Filtering

After researching on filtering and having the conference call, I have a better understanding of what filtering is and how it is used in schools.  While I think filtering has its purpose, I feel like it is a little extreme on what sites are allowed and what sites are blocked.  There are some sites that are blocked that would be useful in the classroom, but there are plenty of websites that I am glad are blocked.

  Again, the purpose of filtering is to keep students off of websites that aren’t intended for student view. Filtering is also used as a liability for schools. Schools can’t be held liable for students who get around the filter to view websites that aren’t appropriate for their age. Students are smarter than ever when it comes to bypassing filtering systems. Many figure out how to get around the filter by researching the sites IP addresses. Many website routinely change their IP addresses to allow students to use at schools. It’s hard for schools and filtering programs to keep up with all of the changes that occur daily with the hundreds of inappropriate sites found on the Web.  By using the alternative options that are available to assist the filtering systems, we must take a proactive approach to keep up to date with the ever-changing and always advancing digital world.

Reporting on the Securities Reports

What did you learn from these reports?
Most of the issues with security I was already aware of. The only issue I did not know much about was cyber terrorism. The report was well laid out, and very informative. I was able to read the report and understand how big of a threat cyber terrorism is for our country. 

What surprised me?
Reading about AUPs was something that I never really think about but are a great idea. We went one to one this year, and I hope the school required students to sign an AUP. I know students were told to not use their chromebooks for certain things, but having a contract that they have to abide by would make the "rules" more black and white. You don't follow the AUP, there will be consequences. 

Which of these problems would concern me more than others? 
I would say the cyber terrorism is the most concerning for me. Seeing how easy it is for someone to steal your private information is concerning enough, but to think of it being widespread for the entire country is scary. With the Internet, there is always a possibility of your information becoming compromised. I like to think that it is never going to be used against me, but that has already proved otherwise. Personally seeing the effects of what happens when your credit card information is taken and used, I can't imagine this as a wide spread situation. You must put your trust in the government. It's the only thing that is keeping our information safe.

How Private is the Internet?

When I researched my name on the Internet, the most interesting information I found wasn't even about myself. I found out there was a famous Canadian artist by the same name as myself. When I researched my maiden name, I was able to find some sites that showed my address, my age, and my relatives names. Its kind of scary to think that all of this information if free for the taking. I try hard to keep everything private, especially when students have such free access to the Internet.

It would be interesting to have this be an assignment for students to complete. Showing them how easy it is to find information on themselves and family members and how important it is not to post everything on the Internet.