On the one hand, this is kind of scary. On the other hand, teachers and librarians get so much pressure from parents and community to police children, that I don't see any choice in the matter. They could use filters, which blocks too much useful content, or they could use something like this.

As long as they clearly disclose that they will be monitoring activity and they are discreet and considerate when policing students (i.e. waiting until after their computer session is done, quietly taking them aside and asking about content that might be inappropriate), I don't see anything necessarily wrong with it.

It's when they do it secretly or confront students in the middle of a crowded lab that it starts to become a rights issue. Give people dignity and they usually do the right thing.

Posted by: Lydia on October 1, 2002 08:09 PM

---

 

Lydia, if you were using this product to monitor me then I wouldn't have a problem. But what are they going to do next to try and intimidate and control us?

Can the students see the thumbnails for each other or their teachers?
>> He said he'd be less comfortable with companies using it to monitor adults.
I guess not.

How uncomfortable about monitoring adults is he?
>> The private company, with three employees, finds its customer base is pretty evenly split between public schools, universities and corporations.
Not that uncomfortable I guess.

Will it be used to help improve the teacher/student relationship?
>> I rarely have students doing things they shouldn't because they know that I can see their every move.
I guess not.

Do they see their product as enabling or controlling?
>> When a coworker remarked that his applications would be a great educational tool, the first step into that field was taken. The software was named "Big Brother" - a name that was dropped quickly because of its unattractive connotations.
We Love Big Brother!

Posted by: Mac on October 2, 2002 03:49 AM

---

 

"Big Brother" is a better name, really. The control and intimidation issues bother me, too. As an adult, I don't want to be tracked at all, but I acknowledge that when I am at work and using their facilities, I am going to be monitored somehow, whether that is through traffic logs or e-mail or whatever. My policy is just to assume someone is watching over my shoulder all the time, which is why I am always pleasantly surprised when there isn't a lot of pressure.

The problem is the human element - you never know how someone is going to use this. Will it be for control/intimidation or from an honest need to protect a school or company from lawsuits that can result from inappropriate use?

A thorny issue, no doubt.

Posted by: Lydia on October 2, 2002 01:52 PM

---

 

As long as they clearly disclose that they will be monitoring activity and they are discreet and considerate when policing students (i.e. waiting until after their computer session is done, quietly taking them aside and asking about content that might be inappropriate), I don't see anything necessarily wrong with it.

I completely agree. The ACLU claims that all censorship is wrong, which it isn't. Adults need to protect young people (primarily parents but also teachers) from online predators and such, a tool like this is clearly needed.

Posted by: boysen on October 2, 2002 03:37 PM

---