Origin of the Advisory • Council approved February 2011

• emergence of social media in global communications • members online • risks & responsibility Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Whom It Affects All members of the College • • • • • • •

Teachers Consultants Vice-principals Principals Supervisory officers Directors of education Non-school board positions

Ontario College of Teachers

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Defining Electronic Communication and Social Media Electronic communication and social media encompass software, applications (including those running on mobile devices) e-mail and web sites, which enable users to interact, create and exchange information online.

Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Predicated on Standards for Ontario Teachers • The Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession • • • •

care trust integrity respect

Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Predicated on Standards for Ontario Teachers (cont’d) • The Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession • • • • •

commitment to students & student learning leadership in learning communities ongoing professional learning professional knowledge professional practice

Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Private versus Professional • Onus on members • Off-duty conduct matters • Exercise caution

• Act professionally Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Electronic Communication and Social Media: Know the Dangers • • • • •

encourages casual dialogue messages endure control lost potential widespread distribution limited anonymity

Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Evidence in Proceedings • inappropriate use of e-communication and social media can be used as evidence in criminal and civil proceedings • criminal and civil findings and orders can be used in College disciplinary hearings

Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Employer Duty to Report Sections 43.2 and 43.3, Ontario College of Teachers Act

• When a member is charged with or convicted of certain Criminal Code offences • When the employer restricts or terminates a member for professional misconduct • When a member resigns to avoid termination or restriction • When the employer believes a College committee should review a member’s conduct Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Disciplinary Implications • presumed innocent • fair & timely hearings • disciplinary action possible

Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Examples of Professional Misconduct • inappropriate e-communication • sending graphic sexual material • accessing, viewing or downloading pornography • grooming • luring

Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Legal Implications • • • • • • •

inciting hatred harassment luring child pornography defamation breach of Education Act copyright infringement

Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Minimize Your Risks • model good behaviour • advocate proper use • use established platforms

• use appropriate timing Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Minimize Your Risk

(cont’d)

• be courteous and professional • don’t exchange personal information with students • decline student ‘friend’ requests • inform parents Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Understand Privacy Concerns • check settings regularly • assume accessibility by others • monitor content • ask not to be tagged in photos Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Act Professionally • consider consequences • be authentic • avoid criticism

• remain calm, respect others Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Act Professionally

(cont’d)

• do not make discriminatory comments • avoid inappropriate online discussion of students • know policies • use good judgment Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Pause to Reflect • enhances student learning? • meeting a professional (not a personal) need? • would community approve?

Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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Ask Yourself • is this content reasonable? • can it be misrepresented or manipulated? • is my knowledge current?

Ontario College of Teachers

Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

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A Final Thought How does my online presence – that which I control and that which is posted by others – reflect my professionalism, and how does it reflect on the teaching profession?

Ontario College of Teachers

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