Report to the School Board on Internet Access Supervision May 13, 1999

On April 8, 1999 and again on May 13, 1999 the Technology Advisory Committee met to address issues of supervising student use of the Internet. This included a full discussion of Internet filtering, including different types of filtering, the pros and cons of each type of filter, and how use of filters would impact our educational program.

After careful consideration, we recommend the following for monitoring student use of the Internet:

• By far the most effective and educationally valuable choice is adult supervision coupled with a clear Acceptable Use Contract.
• The Acceptable Use Contract was adopted by the School Board on February 2, 1998. This is sent out yearly and included with papers that new incoming students and parents must sign. It is recommended that the status of this contract (i.e. signed and returned, not signed, or suspended) should be included in the MacSchool administrative program. Supervisory staff should have an updated list of any students who do not have the privilege of using the Internet.
• All supervisory staff needs to be informed and aware of the Acceptable Use Policy. Time at staff meetings at the beginning of each school year should be devoted to a review of the Acceptable Use Policy. This information should also be included in all faculty handbooks. Falmouth's Acceptable Use Contract should be included in substitute teacher training.
• The elementary schools are making use of starting pages that have child friendly links such as "Ask Jeeves".
• Parents will be informed of Internet Use issues. A page on the school web site will be available starting in September 1999 on safe use of the Internet. Principal's Notes at each school are another medium for informing parents.

Internet Filters were not recommended for the following reasons:

• With 20,000 new computers attaching to the Internet every day, it is impossible for filtering software to keep up.
• Filtering software often blocks educationally valuable sites.
• Filtering software delays speed of downloads while it screens.
• Even an attempt at keeping up proves costly, as one must pay for updated software frequently.
• Students need to learn responsible use of the Internet. This is a lesson that extends beyond school into the work place. Adult supervision and a clear acceptable use policy best accomplish this.

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