-Dept. of Ed. Blocks the Web

by S. E. Lake

A few years ago, a student was suspended for viewing pornography via the school internet. A year later, the Department of Education installed a system that restricted certain websites from being viewed via the school internet because “School is a place for learning and not social networking,” according to Faviola Berbier, a senior.

Administrators claimed that students were frequently viewing inappropriate and non-educational websites while attending an institution of learning. Therefore, they created a network called the Education Technology Area Network (ETAN). This network can only be accessed with computers or personal laptops that have been configured. Additionally, the software filters the network by blocking certain websites, and protecting against spyware and viruses. So currently, many internet sites that were accessible to both teachers and students are now blocked.

Although some people resent the restrictions, some students think it is good idea to block websites “Because of nasty sites like pornography sites,” according to a student.

“Some sites are inappropriate for school settings and may try to be accessed,” said Jenisha Stapleton, a sophomore.

“They are correct because it has some students that come in the library to post bad stuff about others and to visit vulgar sites,” according to another student.

No matter what their age or maturity level, all students are denied access to many sites by the Department of Education to reduce or prevent lawsuits, bullying, and negative peer pressure.

Some Blocked Sites are Educational

The Department of Education blocked certain websites to control the students’ internet usage.

However, some of the sites blocked relate to the lessons in various classes.

However, some people feel the websites that do not pose a threat to the students learning should be unblocked. They feel that some of the sites that have been blocked are informative and assist students with the comprehension of concepts taught in their classes.

The websites that have been blocked include Facebook, Wikipedia, Yahoo Answers, YouTube, and many other social networks and “inappropriate sites.”

“Wikianswers, you can use it to get information, and on YouTube you can watch an educated video such as the presidential debate,” said Sarah Victorine, a senior at Kean High.

Although some may argue that educational websites can be viewed at home or elsewhere, many students still rely on the school internet to get the necessary information to understand assignments and complete projects.

“It is harder for some students to understand without tutorial videos that are shown on the blocked sites,” explained Sarah Victorine. If certain [educational] websites were unblocked, “They will be able to get their projects done faster,” she added.

Furthermore, teachers are affected by the restrictions put on the internet usage. They rely on videos or virtual learning activities for students to comprehend and retain the information. For example, some teachers use interactive and informative videos on the web to explain the chapter of the textbook. So without access to those websites, teachers are forced to spend an excessive amount of time on one lesson.

Unfortunately, the websites that are partially educational have been restricted by the policies of the Dept. of Education. To unblock a site that corresponds to a chapter, a teacher would be required to submit the name of the website to the Help Desk. The administrators at the Help Desk will review the information and approve or disapprove the website. If the site is approved, it will be unblocked immediately.

But sometimes, teachers are put on hold indefinitely. “For me it’s almost tragic,” said Ms. Amy Roberts, an English teacher at Kean High. “I teach Journalism, and for years I've shown my students clips from The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. These two shows are satirical. They make fun of our leaders who do stupid things.

“My students love these clips because they’re very funny and the students learn a lot, but these two shows are on Comedy Central and they're blocked. I've contacted the head of technology in September. He said he would unblock the sites for me, but so far I can't get through to anyone to actually unblock them. My students are missing out on a very educational experience,” she added.