Definition: The term Social Media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies used as a means of interactive dialogue. Social media can take on many different forms, including, but not limited to, Internet forums, weblogs, social blogs, wikis, podcasts, photographs or pictures, videos, rating and social bookmarking. Examples of social media sites include: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia.

These guidelines are intended to give District staff, students, and the community guidance for appropriate use of social media tools for the classroom. These guidelines do not supersede anything in the District’s existing Acceptable Use Policy 815. The District's Acceptable Use Policy should continue to be referenced as a primary source for District technology regulations and procedure.

Social Media Guidelines for Faculty & Staff

Personal Responsibility

Wilson School District (WSD) employees are personally responsible for the content they publish online. Be mindful that what you publish will be public for a long time—protect your privacy.
Your online behavior should reflect the same standards of professionalism that you use during face-to-face communication.
When posting to a site, be sure you communicate that the information is representative of your views and opinions and not necessarily the views and opinions of Wilson School District.
Remember that social media postings are an extension of your classroom. What is inappropriate in your classroom is inappropriate online.

Classroom teachers cannot and should not mandate use of social media site for all students. Social media tools should be used as a secondary, supplemental resource for classroom information.

Staff member’s personal social media sites should not be used in the classroom.
The lines between public and private, personal and professional are blurred in the digital world. By virtue of identifying yourself as a Wilson School District employee online, you are now connected to colleagues, students, parents and the school community. You should ensure that content associated with you is consistent with your work at the Wilson School District.
When contributing online do not post confidential student information.

Comments related to the school should always meet the highest standards of professional discretion. When posting, staff should act on the assumption that all postings are in the public domain.
When possible, obtain permission from subjects before posting media, photographs, and videos. This is especially the case where the media concerns professional colleagues and students.

Posting media relating to alcohol or tobacco use may be deemed inappropriate.
Micro-blogging, i.e. Twitter comments made using such media may not be protected by privacy settings. Employees should be aware of the public and widespread nature of social media and refrain from any comments that could be deemed unprofessional.

Social Media Guidelines

Wilson School District employees are required to get authorization to have instant messaging programs downloaded on their school computers. This does not apply to messaging programs that are hosted online and do not require a download.
Avatar images and profile information fall under the same guidelines as Profiles and Identity section.
The Wilson School District understands that 21st century learning involves constantly changing technology and there are many sites that are currently "blocked" by the WiIson School District's Internet filter that may have pedagogical significance for teacher and student use. If you would like to request that a web site be accessible to use for the purpose of teaching and learning, please contact the Director of Technology for formal review. Requests will be reviewed and the district social media guidelines will be updated periodically throughout the school year.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in disciplinary action as referenced in the code of conduct.

Copyright and Fair Use

Respect copyright and fair use guidelines.

A hyperlink to outside sources is recommended. Be sure not to plagiarize, and give credit where it is due. When using a hyperlink for citations, be sure that the content is appropriate and adheres to the Wilson School District’s Acceptable Use Policy.

Profiles and Identity

Remember your association and responsibility with the Wilson School District in online social environments. Ensure your profile and related content is consistent with how you need to present yourself with colleagues, parents, and students. How you represent yourself online should be comparable to how you represent yourself in person in accordance with the PA code of conduct.
No student last names, school names, addresses or phone numbers should appear on social media sites.
Be cautious how you setup your profile, bio, avatar, etc.
When uploading digital pictures or avatars that represent yourself, make sure you select school appropriate images. Always adhere to the Wilson School District Acceptable Use Policy.

Social Media Guidelines for Students

Due to the wealth of new social media tools available to students, student products and documents have the potential to reach audiences far beyond the classroom. This translates into a greater level of responsibility and accountability for everyone. Below are guidelines for students in the Wilson School District using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom.

Be aware of what you post online. Social media venues are public. What you contribute leaves a digital footprint for all to see. Do not post anything you wouldn't want friends, students, parents, teachers, or a future employer to see.
Follow the school's code of conduct when writing online. It is acceptable to disagree with the opinions of someone; however, do it in a respectful way. Make sure that criticism is constructive and not hurtful. What is inappropriate in the classroom is inappropriate online.
Be safe online. Never give out personal information, including, but not limited to, last names, phone numbers, addresses, exact birthdays, and pictures. Do not share your password with anyone besides your teachers and parents.
Linking to other websites to support your thoughts and ideas is recommended. However, be sure to read the entire article prior to linking to ensure that all information is appropriate for a school setting.
Do your own work. Do not use other people's intellectual property without their permission. It is a violation of copyright law to copy and paste other's thoughts. When paraphrasing idea(s) from someone else, be sure to cite your source with the URL. It is good practice to hyperlink to your sources.
Be aware that pictures may also be protected under copyright laws. Verify you have permission to use the image or it is under Creative Commons attribution.
How you represent yourself online is an extension of yourself. Do not misrepresent yourself by using another’s identity.
Blog and wiki posts should be well written. Follow writing conventions including proper grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. If you edit the work of someone else, be sure it is in the spirit of improving the writing.
If you run across inappropriate material that makes you feel uncomfortable, or is not respectful, tell your teacher right away.
Students who do not abide by these terms and conditions may lose their opportunity to take part in the project and/or access to future use of online tools.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in disciplinary action as referenced in the code of conduct.