Inappropriate Use

Recently, I overheard students talking about a site called rateyourteacher.com.  Although I couldn't tell exactly what they were saying, I could tell that there were things on this site that were probably not positive.  So, I decided to take a look, and I wish now that I hadn't.  Basically, it is a site where students and parents can anonymously comment and/or rate a given teacher.  Theoretically, this would be a beneficial tool, but the way it is used is not.  It filled with inappropriate comments about appearance, rash generalizations, and little to no constructive criticism.  I see NO point in a site like this.  Frankly, I do not want my name and supposed "critique" of my work skills, ethic, etc. out for the world to see (especially if it is inaccurate).  I am all for being evaluated, but this anonymous, fictitious "person" to use this site to degrade, humiliate, embarrass teachers is disgusting and wrong.

I have also heard of this site from students but did not know the name to it. I totally agree with you about how this site is very degrading and humiliating. I have not looked into the site because I know I would be just as disappointed as you are. When I was in college there was a similar website. I think it was something along the lines of "rate your professor." Sometimes there were positive comments but most of the time the website was used negatively. Students would tell each other to check the website before taking a class with certain professors because that teacher could be one of the "bad ones." There are many situations where people sit behind a computer and insult others because it is easy. That is what scares me about our digital world. People posting and saying things that are inappropriate or too much information that everyone doesn't need to see. The digital world can be used positively but it scares me how much the digital world is used negatively.

I have also heard students talking about "rate your teacher".  I have NOT looked at the site because I know the negative comments that are probably posted.  It is very easy for someone to post hurtful things sitting behind their computer screen.  I do not agree with this "anonymous poster".  I believe in evaluation and critique but students are not using this site in an appropriate way.