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I learned about different social media sites and the standard set by the courts on the use of these sites. “Missouri Judge Blocks Facebook Limits for Teachers” Article Review Nathaniel Cochrane Campbell University

This article is about Missouri, teachers, students, and social networking sites (such as Facebook and Twitter.) Missouri was attempting to block the use of all social networking sites by teachers. Jon Beetem, a Cole County Circuit Judge, gave an injunction Friday, saying that prohibiting teachers from using social networking sites would infringe on their freedom of speech. This included all non-work websites that are not open to all the public, which are sites that give “exclusive access” to certain people. Teachers could still use websites that are considered public, such as blogs. There were other facets of the law that Judge Beetem let stand. Beetem let a section of the law stand that says teachers’ work-related internet sites must be available to administrators, parents, and legal guardians of students’. Another portion of the law that was kept was that schools need to come up with a policy on teacher-student communications. These communications can be oral or electronic. The portion of the law that was questioned has been put on hold until February 20, when a final decision will be reached. The author of this article really seemed to have no opinion on the subject. The Associated Press reported this story from an unbiased third party, and showed no favor to either side of the issue. I believe that the Judge Beetem made a correct decision in blocking this law from taking effect immediately. I believe that teachers’ should be allowed to use any social networking site they please. I do believe that teachers’ need to be aware of the risks along with social networking though, these risks are that you are ultimately responsible for what you put on the internet. I believe that legally telling a teacher they can’t use a networking site is against every right that we have as Americans, and that no government should tell me what I can and can’t own (in reason.) I am a firm believer in taking responsibility for your own actions and living with the consequences. If a teacher chooses to put bad pictures or updates online for the world to see, they should then reap the consequences. Everyone knows that once something hits the Internet, its public domain. Teachers’ shouldn’t be legally obligated to not have the right to anything that is public domain.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/08/26/450825usteachersonfacebook_ap.html