Legal contexts and digital identities #8

What ethical dilemma have you encountered in your practice that is digital or online access or activity?

Ensuring the rights of a child who is not allowed their photo on social media at the same time ensuring those who are allowed their photo on social media is an ethical dilemma. When celebrating learning through capturing the students engaging and exploring with learning I have to be very careful when posting on our class Facebook page.  As I have a student who is not allowed their photo on social media websites as requested by their caregiver. I'm not alone on this dilemma with other teachers experiencing the same dilemma because they have the sibling in their class.  This does not have to be the end of social media for them!

Fruitvale School requires all parents and students to sign and abide by the school's guidelines and policy, however there is a clause that allows parents to choose whether to have their child's photo published in the school's newsletter and social media e.g. Facebook, Blogs, newspaper.  It's great that the school has a strict policy of if you don't sign you don't have access to those digital learning tools. However, it does not solve the dilemma of ensuring equality while maintaining privacy rights.


 I overcame this dilemma by becoming very skilled in taking photos that the student in question was not clearly identifiable and checked with the guardian what would be acceptable.  Some of the photos are, side profiles with other students creating a natural screen while being unaware I had taken the photo. There are over the shoulder photos of the student engaging in learning so all you see are their arms and hands (no facial photo, at most a photo of the back or top of their head).  Videos are more tricky, reShoot lets you edit videos using emoji's.  It is tools like this that make it possible for all students to engage in social media. When students create presentational videos that require them to share their learning, I would have them use voice recording with images or still shots.  Using these methods makes it possible for students who are not allowed their photo on social media to still engage and learn to be connected, web-engaged, and knowledgeable through social media use.