I wonder if this could get me fired?

Dee · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 09:27 PM

I work for the public school system. They have the network programmed not to allow videos, even art stills. That's to protect the kids of course, and I certainly understand it. But they've thrown this big blanket over ALL videos. We can't even access educational videos that are produced by legitimate sources. For example, there's a site called TeacherTube where teachers from all over upload video tutorials. There's one on essay writing that I really like and believe the kids could benefit from it. I have a wiki, which my admin knows all about, but the videos I placed on it cannot be viewed through the school network. That darn firewall, or whatever it is, blocks viewing them. So here's the question...is there a way to bypass it and get to those videos?

I once taught in another school system that had blocked videos via IE, but not Firefox, and the tech savvy kids had figured out how to use Firefox to see whatever they wanted. But this school system has programmed against videos in all browsers, so that's not an option, not to mention that we cannot download anything. (strangely, we can download all kinds of music...even the x-rated kind)

alpha7 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 10:15 PM

My advice would be DON'T DO IT! If you are a teacher, you are held to a higher standard. The thing about rules is that we should not break them because we think they are excessive or whatever. Everyone does not think like you, so the rules are in place to protect the children and the school.

For instance, I built a family website and my sister was strongly against me putting her son's picture on it. But just because I know it is harmless, does not give me the right to put it up there.

Some parents may be against internet videos PERIOD. They don't care what is on the videos. NO VIDEOS means NO VIDEOS. You have different faiths and social preferences that parents are willing to sue over.

The video is not worth it, no matter how good you think it is.

Ileane · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 10:22 PM

Dee,
I wouldn't risk it if I were you.

However, it sounds like this is very important to you and the children would benefit. Perhaps you could submit a written request to the school board, PTA, teacher union, etc. and see if they will support you. It would be great if you could get some support from other teachers too.

I sure wish I had a dedicated teacher like you way back when...

Keep us posted.

Dee · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 08:18 AM

I'll play by the rules of course. It's just unfortunate that so many just don't see the educational potential of the Internet. This state is like 43rd in the nation for computer usage. We have teachers who can barely access their email. Darn shame. Meanwhile, many of the kids have a computer at their disposal, and I'm sure they go on many, many, sites without supervision. If we teachers are being held to a higher standard, then someone needs to trust us to screen the Net, 'cause really, teachers don't need the internet to corrupt children.

Jonathan · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 10:01 AM

Could you go to your principal and discuss it with him or her?

jay144 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 05:31 PM

Me just getting out of high school my peers and I were by passing security codes and all barriers. But what a couple of my teachers did because they got pissed off, was they just brought in their own laptops and they had the portable usb internet connection. Then they used a projector to show us things on youtube or whatever that they needed to access. In my AP classes sometimes my teachers wanted us to see things on certain sites.

Also, I remember in the english department for the seniors they had 2 of them and I think the teachers just split the bill so that they could rotate them or use the when they need to.

I hope that helps some.

Dee · #7 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 06:03 PM

@Johnathan...the principal doesn't have any control over the network. That comes from the board.

@jay...hmmm...interesting. I could download videos for certain lessons to my laptop.

James · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 06:45 PM

Definitely follow the rules, but my perspective for rules is that they are made to serve as guidelines not barriers. You only get in trouble by breaking them. But by following them explicitly you are safe. They tell you how to do it correctly.

The last post could suggest the answer in this case. Why not use your own laptop. Download and save on your computer the information (in this case video) that you want to use. That way you are not hacking the system. Then use the projector, not their network, to show it to the class.

Unless I missed something, this would not be breaking the rules in any way. If anyone does challenge you, you can always very humbly suggest that you are not intending to violate any rules and do not believe you have.

BreLove · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

Definitely follow the rules, but my perspective for rules is that they are made to serve as guidelines not barriers. You only get in trouble by breaking them. But by following them explicitly you are safe. They tell you how to do it correctly.

The last post could suggest the answer in this case. Why not use your own laptop. Download and save on your computer the information (in this case video) that you want to use. That way you are not hacking the system. Then use the projector, not their network, to show it to the class.

Unless I missed something, this would not be breaking the rules in any way. If anyone does challenge you, you can always very humbly suggest that you are not intending to violate any rules and do not believe you have.

My initial thought was to obtain parental permission in an effort to support your case when/if you decide to speak with your superior.

But now, I agree with the last two posts as well - I think these are great workarounds. Unfortunately, I think it's an all or nothing type thing. Since it would be too difficult for the school to monitor everyone, it's easier to not have to monitor anyone.

Dee · #10 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 11:07 PM

Yes, that last option does sound doable and legit. There are no rules that I'm aware of that says we cannot bring in our own laptops or access the internet with them. I found this cool site that downloads youtube videos to Adobe on my computer. I think my problem is solved. Ahhh...this is liberating and exciting!

note: we only need parental persmission for allowing students to use the internet.

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