After some uncertainty among students about the Acceptable Use Policy, STA administration clarified its intent to monitor and punish students for improper internet use both on campus and at home. Lightspeed, the internet filtering system implemented this year, is designed to block social networking, email and other sites unrelated to schoolwork.
Just days into the school year, students attempted to get past the filter to websites like Facebook and YouTube.
‘I believe the Acceptable Use Policy is clear that [trying to go to blocked sites] isn’t acceptable,’Â principal for academic affairs Barbara McCormick said. ‘If you signed it, you have agreed not to initiate those behaviors.’Â
However, Lightspeed blocks too many sites that are needed for schoolwork, according to junior Miranda Johnson.
‘I know there are certain websites I use for homework that are blocked,’Â Johnson said. ‘You would have to get on a different computer and going between computers is a hassle.’Â
Sophomore Elaine Schmidt argues that students should also be able to access sites unrelated to schoolwork.
‘We paid $600 for it,’Â Schmidt said. ‘We should be able to get on Facebook and email at home.’Â
Despite times when sites are not blocked because Lightspeed was under maintenance, overall, McCormick and technology coordinator Matt Stewart are positive about the results.
‘There have been a few instances where students are able to get past Lightspeed,’Â Stewart said in an email interview. ‘Lightspeed works 95 percent of the time though.’Â
