The use of social media in higher education classrooms is on the rise as faculty employ a
variety of software tools and free web applications to enhance learning, communication,
and engagement. Web 2.0 social software exists beyond traditional course management
systems and potentially opens up the academic environment to a public space. This
article presents important issues for educators to consider as they use these new tools by
investigating the ramifications of moving academic activities to a public sphere and
examining how laws that govern our academic freedoms and behaviors translate in this
new environment. The discussion focuses on concerns specific to incorporating the use
of social media and user-generated content into the teaching and learning environment in
higher education, touching on compliance with disability and privacy law, intellectual
property rights, copyright law, and the fair use exemption providing practical advice with
each area of consideration.