Today, my role as disciplinarian was triggered by my advisory class. My colleagues complained about my students who are using cellphones during class hours and do not surrendering their gadgets. Well, this situation is trite. I remind them often about when they can use their phones and how they can use these for their betterment. This morning, I reiterated about avoiding posting status on Facebook during class hours.
"I'm not against in having Facebook account," I said.
"In fact, I have three Facebook accounts," I added.
"However, I am using my accounts after working hours and break time."
I told them that having social media accounts and cellphones are blessings but they should know how to use these properly without hurting them.
"I have noticed that some of you are posting things without weighing. I hope that you are going to be more responsible in using the accounts," I continued my litany.
As a teacher, I need to mold my students to have refinement in their words, thoughts and actions wherever they are and whatever circumstances they are facing. Well, trash talking and obscenity are ubiquitous in these accounts. These things are ruckus and intolerable. I do not want to read and see that my students are participating in trash talking.
To better educate them on how to use mobile phones and SNS, I said the following truths and practices:
1. Mobile phones and SNS should be used in proper place and proper time. Having cellphones and SNS accounts are basic rights meaning these cannot be taken away from the users. However, rights and obligations go together. As an owner, you should be responsible in using phone and social media sites without affecting/ disturbing other people. Phone rings and hidden posting and checking of news feeds disrupt a class. The more disturbances, the more time wasted. The more time wasted, the lesser the opportunities to learn lessons at targeted time.
2. Social media sites are visible and seen by many people across the world. All activities on the Internet are accessible publicly. Anyone can read the content. Any mistake that is posted can put you into snares. Even the post is deleted, the message has left an impact for those who have seen it. Be careful in saying things online because your statements are watched by millions of people.
3. Think many times before posting. Many people that social media sites are perfect places to divulge what's in your mind. You feel happy, post it. You feel sad, post it. You feel disgusted, post it. Emojis/ Emoticons can make your status more intense. Many are brave online but cannot face reality if being confronted. Teenagers often do these scenarios. They are easily carried away on what they feel. They think that posting feelings on the sites can alleviate what they feel. However, comments can create fire and can augment one's problems. So, better think thousand times before saying anything on the Web.
4. Bullying can happen on the Web. Entering the Web is not about being Internet- savvy. You should have a strong heart to endure insults and jokes that people throw at you. I noticed that some students who are peers easily unite to attack or bully someone on social media sites. Be friendly and courteous on dealing with other people.
I concluded my talk by saying that mobile phones and SNS are tools in communicating other people, not to oppressed people. Precautions should be practiced to keep you away from conflicts.
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