Education PLN 10-11-07

Even More on Filtering

I this article, posted on the Fischbowl by Mr. Fisch, he talks about how more and more filters are being set up in schools for inappropriate sites found on the internet today, and how many sites are being blocked when there is nothing wrong with them. In our school today all Google and Youtube videos have been blocked because of the potential danger online. He says “Our philosophy is to have high expectations for our students, to educate them to behave ethically, responsibly and safely and then expect that they will do the right thing. When they don’t, they know we’ll have a conversation and try to learn from the mistake, but we don’t assume they are going to screw up. In other words, our philosophy has been to educate, not ban.” He also references many other teachers who have either commented on his blog or sent him an e-mail regarding his blog, agreeing with them. They say that students should be trusted to make their own “good judgment” in internet preferences.

I also agree with Mr. Fisch and his previously mentioned bloggers who responded to him. I think that teenagers should be able to make their decision on whether a web site is safe or not. Although I do believe that there are some students who shouldn’t have that freedom among their hands. I knew of many teachers who, in middle school, used Youtube to show a piece of a video that was then later annotated as a class. I think some video sites should be allowed to be viewed for educational purposes. Some teachers may not have funding to be able to provide a video for class viewing, which is not found in the library, and might have to find an online edition to show. If that is the case now as far as I know they won’t be able to view any of those videos. In the end I think certain sites should be allowed for the benefit of the teacher and class, as long as it is viewed by school “officials,” and is approved.