GEM 4 Cyber Law by Aimee M. Bissonette Chapter 5 The School as an Internet Service Provider

This chapter talked about the importance of schools providing Internet service to their students.  It began by talking about how the Navajo nation, rural schools, African American, Hispanics, those living in poverty, and those who are disabled have low access to the Internet through the schools.  It explains how it is vitally important for all of these students to have access to the Internet because it is such a big part of life in the United States today.  Students are expected to have computer skills as they enter college and many jobs require the use of computers so all students should have access to computers so that they can at least develop basic skills.

The second issue the chapter discusses is the ability of students to access sexually explicit material.   It talked about the use of filtering software but also explained how in high school this may be set low so that students can access more information they may need.  The danger of this is that students may come across inappropriate websites as well.  Schools were forced to use filtering systems through the Children's Internet Protection Act in order to receive E-Rate funding.  Schools must avoid over filtering though because if they do not it may impede the educational process and could expose them to lawsuits.  On the other hand, if they do not keep a close eye on their filtering system and students access inappropriate web sites they could be exposed to law suits so it is a fine line school have to tow in providing Internet service to their students.

The role of the school is to provide as many students as possible with access to the Internet.  They can not provide all students without home access to the Internet but those that they can do should receive a rich computer and Internet experience.  The book suggests that schools should build computer skills into the curriculum and and provide software that provides critical-thinking skills and how to use a computer as well as drill and practice software.  Another suggestions for schools is that they establish a computer take-home programs for their students.  In allowing students to have this access to the Internet they need to establish a balanced filter system that will allow the students to access the things they may need while also protecting them from inappropriate sites.  They should have strictly written policies that students must follow in order to use the schools computers and Internet service.  Teacher need to closely monitor their students to be sure they are not going to these inappropriate places and that they are using if for what was intended.  Teachers need to instruct their students in how to access and use the Internet appropriately.  They should also address the issue of Internet safety with their students so that they learn how to safely access information and avoid those sites that would not be appropriate.  They  should be taught how to access the sites they will want to use and what they should do if they ever come across an inappropriate site.  These things should be taught to children beginning at an early age.  It is important for students to learn how to recognize these inappropriate content and understand how to respond to this content in the safest way.