Dispatches from the Front Lines (Cont.)
So here’s a concept. Teach the kids how to use Google images instead of blocking it so that the elementary school teachers can actually find pictures of doves to supplement their lessons. From Kim Moritz comes this startling news that her school is going to:
Stop filtering everything, teach kids how and where they can go on-line while in school, and give consequences to the 2% who make a mistake. Our students are supervised at all times in school, so add software that allows the study hall teaching assistant to monitor all computers from his desktop. Talk to teachers and students about appropriate use. Remind parents in the district newsletter about our acceptable use policy and explain our philosophy about educating our students rather than prohibiting them.I think they call this common sense. Wise use of our computer investment. Using our resources to educate our young people. Preparing a response through consequences for those few students who get past the filtering of salacious content. Talk about our plan.
As I told Kim, it reminds me of a quote Chris Lehmann had in his recent podcast interview with Steve Hargadon:
“The fear of what could go wrong can’t stop me from doing what’s right.”
Good on ya’…
Technorati Tags: kim_moritz, shifts, filtering, education
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We had an interesting discussion at our District tech meeting. One high school teacher wanted the district to block UTube. Several of us said “Whoa!”
Our conclusion was that if a site provided more educational benefits than annoyances, the site would not be blocked. I was so proud of our tech committee for being willing to stand up and not have everything blocked that might have something controversial on it-or something stupid.
I am having a similar situation in my district (but on the other side) where things are getting blocked.
Does anyone have any examples of protocals or resources I could use to help this situation? We currently block video (and some other things. Any help would be appreciated.
It amazes me that with the technology (like being able to monitor student computers) we don’t use it wisely. I also find it amazing that we don’t think we SHOULD be teaching how to use the technology appropriately, effectively, and critically.
How about this for follow up? Our superintendent called me this morning and said “it’s not that you’re spoiled, getting what you want with the technology, it’s that what you say is so darn logical.” YES! Here’s a guy who believes more in the individual than protecting his own butt. Here’s a guy who’s listening and is brave enough to say, “okay, that makes sense”. We’re on the agenda for the Board this Wednesday, here’s hoping I have a convincing argument and the deed could be done, start to finish, within a week. Will–you MUST keep teaching school leaders–where would we be had I not attended your session in July? Seriously, guy, you do make a difference.
And hey, nice article in “Principal” magazine though I’m waiting for my copy–they are nice enough to send me one gratis because of your quote about G-Town in the magazine. Thanks!
[...] I have been reading some blogs that John as pointed me to - I find this one interesting from Will Richardson - Dispatches from the Front Lines. Teach students to use technology correctly and provide tools to help them stay on track instead of filtering everything out. I found this part interesting - [...]
[...] Welcome! If you’re new here, you may want to sign up for email updates (look to your right) or subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! I was rather startled, and amazingly pleased, to read two bits of news this morning. The first is via Weblogg-ed, where Will reports on a school that has decided to stop filtering and blocking everything to do with the Internet. They decided that teaching students to use technology responsibility was more important than the 2% who tend to misbehave and use it inappropriately. Hallelujah! The other was on the Cool Cat Teacher Blog, where Vicki Davis has decided to record and make available audio recordings of all her lessons. A bold move, Vicki, and an exciting one! Bookmark:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]
I’m sure if you ask WHY your school filters, one of the reasons (there are probably more) is that the discount they get (called E-Rate) requires it. What many district “officials” don’t understand is that any blocking may be disabled for educators performing research or for other “legal” purposes.
I’m working with my district to ensure that there is a way for a teacher to un-block content, check it for appropriateness and “legality”, and then if it is found to conform to the guidelines set forth by the district, use it for educational purposes. The biggest fight I’ve been having is that my school blocks “MP3 Download” sites due to bandwidth concerns, but in doing so, they also block Podcasts.
I know it’s not the same as giving students unfettered access, but as long as E-Rate requires COPA-mandated filters, this could be a partial solution.
Education Blogosphere Survey…
Scott McLeod is one of the "Edubloggers" I have been reading lately. ……
Will,
I of course agree with you about filtering and good citizenship.
I am however a bit queasy about teachers (or study-hall teaching assistants) monitoring student computer-use from his/her desktop.
Teaching is not air-traffic control. Step away from the desktop!