Information on Student Monitoring Software

Since 2001, schools are required by law to have strict computer policies and to use computer monitoring software. The federal law, called the Internet Protection Act, specifically calls for content filter software that blocks websites containing pornographic or obscene material.

Despite the federal push towards safe computer use at school, students, and even teachers, have found ways to get around the Internet filters put in place. The Southeast Missourian reports that several teachers and school officials have been fired or resigned because of misusing school computers.

Did you know: The majority of computer use infractions are made by students and not by faculty?

• Indiana high school biology teacher fired for having 100's of nude photos of young women on a school computer.
• Iowa superintendent resigned after being accused of gambling and viewing adult sites on a school network
• Two Missouri teachers resigned after being accused of gambling and visiting pornographic sites at work

Cape Girardeau public schools superintendent Dr. David Scala says that misuse of computers by employees is rare in school districts. While some districts may get a few calls about employees doing things they shouldn't be doing on work computers, the majority of infractions are made by students, according to Kelli Hopkins, a lawyer and director of education policies for the Missouri School Boards' Association.

Many districts require school employees and students to sign Internet usage agreements that clearly outline what's not allowed on school computers. The Missouri School Boards' Association wrote a policy that many schools are using as a model. The model policy prohibits viewing or distributing material that's pornographic, obscene, vulgar, or advertises services or products not permitted to minors.

Even though state and federal laws require schools to monitor student computers, many schools use Internet filters that block pornographic sites on all school computers, whether the computers are used by students or staff. And even though schools have Internet blockers in place, some users find ways to get around computer filters. This is why the ability to monitor computers, as well as block websites, is important.

Scott City school district has software that can track computer activities, in addition to blocking unwanted sites. This ensures that documentation will exist if a user misuses a school computer. Teachers can monitor student computers, and school officials can monitor staff workstations. It's important for schools to keep up with technology trends so the most up-to-date monitoring software is put in place. For example, schools may want to consider a program that can monitor instant messages, especially since chatting has become common even with young children.

Schools should look for software with full monitoring and blocking capabilities. WebWatcher has the most advanced monitoring system available and works remotely so school officials and teachers don't have to physically access monitored computers in order to view the recorded data. WebWatcher's content filter offers the most powerful and easy-to-use technology available to make monitoring a large number of computers easy - even for a computer novice.

Schools have a responsibility to protect students from the dangers of the Internet on school computers. Imagine the frustration of parents who may try to monitor and restrict their children's Internet use at home, only to find that their child is exposed to inappropriate material at school. The key to creating a safe cyber environment for students is to keep the lines of communication open by clearly stating and explaining expectations, and to let students know that monitoring software is in place.

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