I have sent text messages to choral students to remind them of early morning rehearsals and changes in schedule.  What are the risks associated with sending texts?  Is it access to one's cell phone number?  If so, one could have a basic cell for school use and another one for personal use. 

Every time I read an article about the wonders and benefits of modern communication technologies, whether it is about texting or tweeting students, or choir members using iPads (or equivalent) in place of paper scores, the first question I always ask myself is:  "What about those who cannot afford to purchase and use the technology?" We bemoan the fact that our world is becoming ever more widely divided between the "haves" and the "haves not" (and the numbers of "haves not" are growing, not shrinking), yet those who can afford the latest gizmos blithely talk about their wonderfulness without giving any thought to those who might be completely cut out.

 

For example, one line in the Huffington Post piece reads:  "While not every student has a computer or a smartphone, most have phones with texting functions, she added."  This makes me wonder how many students are in the "most" category, and how many are not, and how the ones who are not must then be either ignored or embarassingly singled out with communications done the old-fashioned way.  And is a text or a tweet really, truly, indisputably better than, for example, simply asking students to write down a question on a piece of paper, take it home and think about it, and come to class the next day ready for discussion?  Can you think of any situation or circumstance where a text or a tweet is truly necessary and more effective than another method, another method that can reach everyone, not just the privileged?  

 

Unless a school, or a choir, or any other organization that requires its members to use the latest technologies can provide everyone with the appropriate gizmo, my vote goes to the old-fashioned ways of communicating every time.  And, finally, it is my opinion that the abbreviation of communication that occurs by necessity with texts or tweets also serves to abbreviate thinking; everything is reduced to a "sound bite," or rather a "text bite."  We are becoming a world of "bites," and the facility for deep, comprehensive, critical thinking is being eroded away, one text and tweet at a time.

This issue is too easily generalized.  What works for me, a college professor, is not necessarily appropriate or workable for a high school or middle school educator.  Personally I do not Facebook friend students.  I tell them that, once they graduate, I will befriend them on Facebook.  But until that point, I am their mentor, their instructor, their drill sergeant if necessary.  Instead I created a Facebook group for my choirs to which both alums and students are welcome to join.

First, I am thrilled to guest blog on here for the first time.  Thanks to Philip and Choralnet for the privilege to do so today.

 

I understand the points about the over generalization of social media/texting and also that some students do not have iPhones or iPads.  However, having taught HS just four years ago I remember the frustration of giving out calendars to students who then left them on the floor or of needing to remind the boys to bring their ties and having to call them individually the night before.  Perhaps not everyone has text or tweeting capability, but there are advantages to the use of technology.  I think the point of all these discussions comes to this: can we continue to deny that students use texts, tweets, and FB?  No, we know they do.  Maybe not 100% or even 80% but a majority of our students do use these social tools. Should you text your students? I don't know the answer, but I think you should have the privelege to do so.  And thinking outside the box might be the key for those of you who are prohibited.  I like James's idea of a page on FB to communicate...that is useful and also helpful for info while keeping a separation.  I have done the same thing with my students.  I have a colleague who has two pages...one for students and faculty and one for her own friends and family.  

All this will continue to be argued and discussed until perhaps the new form of communication comes along.  However, I thought this a very interesting discussion point and thank you all for reading. 

 

NBC 

I think there is a key distinction between texting a GROUP of students versus a SINGLE student. SINGLE student - dangerous, and a territory not to cross into. GROUP reminders - acceptable. www.remind101.com is a great service.

In addition, libraries (school libraries included) provide internet access to all, regardless of income.  I agree that it depends on the level of the students also.  At the college level, first, students are spending a lot of money to be there and are eligible for student loans to cover "personal expenses"--I can't think of a single college student who doesn't have a cell phone.  I think the solution is going to have to be unique depending on each situation, the demographics, and what works best for you and your students.  Personally, I've learned to only put information on Facebook that I don't mind ANYBODY reading--and that goes for ChoralNet, too!  This is a public forum, and while it may be easy to complain about our administration, a tough new job, or lack of support in our current situation, I try to keep in mind that my administrators may read anything I write on here, as may future employers.

Nicholaus, I agree that as electronic communication becomes the norm, we need to be thoughtful about its use, but not be afraid to use it.

Heidi

I teach high school and give my number freely whenever I think one of my students might need it.  I also run a facebook group and students can message me directly through facebook.  I do not frend students on facebook until after they graduate.  A few thoughts:

 

I am 27 and am in my 6th year teaching.  I have never had a prank call, an inappropriate text, or any situation that has made me regret giving out my number.  I have had near misses with emergencies, reminders, and successful events that could only have taken place with that communication available.

 

I have so much peace of mind during large trips.  For instance, 100 students at Disneyland is not a worry for me because they all have my number and I have theirs.  A student's going to be late to a check-in?  You better believe they're frantically texting me, giving me minute by minute details of how close they are to the front of the line at Pirates, etc.  I can't imagine what trips were like before cell phones!

 

I think that students today view cell phones very differently than 10-15 years ago.  When I was in high school, most of us had our first cell phone and it was a HUGE deal and having a teacher's number was a HUGE deal - one that needed to be taken advantage of through pranks, etc.  Now, no one thinks twice about being able to call/text someone on their cell.  In other words, the novelty is gone.

 

Finally, I know that some teachers (and often, young teachers) get in trouble for inappropriate interactions with students through texting, facebook, etc.  Here's what I have to say about that:  the technology avaialbe does not force these individuals to make terrible decisions, only provides one of many avenues.  People who do this will do it, one way or another, and should be dealt with harshly by the law and within the profession.  But saying that removing communication between teachers and students will stop that problem is illogical and naive.

I agree with the www.remind101.com suggestion.  This has been a tool that I have implemented successfully this year.  Students and parents alike have been very happy with the reminders.  In addition, I suggested the idea of a 'chorus' cell phone to our Booster organization for times when we travel.  I do not feel comfortable giving my phone number to students OR their parents.  I find that the parents take advantage of my personal number more so than students.  One of my parents recommended a google phone number - it has been exactly what we are looking for.

 

In the case of a google phone number, users are assigned a phone number (in some cases, you can pick your number!) and that particular number can be set to forward to your personal phone, or if you wish, your chaperone phone.  Your personal number is never shared.  It is certianly worth a look.

Absolutely not.  Technology is here.  We need to be in the 21st century.  Perhaps better regulations need to be in place, but ccommunication is important.  Professional and appropriate is mandatory.  Some of this needs to be addressed in hiring and screening of applicants.  Bigger issue than a simple yes or no.