I am a big fan of Facebook both personally and professionally. I use it connect with family and friends, and to network with professional colleagues and get information from professional organizations such as the International Reading Association and the Association of Middle Level Educators (formerly NMSA).
I first started using it with students who had matriculated, and then with graduate students. Like many others, I hesitated to use it with undergraduates and current students do primarily to privacy issues. I have found that students are much more likely to check FB than their email or Blackboard and I can get information to them quickly. In fact, I did so just Friday when I was supposed to observe students teach out of county. Schools were closed due to tornadoes and we were able to connect and reschedule.
Being "friends" on Facebook can be done by creating a separate student-teacher account for those who worry about privacy. I use my regular account because (1) it helps my students to see me as human; (2) it requires me to edit even more what I say to the world. Too often inappropriate posts are made, and while I always try to be good, knowing I will face questions in class on Monday keeps be more careful;and (3) it serves as very teachable moments for my pre service teachers. They are users of technology who need to see how it can be used effectively in teaching. If you have a FB account, feel free to" Friend" me. Jody Fernandez www.facebook.com
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