform responsibly, agreeing not to send inappropriate messages about one another or share any photos or videos deemed unsuitable without permission, especially those involving partying.


As the candidates began their placements, the Snapchat Group Chat served as a forum for sharing daily updates on their student lives, discussing their educational experiences, and coordinating meetings and social gatherings. However, as the practicum progressed, some of the candidates found themselves stressed and frustrated. This dissatisfaction began to show up  in their conversations, and included complaints about their mentor teachers and administrators and students. The Group Chat evolved into a space to vent and express these feelings.


Joseph, a teacher candidate, began to feel unsupported by his mentor teacher; feeling that he was not receiving enough opportunities to discuss his practicum experiences. He also felt that he was being assigned tasks, such as grading, that he was unprepared for. His frustration spilled over into the Group Chat, where he posted comments like “Another day of don’t know why I’m here” and “Free labour – when your mentor asks you to do her job. I wish I could have an assistant to take up ALL my marking load in the future too.” One day, he shared photos of students’ incorrect answers, commenting, “How these kids perform reflects how their teacher teaches.”


Tina, another candidate in the group, sympathized with Joseph's feelings of frustration but found his comments troubling. She considered them to be unprofessional. Though she did not want to betray the trust of her fellow candidates, especially Joseph, she felt uneasy with the possibility that her silence might be seen as agreement. Her association with the group messages placed her in a difficult position; she was torn between the urge to report the issue to their practicum advisor or the Teacher Education Office and the desire to support and protect her colleagues, all while maintaining a sense of professionalism and integrity within the group.


Discussion Questions

1. What is the nature of Snapchat? Do different social media platforms determine what and how we are comfortable sharing?


2. Are Joseph's messages on the Snapchat Group Chat a violation of social media policies and/or the Teacher Education Office’s program or practicum guidelines? Can comments like these be grounds for discipline? Who could be impacted by Joseph 's messages?

Alternative Questions: Do you consider Joseph’s snaps inappropriate? Why or why not? What could be the impact of Joseph’s messages?

Consider these resources as you answer:

*Focus on the two resources with *** for discussion


3. What would you do in Tina's situation? Is it reasonable for her to consider sharing the messages she deems inappropriate? What should she consider when making a decision?  

Consider these resources as you answer:

*Focus on the resource with *** for discussion


4. To what extent can teachers expect privacy when communicating digitally? Do private messages sent through social media contribute to teachers’ professionalism?

Consider these resources as you answer:

*Focus on the resource with *** for discussion


5. What are the benefits of communicating with other teachers and teacher candidates through social media? How would you use social media to connect with colleagues and how would you ensure that it is used effectively and appropriately?

Alternative Questions: Would you use social media to connect with colleagues? Why or why not?

Consider these resources as you answer:

USCRossierOnline blog: "How Social Media Enhances Teacher Professional Development: Interviews with Experts"


Additional Resources

If time allows, explore these additional resources:

  • Read "Professional Conduct Advisory: Professional Boundaries and Social Media” on page 14.


Sharing Permissions

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When re-using this resource, please attribute as follows: developed by the University of British Columbia: Digital Tattoo – Case Studies Project Team.

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