Mentor - Student Interactions Online

[MechEng83]

Thanks, everyone for your replies. It seems there's not a real concensus, even within the FIRST community about what rules should exist.

I asked our school's administrator and there isn't currently a specific policy about online interactions. He suggested we follow our general policy on mentor-student interactions, since that's worked for us so far.

I'm really glad we're not placed under an overly restrictive policy. I've used Facebook and text messages to remind students of upcoming events. I sometimes chat with specific students about what they specifically need to do to fulfill their team role. Really I don't see how this differs from sending an email (which most of our students don't check regularly) making a phone call (which most students don't answer) or having an in-person conversation (which is difficult if the student doesn't show up on a particular day) except that I'm able to reach them effectively.

I don't actively seek out current students as facebook friends, but I haven't denied a request either. I do set students to a restricted group to limit their access to my information. I view facebook and other social media as tools. The ability to use tools is what makes us an advanced society. FIRST is about promoting technology and inspiring students. If I can use this technology to inspire students, then I think it's a wholly appropriate and legitimate use.