Facebook Depression...Really?

Did any of you see the story on the news earlier this week that discussed the harmful effects social media can have on teens' self esteem and mental health? 

A group of doctors identified "Facebook depression" as a condition that impacts teens who obsess over the site.  This is especially true if a teen is dealing with a self-esteem issue. 

Their view is that Facebook provides a skewed view of reality with blatent tactics like friends' tallies, status updates, and photos of people who seem to be having a good time.  Since this online vehicle provides no context, like body language and facial expressions when people communicate, it is difficult to get a true picture of the social landscape that exists for individuals.

Therefore, their premise is Facebook can make kids who are not popular feel worse, and become more prone to depression.  On the other hand, it can enhance social connectedness among well-adjusted teens.

Personally, I feel like this is a bit of a stretch.  I think other deeper issues are already present that result in depression, and that the use of Facebook, may exxagerate the condition. 

On the other hand, sometimes when I look for comments on my blog and have none, and see others have 4 or 5 responses, I wonder...was my topic interesting? (LOL!) ...but I don't get Blog depression...I digress..
 
I do think that we, as educators, must be aware of all of the sociological factors that inhibit or enhance our students abilities to learn.  We have to take into consideration where each individual is developmentally and behaviorally, and adjust our teaching style, tactics, and tools to the unique needs of our learners.

I'd be curious to get your perspective.  What do you think?

Fine Line Between Copyright Infringement and Fair Use

The title of my blog says it all!  As I reflected on the information I read about copyright concerns, it became apparent to me that as educators and individuals, we have to be very careful and cognizant when we decide to use others' material. 

Typically in educational situations, the purpose is well-intended, and that is not enough.  Practitioners and Administrators in educational settings have to be well-versed on what is considered fair use, and what is copyright infringment.  This should be throroughly covered, including training, at point of hire, and reinforced throughout employment.

Three key concerns rose to the top for me when I think about the role of the educator.  I have listed them in order of importance, based on my experience, with the top two listed first.

1. Print media and online materials - Often time when doing research, educators may find material that supplement their lesson plans.  This helps to further educate the student in the topic or content area.  The educator makes enough copies to share with his/her class.  While the fair use policy allows some distribution of printed or online material, the amount of copies, and intended use must be scrutinized before doing so, and/or receiving appropriate persmissions.
2. Computer Software - Software can be moderately expensive to very expensive, and very necessary to perform class instruction.  Because educational funding, in a number of cases, is driven by state funding, it is typical to see a lot of cuts in educational spending.  Therefore, educators have to make a tough decision about what they can personally fund, and what they can live without.  Sometimes, what seems like a creative approach.... burning software or dsitributing a disc to others to load software can result in a copyright issue.  It may be worth the initial investment upfront, versus taking a creative shortcut, that lends itself to breaking the law.
3. Emails - This form of infringment, which is questionable, seems most common amongst educators, and all individuals.  How many times have we read something sent to us in email, and shared it because we thought it would be good for others to know?  Though questionable, I think we should exercise some judgment, and in doubt, don't...

Will Human Resources (HR) Leave its Human Element Behind as it Relies on the Aid of Technology?

Recently, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) asked a special expert panel on technology to comment on technology trends in the HR sector.  The overall consensus is technology is being leveraged by HR to benefit almost every aspect of daily operations.

Some of the study findings point to:

• Expanded use of technology for delivery and utilization of HR applications on a service basis for employees, i.e. recrutiment, internal mobility, performance managment, career pathing 
• Internet-based self-service applications are improved and are better integrated into other work processes
• Significant growth in the use of e-learning
• Heightened awareness of HR data privacy – an increasingly important issue given the rise of identity theft using employee information
• Increasing outsourcing of human resource information technology systems
• Increasing transition to paperless payroll

 The question, however, is will HR leave its human element behind as it relies on the aid of technology?

I think technology used properly within the HR realm will help increase efficiency within the HR business unit within organizations.  It can help take away some of the administrative nightmares that HR faces on a daily basis, and allo them to focus on developing key and critical talent necessary for the sustainability of the organization.  I would love to hear what you think...