Complying+with+FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (1974) was developed long before the Internet became an important system for education and some of the provisions of the act must be interpreted in light of current practices.

Essentially, FERPA requires that educational institutions protect the rights of students concerning their education records.

With respect to the issues relating to FERPA and the use of social media in higher learning the following article discusses many of the issues. http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-with-technology-articles/ferpa-and-social-media/

When using social media applications learners should do so without identifying themselves, or their institution, and without indicating that the submission is part of an academic endeavor.

One of the current best practices with respect to using online social media is through the use of an Anonymous account.