I have recently read a post entitled "Filter Fun" on http://weblogg-ed.com/. This article written by Will Richardson discusses the pros and cons (mostly the cons) of filtering on school district networks. The points that I would like to discuss are student safety and professional responsibility.
I realize that schools are trying to protect students from viewing any inappropriate or questionable sites, however, I agree with the author in that filtering inhibits the students from being able to filter for themselves in the future. At home, college, and at work, these sites might not be filtered for them and students need to act appropriately when questionable content pops up on the screen. As a teacher, I would not intentionally bring inappropriate content to the screen, however, if it would happen, why not use it as a teachable moment? Who can better address appropriateness than an educator? Students need to be taught how to make good decisions on what is appropriate and what is not. By filtering, we are avoiding the issue and students are left to figure it out when they may not be supervised.
Secondly, I agree that filters insult and inhibit us as educators and as professionals. Why can't I have access to an educational video just because it's on YouTube? Often times when I find a video that is educational and relevant to class, I spend my time trying to find the same video or a similar video on a non-filtered site such as TeacherTube. This is time wasted. I have a few specific examples from this year already. On the first day of school I wanted to show a clip from Finding Nemo about going to school that was on YouTube. I don't own the video and I could not find the same clip elsewhere so I canned the activity. In another instance, I found this interactive site http://www.mrnussbaum.com/fractions.htm, that has interactive practice and games that I can use with the interactive whiteboard in my classroom. Much to my surprise, when I tried to use the site at school, it was blocked! Now in this instance I was able to eventually have the site released, however, why as educators do we constantly need to jump over hurdles?
In conclusion, I agree with the author's suggestion to "have a policy in place to deal with incidents where teachers make poor choices..." and let students and teachers use the Internet to enhance education!
2 comments:
I get fustrated when I am searching the internet at school, and I am unable because of filtering. I try to aviod having the students research due to the fustration that I brings them.I agree with some filters on the students computers, but I don't agree with the filters on the teacher's computers. We are educated adults, and don't have time to "play" on the internet anyways! Thanks for the article.
Jeannette
In reference to Lindsey's post
I agree that students need to be prepared to handle pop-ups or inappropriate content when the encounter it on their own. However, I think this becomes a very difficult area to cover in any classroom. Inappropriate content is not a "maybe" without filters, it is a "definite"! Under no circumstances would I recommend that the filter be removed in the elementary. If it were, it would create a classroom/technology management nightmare. Perhaps a guide or educational resource could be provided to parents and they could be encouraged to handle the topic of critical/appropriate websurfing at home.
As for educators, I agree that the filter is not appropriate. There are loads of resources out there that are blocked by most filters that have a valid place in the classroom (whether for planning or instruction). In my district, all teachers have their own override user name and password. I'm sure our tech admins could check our usage and have probably called some teaches on it. But, for the most part I want to believe most educators would act as professionals and use their privileges responsibly.
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