LS 521- Spring ‘02
3/12/02
Article
Review #1:
Internet Search
Engines Add Filters! But Do They Work?
Larry Buchanan, Technology Coordinator, Poudre School District, Fort
Collins, CO
http://www.infotoday.com/mmschools/may99/networks.htm
An article review by Brian
Robinson March 12, 2002
The
article “Internet Search Engines Add Filters! But Do They Work?” is an
interesting and extremely appropriate article for both educators and
parents. Virtually every child today
will (or at least should) have access to the Internet for both educational and
recreational purposes.
The
article discusses the need for and effectiveness of Internet search engine
filters. According to the article,
there are currently two mainstream search engines that offer built-in filters: Alta Vista (AV Family Filter) and Infoseek (goGaurdian). The first simply gives the searcher the
option of choosing a filter, while the second does the same, but also places a
disclaimer before showing any material that it deems as adult and/or
inappropriate for children. The author
was in favor of the second, as that places some responsibility on students, who
therefore are aware of what material they are delving into. The author actually does test both sites and
finds mixed results, which is not surprising at all, given the search engine’s
disclaimers that no filter is perfect.
In conclusion, the author feels that supervision and education of
parents and instructors is crucial in limiting the availability and propensity
of students to view inappropriate online materials.
This
article raises several extremely important topics that bear inspection by
teachers and parents. The Internet is
by far the most diverse and limitless resource ever to be available as an
additional resource for classroom instruction and homework. For this reason, the Internet must be
embraced and utilized to the fullest extent by educators, parents, and
students. However, as with any tool or
resource, it must be monitored and controlled to ensure that students cannot
inadvertently or purposefully become exposed to adult subject matter. This is why Internet search filters can be
useful tools. However, filters alone
cannot be held responsible for the supervision of students, as it is in the
hands of educators and parents.
Educators are not able to control a child’s access to the Internet from
home, and likewise, parents assume that school systems are actively monitoring
where their children are searching on the Internet. Through the use of filters at school and supervision in both
places, children may be steered clear of unneeded exposure to unsuitable
materials.
To read more about Internet Search Filters click here!
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