Classroom Web Watch
Over the last few years the Internet has really taken off embedding itself more and more into our every day lives. While schools are encouraged to make use of such advances in technologies I do not believe that schools have taken up the challenge of educating today’s youth. Many teenagers hold the belief that online you are free publish anything – with out any accountability.
Katherine Elliot of Dumfries Courier writes a front page article discussing an increasing number of students in the Dumfries and Galloway reign turning to “controversial Internet websites†to “vent their fury†about their class teachers.
After a few minutes and some skilfully crafted search syntax I was on a website presenting me ratings of many – but not all – teachers in my school. To my surprise, the system – operated by TechThought LLC, a company based in California – protects the identity of the users who contribute to the site. Thus allowing anyone the ability to register and comment without any immediate repercussions.
While I support free speech I am, in principal I somewhat agree with the article by Elliot I do see an issue here which needs addressing. Access to sites like this are likely to be blocked by school firewalls but this is not the way forward and the educators need to acknowledge it and TEACH students how to properly conduct themselves online.
Rector Graham Herbert (who is rated 3* out of 5) is attempting to “crack down†on students who execute their right to free expression on the website in question. The article stats that’s students found to be posting on the website could be expelled – which is madness.
The article notes that some comments are sectarian. Teachers ought to be encouraged to visit these sites and begin legal challenge against liable comments against them. Schools should not be taking matters of punishment into their own hands.
Unfortunately, I do not agree with Mr. Herbert when he states that he will “discipline obvious offendersâ€. Unless he has proof that the accused is the offender, I do not understand how he would be able to use any disciplinary sanctions without provoking the alleged to challenge the education authority in court.
Maybe if there were more emphases in social education on “Rights and Responsibilities in a Networked Society†the comments would not be made. We are treading a very fine line between the right to freedom of expression and censoring what young people my express.
When the Internet first became mainstream no one ever complained about customer testimonials or accommodation reviews. Maybe, with time, web sites, like the one referred to in the article, will be come more accepted.
Education authorities in general should think of students as clients and value their input. More structured systems for commenting on the operation of schools including the performance of teachers ought to be implemented no only to gain valuable research data but also limit the appeal of third-party sites.
Is it something worth worrying about? Do LEA’s need to put more into education students or should teachers start suing students for damages? I invite your comments…
Some afterthoughts:
I have just read the terms and conditions of Rate my Teachers and they, basically, wipe their hands of any responsibility of the commentators. The site seems to be online solely to make money.
It appears the vast majority of teachers do not know about the existence of these sites. This is problematic as criticism is usually given so an individual can improve. If the teachers are not using these sites then they are effectively just portals for students to ‘bitch’.
Are students the best indicators of a teacher’s performance? While we can comment on their manner in class and our opinions of them there are other factors that should be considered. Wouldn’t be interesting if along site teachers ‘Effectiveness Ratting’ sat their student pass rate in exams?
Links
*Correct at time of publishing.
Correction: 21st February 2007 – The above article stated that Dumfries Courier was a Trinity Mirror Group company. Dumfries Courier is not affiliated with the Trinity Mirror Group therefore the article has now been updated. Sorry for any confusion this reference may have caused.
©2008 The Blog of Ross C Brown. All Rights Reserved.
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October 6th, 2008 at 2.53pm
Heyyy Guys
We Think Skewl Is soooooo Cool Man (H)!
We Are Total Skewl Freaks !!
We love The Teachers (L) <3
Byee For Noww
Xxxxxx
October 6th, 2008 at 2.57pm
Meghan Is Away To The Toilet
!!!!
HeHe
She Is Doing a Pooop !!! :L
Xxxx
October 6th, 2008 at 2.59pm
We Are In Art !!!!
Is BORINGGG ~!!!!!!
Xxx
October 6th, 2008 at 3.00pm
all Our Teacher Get The rate offf
THE BIG FAT 0 !!!!
October 6th, 2008 at 3.01pm
Ross c Brown
Call Us
!!!:)
October 6th, 2008 at 3.02pm
01224 683469 <—- Call Mee
October 6th, 2008 at 3.04pm
Im With Myy Fish
:):):):)
October 6th, 2008 at 3.06pm
why are you not replying :O
October 6th, 2008 at 3.11pm
huh?
October 7th, 2008 at 11.46am
I’m 19 – and I like how you guys habe nothing better to do that annoy me.
October 10th, 2008 at 11.20am
hiyaaa
October 10th, 2008 at 11.20am
HiiYahh Hunni
Owz Youu ?
Wubu2 ?
Hateee iis Class Soo Much :@:@
Wbsn**
xxX
October 10th, 2008 at 11.21am
Hiiyaahh =D
Owz Youuu ??
Wubu2 ?
iiLY X
October 10th, 2008 at 6.38pm
Kids, what gives? What are you guys using this as a ‘chatroom’ of sorts?
October 13th, 2008 at 6.44pm
oh, ppl in my class say the found this sight .. and i thot it was like bebo & that sorry. wont comment agen!
October 13th, 2008 at 6.44pm
oh, ppl in my class say they found this sight .. and i thot it was like bebo & that sorry. wont comment agen!
October 30th, 2008 at 12.55pm
Hiaaaaa : )
Xxo.
October 30th, 2008 at 12.57pm
Hiiii
xxX
October 30th, 2008 at 12.58pm
Howz Yhuuu : ) ?
xxx
October 30th, 2008 at 12.58pm
Heyy Steph : )
Howz Yhuuu ?
xxx
October 30th, 2008 at 1.01pm
GoodGood Yoooouuu ????
October 30th, 2008 at 1.02pm
Im Goooood
Far yii gan fur lunch ?
Xxx
October 30th, 2008 at 1.03pm
Thiis Class iis SO Shit Thoo >:(
October 30th, 2008 at 1.04pm
Ehm Dunno Think Jst The Ice Wbu ??
xXx
October 30th, 2008 at 1.05pm
Icer**
October 30th, 2008 at 1.05pm
Stores i Thinkk : )
Heer i have the dentice
!!
x
October 30th, 2008 at 1.08pm
Wooooooww
IIs It The Same Bitch as Lst timmee lol:L
xxX
October 30th, 2008 at 1.09pm
Omggg Yeahhh
But she is kinda nicer now thoo :L
xx
November 4th, 2008 at 3.05pm
your a wankaaaaa
November 4th, 2008 at 3.05pm
what the fucks up with this site?!
November 4th, 2008 at 3.06pm
jerks!
November 4th, 2008 at 3.07pm
euan raffle is a ginger
November 4th, 2008 at 3.10pm
Over the last few years the Internet has really taken off it’s pants, more and more into our every day lives. While schools are encouraged to make buckets, today’s sexy youths are sexy as fuck. Many teenagers are sexy and hold their willies while reading my blog…
what the fuck you sick bastard O.o
November 4th, 2008 at 3.11pm
Rectum Graham Herbert (who is rated 3* out of 5) is attempting to smoke crack while juggling chainsaws, students who execute their parents will be praised in the public eye.
November 4th, 2008 at 3.12pm
btw yr blow is shit…