Journal Ten: The Threat of Security

Robertsone, L. (2007). The Threat of security, hindering technology innovation in the classroom. Learning and Leading with Technology, 35(8),


The article, “The Threat of Security, Hindering Technology Innovation in the Classroom”, asks the question, are policies being imposed by administrations as efforts to protect students and personnel from lawsuits actually decreasing the availability and utility on integrating technology into teaching and learning? While the author acknowledges there is a real need for security, she points out that some of the policies implemented by schools and districts actually hinder and even prevent the use of technology in school.

Some of the examples sited are the restrictions on use of email. In some districts teachers are not allowed to use their email for any purpose other than district business. Rather than risk being reprimanded for inappropriate use of email, teachers elect just to ignore or minimize the use of their school email account. Software installed to reduce security threats to school networks automatically times out any teacher or student that is inactive on the computer for longer than 4 minutes. This results in teachers and students loosing valuable time logging by into the system.

Other restrictions like prohibiting use of private web sites and filters on all computers further prevents teachers from fully utilizing the technology available to teach their classes.

Why is it so important to allow teachers to use private websites?

Many teachers are using web sites as a means to communicate important information to their classes. They also can use learning web sites that facility discussions and increases student involvement. Use of private web sites also helps teachers keep parents involved in the students’ progress.

What should schools do to maintain security but not stifle innovation?

Schools must keep the students and other personnel safe but they also have a responsibility to encourage the use f innovative technologies. The policies must not make teachers so fearful and frustrated that they abandon all attempts to use technology in the classrooms.