Journal 9

Are Schools Inhibiting 21st Century Learning?
By Dave Nagel

This article examines how schools filter internet sites, such as MySpace and YouTube, and states that this can be negatively impacting the student experience by denying students access to these social networks. I was particularly appreciative of the discussion related to gaming and the positive comments students have made relating to their ability to experience other cultures and perspectives through this medium. As a gamer, I found this to be true for me as well. Other relevant points of discussion found within this article included identifying valuable mobile technologies including cell phones, laptops, iPods, and others. According to a survey cited in this article, the “Speak Up Survey”, laptop computers are the best device for enhancing technology and learning.

Question 1:

Should students have certain sites filtered on school campuses?

I have a mixed feeling about this. I truly appreciate the value of MySpace and YouTube content in terms of educational and social benefits. However, there is a vast amount of inappropriate material available on these web pages. This makes it dangerous to allow young students unfiltered access to these websites. The danger of students coming into contact with this inappropriate material makes it critical that some steps are taken to prevent access to these web pages. I think that it is best to maintain a filter for YouTube and MySpace but to provide teachers with some sort of access code to allow them to use content they identify as appropriate and valuable, which will bypass the filters and allow the teacher to access these resources when they desire.

Question 2:

Do I think that schools are enhancing learning or limiting it?

I have to say that I think that school enhance the learning experience with technology even if they deny students access to websites like MySpace and YouTube. Students still have access to google searches, Wikipedia, blogs, and many other online resources which can be extremely valuable in their own right. Therefore I think that schools can continue to enhance the 21st century learning experience without allowing students unfiltered access to the internet. Because of the mature content and dangerous programs inherent in internet use (porn, viruses, flaming, etc), it is important that educators and schools take the necessary precautions to prevent students from being negatively affected by this content.