Social Software – Ban don’t think!

Posted by Peter Ford in UncategorizedApr 25th, 2007 | 3 responses

What dynamic is at work when schools or LEA’s take unilateral decisions to ban sites like YouTube without even consulting students (or teachers for that matter)?

YouTubeToss out a few negative soundbytes based on unbalanced media coverage and harp on about ‘duty of care’ and the decision is soon justified. Often though, there is not even a decision that anyone, in this era of transparency, can challenge or track. Where are the lists of sites published that are banned so that they can become an agenda item on the school council or at a staff meeting? Evaluating real websites for their suitability for task would be a purposeful learning activity for both teachers and students. Identifying, weighing up and avoiding potential risks while enjoying the benefits of a website is a creative challenge that faces everyone. Going through this process as a school community offers ownership of internet use decisions, something that is sadly lacking in many schools.

And what do students thinks about this state of affairs? Nothing! They do not care because it simply confirms to them the increasing irrelevance of their formal education to their everyday life. Whatever!



3 Responses to “Social Software – Ban don’t think!”

  1. mark says:
    June 6, 2007 at 10:39 pm

    Well as an LEA our schools all decide on the suitability of sites – this is done through the comtack of the IT Support Staff via email list. YouTube and all social networking sites are blocked here as it happens, a result of considered deliberation tho’ and not of blanket ban by faceless beuracrat.

  2. Peter Ford says:
    June 11, 2007 at 5:58 pm

    Great – you should be very proud of the system. I’m sure it serves the students well.

  3. Barron says:
    June 28, 2007 at 10:35 pm

    As an educator I see both sides to this problem. We as an institution are responsibly both morally and by the law to at all costs prevent inappropriate material. The solution ultimately is not preventing but educating students/people the proper use of the internet and Social Networking / Collaborative sites. Life is dangerous and we teach our children to be cautious, crossing the street or on the internet both need education.

    Stop by my first blog tell me what you think. It’s my first so be nice.

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