Computers and Security

Online Communication Tools

Look carefully at your classroom’s computers, or think of a classroom computer lab that you have interacted with in the past.  Discuss the types of security you have in place to prevent malicious software and/or hackers and cite any areas of concern.

Online communication tools are highly important in this day and age.  We rely on the online communication world to communicate with one another on almost every level.  I think about my personal use of online communication tools and how important they are to staying in contact with family members I may not physically see for years.  I love that I am able to send an email, chat through Facebook, post pictures on Facebook or Skype with someone that I have not seen in many years or may not see for many years.  It allows us to stay connected with one another.

When I think about the use of online communication tools within the classroom, I know I would not be as an effective communicator without them.  I send weekly newsletters, emails, field trip permission slips, pictures, etc. through online communication tools.  Again, in this day and age, parents rely on these tools just as much as educators.  Many of my colleagues share grades with students through online communication tools….this allows teachers and parents to work together to identify strengths and weaknesses in a students’ academic progress.

At my school, I know we have a fairly secure firewall or safety net for malicious software and hackers.  We have invested lots of money in safety for our technology.  We are usually denied access when trying to get to a site which contains any derogatory language….we are also not allowed to go to public social sharing sites like Facebook or Twitter….we are not allowed to check Hotmail, Yahoo mail, AOL mail, or Gmail through our school computers.  If there is a specific site that is not accessible, we can go to our IT guy and he will lift the access if he feels it is a safe site.  Again, at times it is frustrating, but it can always be fixed…we have a very knowledgeable staff when it comes to technology and they want us to remain safe from the malicious software and the hackers out in cyberspace.  I feel our computer lab and classroom computers are safe from most malicious software and most hackers based on the security measures we have in place.