As I tried to access my blog from school today I was reminded about the limitations my school system imposes on both the teachers and students. I couldn't access Blogger at all because it was blocked due to the filter. This is only one example of wonderful technology that I am not "allowed" to use in the classroom. In addition, we are not supposed to have teacher web pages hosted by anyone other than our school system and are not allowed to use many awesome Web 2.0 tools. So what is the biggest barrier to technology integration? Is it money? Is it know-how? Or is it the policies that are imposed on us? Unfortunately, in my school system non-educators ultimately decide what we are allowed to do as far as internet usage.
(*reflection that is relevant to focus of blog)
I agree with you! This seems to be a problem in my school system as well. It is unfortunate that we cannot use great web tools or download free software. I would suggest checking with the technology department, because I know in Cobb County, if you see something is blocked that you would like to use, you can send an email/letter stating your purpose for needing the site, and they will "consider" unblocking it! Hey, it's worth a try!
ReplyDeleteI do this from time to time. Sometimes it is unblocked, sometimes it is not. It is frustrating because we have one person who is not an educator making the decision.
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