Is a teacher messaging a student over AIM acceptable?

Question

regarding personal issues...?

i rily dont mind, it was about a problem i was having....becuz we had spoken earlier in the day

Answer 1

I think there are two separate questions here; Should your teacher be instant messaging you - and - should your teacher be discussing personal issues with you.

If you are in junior high or high school - it sounds like a potentially bad situation. Even though you mentioned you are OK with it - you posted this question so there must be something about it in the back of your mind that is bothering you.

I'd request that the teacher no longer use that avenue of communication. I'd also find out what your school's policy is on such matters.

If you are in a college or a university - it's a little different. I teach a couple courses in computer applications and I and my students are constantly IMing each other at home and at school - but it is always school related and integral to the curriculum.

By the way - check out AIM and see if there is a preference you can check that will allow you to save transcripts of all your chats. I'm almost certain it can. You should do that.

Answer 2

I would say no. Teachers can listen to a student in need but inside the classroom...with a door open. Teachers and students need never be alone or having private personal conversations. It will turn ugly and get uncomfortable. Report the teacher anonymously to the administration.

Answer 3

Under the law. NO. Teachers are considered in a position of authority and should not be involved with their students on a personal level. Socially yes as long as parents are aware of the level of involvement. Univeristy and College can be different due to age. Although their is a ethical and moral dilema that depends on the institution. Either way this is not acceptable behaviour.

Answer 4

No. It is unprofessional. I've taught 33 years, and contact with a student should take place in the context of the learning environment and in a classroom with plenty of others (witnesses) present. No teacher dedicated to the profession should message a student over AIM.

Answer 5

That is very inappropriate. If it was for homework help, that might be okay as long as your parents were involved, but he/she has no business chatting with you about personal issues on AIM. If you are having problems, you should talk to your teacher in a controlled environment with other adults present.

Answer 6

Regarding personal issues? No. Anything that needs to be said in that area should be said in the school. Now, AIM for questions about school-related stuff...no biggie. In that environment it's bound to be informal just don't get carried away.

Answer 7

Never. They should only send the student emails. There is no circumstance whatsoever in which a teacher should ever be instant messaging a student, even if that student messages them first.

Answer 8

I would never do that. You never know what you might be opening yourself for. When contacting my students I always do it at school with the door open. You may not think anything of it. It does not matter what you think of a situation what matters is what others think of a situation.

Answer 9

Uhm, hell no!

He/she is opening just opening him/herself up for trouble and speculation. If a teacher must communicate with a student electronically, they should do it over email and make sure that they CC someone, anyone.

Answer 10

You might be opening yourself up to having untrue claims made against you.
I would stick with phone or mail, and preferably with another adult close at hand.