Discussion #5 - Internet Dangers & Software Filtering

Dangers:
Pornography
Inappropriate language
Immoral content
Information that goes against the student’s religion
Students may spend way too much time on the Internet
Not good for eyes
Not good for health (lack of exercise)
Less time being with family and friends
Predators
Gives students another avenue to find ways to get into trouble
Gives students opportunities to plagiarize easier – ethical issues


Strategies:
Introduction and regular review of the Acceptable Use Policy
Position computers so the teacher can view every screen
There is software available that teachers can see every screen on the teacher’s computer screen, as well as, lock students out of access, demonstrate on the student’s computer, and let students see your computer screen
Proximity to the student – walk around often
Use WebQuests – direct the student’s clicking


Effectiveness of Internet Filtering:
From my experience one school I student taught at had no filtering at all. The students regularly accessed sites that had nothing to do with education. The mentor teacher allowed it to go on – most of the students did not turn their work in on time and some did not turn anything in. The next school I went to had filtering and it was very frustrating. Many educational sites were blocked and a request to add the site to the approved list took forever – so, you either had to plan very far in advance or do something else altogether. What I observed was that the filtering was inconsistent in that it sometimes allowed sites and sometimes did not. According to “no filtering system is 100 percent fail proof. A diligent student will be successful at locating inappropriate material if it is out there.” The third school I taught at had filtering set at a minimum level, but also had software the teacher could view every computer. This seemed to work the most effectively at keeping the kids safe.