Recently, Heritage has been testing a new program that enables teachers to view the screens of students in their classes. The program allows teachers to see all the open tabs of a student´s computer, even if the student is using a personal device. As of now, the program is just a pilot, with the intent of discovering whether the tool has more benefits or disadvantages. Because this new implementation limits the privacy of the user, questions are likely to arise as to whether or not the program should be allowed.
Mrs. Horton, one of the seven teachers at Heritage that are testing the program, was interviewed in order to gain a better understanding from the monitor´s perspective. ¨I like the idea of having it on test days, to make sure that no one is cheating, and to monitor the students that have a tendency to play a lot of games and not stay on task,¨ Horton states. The main purposes of the program were the goals of keeping students on task and avoiding cheating, especially when it comes to major tests or grades. However, Horton shares the common belief that the ability to monitor a student’s screen could potentially be an issue when it comes to personal information. ¨ I do think there is a little bit of a line in regards to student privacy, that makes me a tad bit uncomfortable,¨ Horton states. ¨ I don’t feel the need to use it on a day to day basis.¨ On the other hand, however, another argument is that students shouldn’t be using school issued devices for personal matters in the first place. Loudoun County is one of the few areas in the nation that can actually afford computers for students, but the availability of a personal computer does not enable personal freedom on issued devices. Horton states, ¨I think students will definitely push back, I think they see that as an invasion of privacy. But, I’ve also heard a lot of students say, you know, these are LCPS issued devices, and people in the tech department and admin can already see what you’re doing regardless.¨ Horton brings up another point, which is that administrators, counselors, and the tech department already have access to school- issued devices. The only difference is that the new program is moving down to allow teachers the same ability.
Although the ability to monitor could hinder a students ability to do things they’re not supposed to, there is a question as to whether or not it will help break the bad habits that have already been set in regards to technology. ¨I think teaching children the proper uses of technology starts at home, and a school system can only do so much. But healthy habits and behaviors really do start with the parents modeling that same behavior,¨ Horton explains. Based on the past, students will often find ways around the tactics of the school system, especially when it comes to cheating or technology addiction. Horton thinks that in order for the program to work, habits will have to be implemented into children at a younger age. ¨I think maybe it should start in elementary school, as a way to train students how to properly use technology.¨
A controversial way to handle computer use at school, the monitoring program has created different outlooks on the technology situation. However, the question is, will it actually stop students from using their devices for personal use, or will it just be another thing that kids find a way to work around?
