Resources can be found: http://oit.hcpss.wikispaces.net/Content+Filtering

Content Filtering Pilot

Agenda• Part I

• Selecting and evaluating digital content

• Part II• Using the content filter bypass• Reporting issues 

What is Digital Content?

Digital content includes text, images, sounds, and video that have been accessed over the

Internet and brought into a computer.

This content will most often come from websites.

Why Evaluate Digital Content?

As more and more digital content is readily available for educators to incorporate into their instruction, it is essential that you are aware of

your responsibilities as an educator to select appropriate content to use.

Relevant HCPSS Board Policies

Selection of Instructional Materials, 8040

o Instructional materials must foster the inclusion of all voices within a global society (racial, ethnic, sexual, cultural, disabled, aged, religious, etc.) unless the content of the material is typical of society in a specific period of history.

o Prior to use with students, each video will be evaluated by those teachers who will use it. If the video meets curricular objectives and is age appropriate, it may be used.

o Instructional materials must allow for representation of contrasting points of view or multiple interpretations of content.

Relevant HCPSS Board Policies

Acceptable Use of Computer Technology, 8080

o Employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors are to use HCPSS technology in a responsible, ethical manner consistent with their professional responsibilities.

Acceptable Use Policy• Accessing collaborative sites is part of the

current AUP that students and parents sign.

• Assuming the parent/guardian has signed the AUP, many HCPSS approved collaborative sites are covered.

o However, this does not cover EVERY site.o It is a best practice to send home a project letter

(contact OIT for samples).

Types of Digital ContentNon-Collaborative(online resources which do not support discussions)

Collaborative(online resources which support discussions- requires approval)

HCPSS - http://www.hcpss.org Glogster - http://edu.glogster.com/

National Library of Virtual Manipulatives - http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

Blabberize - http://blabberize.com/

PhET - http://phet.colorado.edu/ Edmodo – http://hcpss.edmodo.com

Pics4Learning - http://www.pics4learning.com

SchoolTube - http://www.schooltube.com/

NOTE: The sites listed above have gone through Software Approval (SAP)- http://doc.hcpss.org:8080/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-20838

Evaluating Digital ContentEducators are expected to preview the web-based digital content and use the following guidelines when deciding if the content should be used:

1. The digital content aligns with HCPSS curriculum.

2. The digital content is appropriate for use with students in an instructional setting.

3. If digital content from a website is going to be reused (e.g., downloaded, embedded, edited), the new version must adhere to relevant copyright law.

4. The use of the digital content must adhere to the website’s terms of service (TOS) and privacy policy.

5. The digital content aligns with the county’s guidelines for collaborative discussion.

Evaluating Digital ContentIs the digital content appropriate for use with students in an instructional setting?

• Consider the following:o Developmentally appropriate (including readability)o Accuracy and validity of content  o Clarity of the message o Language usage (grammar, mechanics, etc.)o Viewpoints presented o Ease of useo Web accessibility (Section 508)

• Note: Reasonable exceptions to this provision may be made at the discretion of a teacher.

Web Accessibility (Section 508)

The design of a website can limit people with varying abilities from being able to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the site.  Websites should be evaluated to determine the degree in which they are accessible to the end user.  Keep in mind, sites that are accessible to some students may be inaccessible to others.

If you have a student who requires accommodations, please contact your special education team leader for guidance.

Additional information on these topics may be found: http://oit.hcpss.wikispaces.net/Digital+Content

Terms of Service / Privacy Policy

• Consider:o Type of contento Age restrictionso Copyright implicationso Type of use permitted

Does the use of the digital content adhere to the website’s terms of service (TOS) and privacy policy?

The TOS gives specific directions concerning the user’s responsibilities when using the site (e.g., send home the privacy policy for parent/guardian signature).

Terms of Service / Privacy Policy

Does the use of the digital content adhere to the website’s terms of service (TOS) and privacy policy?

Encourage educators to read the Terms of Service even with websites that are approved because sites can change their TOS without notice.

Items on the SAP list may still have a TOS that says “over 13” and may be appropriate for secondary and not elementary students.

Terms of Service / Privacy Policy

Is the digital content on the HCPSS approved list of collaborative websites? (Non-collaborative websites do not require approval)

Resources that support collaborative discussions must be on the Software Approval (SAP) list which is available in the Document Repository.

Teachers wishing to use a resource not on the SAP list may submit the resource for approval. Information for submitting a SAP request can be found on the OIT Intranet page.

Digital content must meet all 5 criteria to be appropriate for

use in the classroom.

Best Practices/Considerations

General:

o Have another HCPSS teacher/administrator review the digital content.

o Provide multi-group assignments.

o Determine which lab to use (mobile vs. stationary) based on the needs of the assignment (stationary computers are usually faster for accessing web-based content).

Best Practices/Considerations

Video:

o Download Discovery Streaming videos prior to instruction.

o Pre-load digital content to be used in class (to reduce buffering) if possible.

o Use short video clips instead of full length.

o Provide closed captioning for students when available.

Copyright Note: Discovery Streaming videos can be saved to HCPSS computer/network as long as HCPSS maintains a subscription to the service.

Best Practices/Considerations

Technical / Network:

o Consider impact of digital content on bandwidth.

o Internet speed varies throughout the day.

o Stagger student logins when using Discovery Streaming.

o Limit the number of students accessing digital content simultaneously.

Content Filter Bypass

With the recent upgrades to the HCPSS infrastructure, the Technology Department can begin studying the effect of opening streaming media sites for teacher use.

Purpose of Pilot

Evaluation of Pilot

The Technology Department and OIT will work with schools in the pilot to complete the Technical Evaluation.

The evaluation will include data on the network impact and the number of service requests (help desk calls and tickets).

Best Practices• The key to the success of using streaming

media depends on its integration into the course and how it applies to student learning.

• Have a plan:o Be clear about your instructional goals.

o Choose media that helps meet your goals for student learning.

o Have students use media in a way that helps accomplish instructional objectives.

• Integrate media with student activities.

o Prepare the learners for viewing the media clip: introduce clip explain clip's purpose explain what to watch or listen for in the clip

o Have students do something with what they’ve learned: complete a task answer a question participate in a discussion, either online or in the

classroom

Best Practices

Step 1:• When you get to a streaming site such as voicethread.com,

click on "Login as Different User”.

Step 2:• Type in your active

directory login (the login to your computer).

• Staff should not login to the content filter for students.

• Board Policy 8080: Users will not engage in unauthorized activities:  Accessing technology via another user’s account credentials or facilitating unauthorized access.

Step 3:• Keep this window open (or minimize) and then go back to the

Internet browser and reload the website.

Step 4:• You can now view streaming media within the site or access

the entire webpage.

Reporting Issues• Please call 410-313-7004 with any problems.  

• If experiencing difficulty logging in: o Plug your computer into the network via Ethernet.

o Restart computer (wait for green light on Mac).

o Try to login.

o If the computer warns you that your password is expired or near expiration you will need to change your computer password to be able to login to the content filter.

To change password while on the network: https://changepw.hcpss.org

Staff Professional Development

Reservoir High School example:https://sites.google.com/site/rehsmedia/use-the-media-center-

staff-handbook/contentfilteringpilot

“It's important that communication with staff is consistent and open so they feel they understand the filtering process, the approval process, and where to go for resources.”

Questions?