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| To Block Or Put a Lock |
The internet is a powerful source of information and forum for free expression. It has become one of the most popular sources for accessing information and communicating with friends, family and people across the globe. However, sometimes users use the internet in negatives ways. These include cyber bulling, slandering, and pornography.
There have been several debates as to how much internet access should be allowed in schools in recent times. In December 2000, Congress passed The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requiring all public schools that receives federal funds for internet access to install blocking software. Specifically, CIPA requires schools and libraries that receive federal funds for internet access under the E-rate Program of the Universal Service Program and the LSTA to adopt internet safety policies. CIPA requires schools to:
1. Monitor the online activities of students under 17 years of age.
2. Restrict access of minors and adults to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography and content that are harmful to minors.
I think internet access should be controlled in schools. However, as the web above shows teachers could have more access to more websites that do students. Yes, I want students to have access, but most students cannot be trusted and will go farther than are expected to. I strongly agree that access to the internet impacts learning. These 21st Century students love these technology devices and they gravitate to them. The internet is one way that teachers can motivate students in the classrooms. When teachers have more access to some sites they are able to pick material that is suitable for students. Many of these web 2.0 tools such as YouTube and Twitter have many advantages and can impact learning in many positive ways. There are several educational videos that are available on YouTube that can be used to enhance the learning process and cater to differentiated instruction in the classroom. Twitter can be used to help students in their writing and also motivate them to write more.
Technology is the most effective way we have found for introducing students to the global nature of information. It allows users to find, synthesize, and share information in a variety of unique ways. Cumberland County schools (CCS) District Technology Policy students have Legal obligations. Students in Middle and High school have internet accounts and they and parents have to sign an agreement stating that they agree to adhere to all federal, state, and local laws regarding the use of technology.
Teachers and students have access to the same number of sites via the internet, such as yahoo and google. Some sites that are blocked by CCS are Facebook, Twitter, YouTube just to name a few.
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Cumberland County Schools
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| Internet in schools |
As a teacher at CCS I would be happy if some of these sites were made available to teachers. However not only CCS but a number of other school district also block these sites. This is telling me that some teachers cannot be trusted as well. As Steve McLeod stated in his article Blocking the Future and I quote, " If a district has decided to figure out ways to facilitate technolgy usage and empower students and staff, the policies will follow accordingly. If a district determine to treat technology from a fearful or wary standpoint, its policies will reflect that position as well.
Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Cumberland County Schools
staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer
network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s
Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the
Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection
measures shall be the responsibility of the Executive Director of Technology or
designated representatives.
Differentiation makes a big difference, in that, I believe that teacher can be given more choices when it comes on to accessing certain sites.
ReplyDeleteI also agree 100% that the internet can benefit the teaching and learning situations and I am a living proof of that, but as you say, we have to keep it real and see that this does not work for all students when they are in control over what they see and have access to. We know what can happen.
That is so true Shornett, training a child on the correct use of the internet is a wonderful thing but as you said not all children are the same and not all of them follow the rules as outlined.
ReplyDeleteBlocking by putting a block on sites is a wonderful way, but give the teacher a way to access it using thier password unique to them.
That's my view on the situation.
I agree that the internet is a great motivation tool. The internet provides us with various Web 2.0 tools that can serve to teach in a creative way the same concepts that pen and paper does.
ReplyDeleteTeachers need to have access to appropriate materials as you pointed out as well.
Good points!
Your graphic regarding 'Differentiated Content' is really what I'd personally like to see in schools. This approach makes better sense to me because as responsible adults we should be trusted to use the internet responsibly. This would allow teachers to access so many more useful resources for use with their class. Thank you so much for these wonderful ideas.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post. It is very informative and I particularly liked the differentiated internet filter model graphic you posted. This supports how internet access should be differentiated for staff and student. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI too am a big fan of Wes Fryer's differentiated concept.
ReplyDeleteOne thing you stated bothers me some, because I wonder if I am too naive. You said "most students cannot be trusted and will go farther than are expected to." Most? Any data to back that up? I have always been a big believer in the 80/20 rule, which would have us believe that 80 percent of our problems are caused by 20 percent of our students. But 20% is not "most." Why do we negatively impact the learning of the 80% because of the actions of the 20%?
Or am I just naive and 80% of our students cannot be trusted?
No Sir you are not being naive. That's the way I see it too. It takes me back to the saying - 'One bad apple spoiling the whole batch'. It all boils down to simple trust. How do we see our kids and very important, how do our kids view us? Do they believe we really trust them or do they see us constantly looking over their shoulders? Sometimes we have to give a little to get a lot. Just my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThis is really a controversial topic.Students cannot be trusted therefore teachers should suffer the consequences?? Thats ridiculous. Two points you mentioned in your blog which I totally agree with the internet should be controled in schools and teachers should have access to those blocked websites you mentioned. I guess their interpretation of "control" is blocking certain websites.There are many different ways to control the use of the internet you do not necessarily have to block a web site to gain control. For example There are certain television stations we do not allow our children to watch do we block the stations ?No, we monitor what they watch. This can also apply to the use of internet in schools.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Post.
ReplyDeleteWe need to monitor students who are minors and also those who are not because their minds are to be dangerous not based on age but on what they want to cause others to become or to be treated.
I also agree with restricting the access to obscene language, pornography or any other means that harm our neighbor in any sense. Education is the answer.
Although technology helps us in the classroom, we need to control the amount of it until their wholesome habits are established and human hearts and minds do not create crafty acts towards others.
One thing to do is have established rules and procedures on internet use. I always remind students that they can lose their privilage if they abuse and remind them of the contract signed.
ReplyDeleteStudents will always want to visit other sites and that is why they should be monitored.
I have read and yes I may have exaggerated a bit. I guess to empahsize my point. Yes, you will find a 80/20 % Sir. Take a simple example. There are school rules and all students know the rules, but don't you have students breaking the rules. My stance is that there have to be some blocking, but teachers should be able to access more that students do. I guess what Janet said " one bad apple spoils the whole basket. Or maybe the good will have to suffer for the bad. I would say the BAD is outweighing the Good in this case. Again, there are some teachers that can't be trusted either!
ReplyDeleteJust my views!
A fitting close my friend. Regardless of personal feelings 'some of us' indeed cannot be trusted. We wait and hope for the day when all these 'walls' will be down because complete trust in each other has been achieved. Well done!
ReplyDelete