Implications
and Conclusions
The study results
indicated that further studies might examine how middle and high school
students feel about Internet filtering, and whether they perceive it
as a barrier to academic success. Also, results showed that teachers
should meet with administrators to discuss ways to minimize the impact
that Internet filtering has upon learning so that academic opportunities
are maximized.
This study was conducted to determine the effects of Internet filtering
and restricted Internet access in a school system and its effect on
teaching and learning. It determined that although some students may
break rules that have been set to protect them from harmful or indecent
material that is available on the Internet, administrators should try
to find other creative disciplinary methods to reduce such violations.
This would eliminate restrictive measures such as a total ban to Internet
access because findings indicate that productivity is reduced, and it
negatively impacts job performance among teachers and administrators.
These findings might add to the scope of opinions regarding the appropriateness
of Internet filtering rather than to a total ban of Internet access
in the classroom and the school environment.
About
the Author
Deborah Simmons is a graduate
student in Instructional Technology/Library Media at Georgia College
and State University in Milledgeville, GA.
dgsim@bellsouth.net
Send correspondence to:
Department of Education
Instructional Technology/Library Media
Box 31061
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA 31061
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Appendix
Internet Filter Survey
To prevent offensive online content, to safeguard children, some schools
have enacted software designed to filter offensive material. The purpose
of this survey is to examine teacher and administrative staff perceptions
about filtering information online in school. Survey responses remain
anonymous and help to fulfill my graduate requirements.
1. What is your area of expertise?
Computer Technology__
Social Studies__ Science ___ Math ___ History___ Geography ___ Library
Media ___ Foreign Language___ Admin. Staff___ Principal___
2. How many
years of computer experience do you have?
1-3 ___
3-5 ___ 5 or more___
3. What is your gender?
Male ___ Female ___
4. How often do you use
the Internet?
Daily ___
Several times a
week ___
Weekly ___
Monthly ___
Never ___
5. What kinds of tasks
do you perform on the Internet?
E-mail ___ Research
___ Attendance ___ Grades ___ Distance learning for self___ Communicate
with students at home ___ Create instructional materials ___
6. Is filter software
installed on all the computers at your school?
Yes ___ No ___
7. Do you use techniques
to get around the filter program?
Yes ___ No ___
8. Have any tasks been
jeopardized since the software was installed?
Yes ___ No ___
9. Do you design lesson
plans that integrate technology into the lesson?
Yes ___ No ___
10. Do you have technical
support at your school?
Yes ___ No ___
11. Are legitimate sites
blocked because the filter program is installed on the computers?
Yes___ No ___
12. Has the filter program
eliminated offensive web sites?
Yes ___ No ___
13. Are students required
to sign a computer user agreement?
Yes ___ No ___
14. Are students punished
for downloading offensive material?
Yes ___ No ___
15. Please provide your
comments about blocking Internet access in schools?
