Martavious K.

Johnson
1. Does your school/school district use Internet Filtering Software?
In my school district, we do use Internet Filtering Software.
2. Who makes decisions about what is blocked (filtered) in you district?
The decisions about what is blocked is made by the Information Technology
department at the district. Computers and other technological devices are to be
used for educational purposes only. This is governed through the use of Internet
Filtering Software and other expectations and guidelines.
3. Do teachers, parents, and/or students have a voice in this decision? How much?
Teachers have a voice in this decision because it is our duty to monitor use of
the technological devices. Should we see infractions or websites unbefitting, we
are to confiscate the device(s), and report the website to our building-level
technology instructional supervisor. From there, the instructional supervisor will
ensure the website is blocked and protected by the Internet Filtering Software.
Parents and students have very little say in the websites deemed appropriate for
instructing lifelong learners.
4. Does grade level (Elementary, Middle, Secondary) determine what is and is not
blocked?
In the interest of the whole educational system, there are no specific security
precautions for each grade level. Internet Filtering Software is used for every
grade level and the same websites are blocked unless a teacher requests
permission with valid reasoning.
5. Can you (or one of you colleagues) access the different Web 2.0 tools discussed
in this weeks Module for use in the instructional process.
Yes, I am able to access the different web 2.0 tools discussed in this weeks
Module for use in the instructional process.
6. Can a teacher request that a site be un-blocked for use in the instructional
process? Is there a process in place for doing this? Who do they have to ask?
A teacher is able to request that a site be un-blocked for use in the instructional
process. A request must be made to the building-level administration and the
building-level technology instructional supervisor. The website is reviewed for
instructional purposes, and the result is shared with the teacher it is able to be
reviewed by students. This process does not have to occur often because the
district provides us with several web resources for each subject.
7. Given the potential for students to encounter undesirable material on the
Internet, what is the appropriate balance between protection and free access to
information?
It is the responsibility of the staff to monitor student use of the Internet, through
either direct supervision, or by monitoring Internet use history, to ensure that
technology is being used within the context of the districts instructional
program, educational goals, and to enforce the Internet Safety Policy and

Acceptable Use Policy. Additionally, my district takes precautions to prevent

unauthorized access to electronic student records and information. It is
important students understand the devices are used for educational purposes
and only for those purposes. Once this is understood, the students will value the
devices and use them appropriately.
8. What is your professional position on the use of Internet Filtering Software and
its place in schools today and in the future?
Professionally, Internet Filtering Software is necessary. Students tend to lose
focus of the instructional purposes and this is when the software comes into play.
I do feel the teachers should have access to software in the classroom level
because we are the ones in the trenches daily. For the future, I do feel there is
a need for technology in the classroom to allow students the opportunity to
compete globally with other students. Technology shapes learners and creates
relevant experiences necessary for students to grow. There must be monitoring
and the way to do it is through Internet Filtering Software.