Social Networking

In the beginning...
I wasn't a fan of social networks.  Back in 2004 MySpace was all the rage, and Facebook was really just getting started.  As an RA, my boss recommended that I join Facebook to connect with the incoming Freshmen.  I didn't see the point, but figured that it couldn't hurt (and I liked my job, so did it to appease my boss).  I'm glad that I was forced into joining Facebook.  It did help me connect with the new students, and taught me the basics of how to use a social network at work.

How it Fits (for teachers)
As a teacher, I have used Facebook to send reminders about upcoming tests and tutoring sessions, as a megaphone for general school news, to chat/private message students after school hours, and to share selected things about myself.  Teachers should, of course, exercise common sense with this last part.  You want your students to know that you are in fact human, but you don't want to share too much.  If you wouldn't want your most uptight parent reading it, you probably shouldn't post it.

How it Fits (for students)
Students use Facebook to varying degrees.  I don't know if it's fair to say that all students are posting status updates between classes and on bathroom breaks from their phones--but some certainly are.  Some students share too much personal information online, while others are petrified of sharing anything (or their parents have banned them from using the site).  From an educational standpoint, most students that have Facebook accounts and teachers that use a Facebook account, will "friend" their teacher.

My Advice
If teachers plan to use Facebook or other social networks, they should start with realistic goals.  Have fun, be creative, and stay safe with it.  Just don't screw it up for the rest of us! ;)