Schaffhauser, D. (2010, December 01). It's time to trust teachers with the internet: a conversation with meg ormiston. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/12/01/its-time-to-trust-teachers-with-the-internet-a-conversation-with-meg-ormiston.aspx?sc_lang=en
Meg Ormiston makes some very valid points about the barriers imposed on teachers and the technological freedom they're denied in the classroom. To become a teacher is a long process of proving all sorts of capabilities. Teacher's deserve more freedom with technology in their classrooms in order to keep students with up to date information. Yes, some of the problem has to do with a limit in finances, but it sounds like teachers have proven they're trustworthy enough for more Internet freedom. I like how Meg says that social networking shouldn't be blocked because a teacher could use social networking as a way to teach Internet and cyber responsibility. I also like how Meg says that if the schools are just focusing on blocking teachers from the Internet teachers are going to give up on technology in the classroom all together.
Q1: How can we get the schools to loosen up the blocks on the Internet usage for teachers?
A continuous amount of professional development would help both the school and the teachers promote proper Internet usage. Getting the administrator involved in the process is very important too. They're the leader of the school and they have much influence over what specifically can be blocked and unblocked. If they're involved in the process they may be an advocate for certain cites in the classroom.
Q2: Should the filtering be all lifted at once?
No, the sites should become available in waves. Maybe let the teachers have access to explore the Internet and social networking first. If that goes okay, then let the students begin to uncover the vast information of the Internet.
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