Erin Haines

SLM 521

Filtering Elective

May 7, 2005

Filtering

Pros

1. It allows educators to block inappropriate websites from being accessed in schools.
2. It has different settings available for the desired level of filtering.
3. It allows educators to give parents a peace of mind about their child’s internet surfing activities.
4. In a way, it makes teachers less responsible for content that is accessed.
5. There is federal funding available and many companies that provide the service for schools.

Cons

1. Software isn’t always reliable. Filtering isn’t a perfect science. It doesn’t always block unwanted information.
2. Filtering could be considered a form of censorship. It can block out useful information for students.
3. It is expensive to filter.
4. Filtering does not give students the opportunity to be independent. .
5. It makes teachers feel like the school doesn’t have confidence in them to protect the students.

I believe I have a responsibility as a teacher to protect my students from harmful material on the internet. Providing them with a safety checklist and rules for internet use helps. They also need to understand that they have the chance to lose their internet privileges, if they break my rules. As teachers, we can not control everything that goes on in the classroom but we can provide guidance and education to our students. The presence of filtering in a school will greatly change the responsibility of a teacher. The teacher is not responsible for a failed filtering system. However, because of filtering a teacher may be faced with more censor ship issues than usual.