Lucia Molina
Reporter
A number of students are aware that internet access inside the school is very easy to obtain. When the mobile device is registered through a form available on the “Voice thread” computer in the library and 24 hours have passed, you have internet access just about anywhere in the school.
“Wireless internet is available almost everywhere in the school except the gym and in front of the VPI office,” Library Media Specialist Michelle Luhtala said.“ It’s easy to access once the form is filled out.”
With wireless internet available just about anywhere, students with laptops are sure to be tempted into going on Facebook and YouTube instead of working on papers and homework.
Tom Honohan, a technology integration teacher discouraged the use of the internet in school for non-academic purposes. “If it [wireless internet]is used to increase learning and researching, it’s a great tool,” he said. “But if students are using the internet to distract themselves from learning responsibilities, then it’s a disadvantage to the student.”
Cathy Swan, a technology integration teacher emphasized the necessity of internet access at our school. “It is very important to maintain open internet access, because we trust our students,” she said. “We realize that filtering sites like Facebook or YouTube enormously limits potential for learning and teaching.”
Many teachers depend on the internet to teach classes and to check student research projects. Whether it’s showing the class a historical video on YouTube or answering a student’s question about homework on Facebook, teachers know how to use the internet to make learning exciting for students. “I think that teachers go to great strides. When we use the less restricted internet access it adds to the learning process and it’s not just a gimmick,” Mr. Honohan said.
Teachers who use the Internet to teach indicate that it’s a great way to expand learning possibilities. History teacher Kristine Goldhawk encourages her students to bring in laptops to take notes and to research for projects. “I have the policy that as long as you are not abusing the privilege you can bring a laptop/net book into class any day, even to just takes notes,” Ms. Goldhawk said.
Some students may experience difficulty accessing the wireless network on personal devices. There are plans to facilitate the use of personal laptops at school. “We’re trying to make it easier for the student majority,” Mr.Honohan said. “We already have wireless and we have an automated process to get devices on the network.”
Sophomore Alex Vernon said that he had trouble getting his laptop on the network. “It took three months. Last year we were just given a code to put into our laptops,” he said.
Other students found the process easy and quick. “All I had to do was fill out the form and press submit,” Junior Rebecca Parrino said. “Now it’s so easy having a laptop with me for school work and projects.”
The school has generally relaxed restriction on traffic, but restrictions exist for gaming sites and pornography. Ms. Swan finds that the student body has done well with wireless privileges. “Our students have moved up to our expectations for acceptable wireless internet use,” Ms. Swan said.
We’re thrilled to be able to maintain a predominantly unfiltered and uncensored learning environment for NCHS students and very proud of how students use these privileges to grow academically. As long as it is not abused, we will continue to provide open Internet access so teachers and students can benefit from all the Internet has to offer.
Ms. Swan, NCHS Technology Integration Teacher