The internet provides robust opportunities for engaging students in active learning. However, when we integrate web-based tools into our classes and have our students contribute to them or create content with them, we must also ensure students have guidelines about what is acceptable to share. Further, learning in the "open web" begins to create murkiness around some policies that could be more clearly defined when learning occurred in closed classrooms. One of those policies is the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The murkiness with FERPA and social media has to do with how an institution defines a "student record." Student records may not be made public by a university employee. Without this clarity, you should keep the following practices in mind when requiring your students to participate in open web activities (outside of CI Learn). These practices demonstrate a responsible approach to teaching with social media and they also encourage students to be mindful about how they shape their digital footprints.

Inform students in the syllabus which tools they will be expected to use. This should include whether students will be expected to create an account and a description of the privacy settings of the content they will share/create (in other words, who will have access to it? Will it be accessible through a link? Or can the content be located through a Google search?)
Provide an option for students to use a pseudonym and/or create a generic account and password and reserve it for students who have concerns.
Inform students that they may select a non-personalized image as their avatar (their favorite landmark, animal, etc.).
Do not ever communicate a student's grade via a social media site. Grades should only be communicated through the secure gradebook in CI Learn.
Remind students not to share personal information (their address, social security number, phone number, etc.).
Remind students to log out of a site, particularly if they use a public/shared computer.
Even with all of these practices in place, it is possible that you have a student that is fearful of participating in the open web. For example, a student may be a victim of stalking. Fear is not a feeling a learner should ever have. We need our students to feel safe. Be approachable, listen, discuss this student's concerns. If the accommodations you offer do not suffice, you will may need to find an alternative activity for the student.

Resources:

CSUCI's FERPA Information
Guidelines for Public, Student Class Blogs from HASTAC
FERPA and Social Media