Embedded Files
Date: 21 September 2016
The video features a young person who turns academic failure into life success. This time, we zoom in on the impact made by one teacher, Mdm Pua, who taught her student, Shirley, the importance of hard work and perseverance. The story conveys the importance of the learning process and the message that grades do not indicate the worth of a student and are instead, a way of gauging one’s ever-increasing knowledge on a subject. The commercial also serves as a good reminder that teachers can restore students’ self-belief and rekindle their passion for learning.
Social Media Engagement Guidelines (Source: Social Media Toolkit, MOE, Aug 2015)
The following are top 10 guidelines to observe when using social media. For brevity and ease of reading, these guidelines are kept simple while covering the key areas of concern encountered in using social media.
(1) If it’s online, it’s public
It is important to know that once information is published online, it is considered public and is often not retractable. Always be mindful that the Internet is largely a public domain that allows rapid transmission of information and is unrestricted by geographical boundaries. Comments online may be easily taken out of context by netizens, get reproduced and go viral. When in doubt, it is best to take a conservative approach online.
(2) Online behaviour as reflection of professional behaviour
Bear in mind the Government Instruction Manuals for public officers relating to professional conduct. Your online behaviour should reflect the same standards of honesty, respect, and consideration that you would use in face-to-face interactions.
(3) Understand your personal responsibility
Your online conduct will influence how others view the teaching fraternity. Be self-aware and think about what you write and the feelings of those you write about. Handling of criticisms and negative feedback should be done tactfully, politely and professionally. Avoid offensive discussions or topics that are off-tangent.
(4)Separate personal and professional views
Avoid expressing your views relating to your work or profession and not run the risk of bringing disrepute to yourself or your profession. For personal use of social media tools, you could include disclaimers to indicate that the views and opinions expressed are yours and do not reflect on MOE or your school.
(5) The right tool for the right purpose.
Always consider your intentions and objectives in your approach towards social media, and use the ‘right’ tools for their intended purposes.
(6) Raise it on internal channels
There are internal channels of communication, such as My Forum, where teachers can raise or discuss issues within the organisation to voice feedback or concerns. There is also the ‘Ask Senior Management’ page where teachers can send their views and suggestions on policies directly to Senior Management. Teachers can also give feedback through surveys or focus group discussions periodically conducted by MOE. For clarification on matters pertaining to school or personnel matters, teachers can approach school leaders and MOE staff can contact the various departments of the Ministry, via contact details available on the Intranet.
(7) Respect use of confidential information
Use good ethical judgment and follow policies and requirements when dealing with confidential or proprietary information about MOE, your schools, fellow colleagues and students.
(8) Be mindful of content posted
Steer clear from contentious areas regarding religion, politics, security and other contentious topics. Be mindful also that just like any other citizen, you are bound by the laws governing this country.
(9) Respect fair use guidelines
Copyright and fair use guidelines should be adhered to. Give credit where it is due and be sure not to plagiarise. When using social media tools and platforms, be aware of the terms of use and potential implications.
(10) Be constructive
Share ideas that you come across and seek to be constructive. Due to its nature, social media is an ever-evolving technology. Hence, keep yourselves updated on the latest developments by collaborating in discussions and tapping on the expertise of fellow colleagues.
For Note-takers only.
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