10.5. Use of Technology in Classroom and Social Media
Participation in social media and online activities such as blogging, tweeting, wiki, and other forms of online publishing is pervasive in our culture. As a future health care professional, you will be held to a higher standard of behavior regarding the use of these types of activities. The tenets of professionalism, good taste, and common sense should influence every aspect of your social media interaction. If, as part of your activities online, you identify yourself as a student of the MGH Institute, you are speaking in a public forum (even when privacy settings limit access) as a representative of the IHP and the PA profession as a whole.
Effective use of technology is encouraged to enrich the learning experience at the Institute. Students should bring laptop computers or tablets to the classroom to take notes, to refer to PowerPoint™ presentations, to refer to websites relevant to the class discussion, or to take online exams. Students should NOT use any electronic devices for non-class activities during class time. E-mail or other forms of personal communication, including text messaging during class, are inappropriate, even if related to class activities, unless specifically required by the instructor.
Students must not post information related to patients or clinical experiences (even when de-identified) on any social media site. This is in direct violation of the HIPAA policy of the Institute and will result in disciplinary action. Be aware that faculty, preceptors, and administrators may monitor sites periodically for compliance. Students who become aware of posts that violate policies of the Institute or program are expected to report those violations to a faculty or staff member.