I set up a nice looking Ning for my classes, something that would let my students discuss literature, share essay ideas, and practice assessments.
It's blocked at school.
Ugh. I thought they were starting to loosen some of these parameters and stop putting BCPSS students at a disadvantage with access to technology? It's so frustrating to follow along with great teachers around the nation are doing, then to learn about a system, and then to set something up, only to find it blocked.
I know, this is the same sad song I've sung for years. I just wonder, who is in charge of making all these decisions? It can't be the nebulous people who you submit a form to for unblocking that is returned without any feedback or reasoning and who don't answer questions once they're e-mailed, can it?
I'm going to try wikispaces next. I've heard rumors it's unblocked. I wonder how that passes the muster but Nings don't?
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4 comments:
That's pretty sad that you can't have access to what most people would consider "basic-level tools."
I figure it's an issue of control: they have it, you want it, and they don't want to give it up. If they gave it to you, they'd actually have to trust you with it. Couldn't have that now, could we?
Seriously, don't lose heart. It's teachers like you, who are always looking for better and more effective ways to educate, that are the hope of our future generations. Keep chipping away at the bureaucracy and you'll eventually break through.
Hiram
That's so frustrating, especially that you can't get anyone to talk to you about why it is blocked or what alternatives might be allowed. Better luck next time?
Library Services usually makes the call on unblocking sites. I'm not sure what the problem is with Ning, but if you want to discuss other Web 2.0 tools that you could use try contacting the TSS team in ITD. Bert Ross, Stacey Davis etc - they will be able to point you in the right direction.
The internet filter can be overzealous, and I know how frustrating it is not being able to get any useful response to requests to unblock sites. Hopefully the digital citizenship initiative will help, with all adults in the system being able to obtain a filter override once they have completed the short course material (I think it's an online video and a quiz). I'm not sure of the exact timeline, but the TSS team will have more information.
If you continue to experience problems, let me know in a reply and I'll email you my contact details - I'm in ITD :-)
Take care!
I know they are using pbwiki in Baltimore County...
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