Web 2.0 site blocking in schools

11 December 2009This report focuses on identifying and overcoming the barriers associated with current site blocking practices in schools with regards to Web 2.0 services such as social networking, video sharing, blogs and wikis and popular sites such as YouTube, Facebook and Wikipedia.

Site blocking is one of the areas of investigation commissioned by the Australian Government’s Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations as part of the Strategic ICT Advisory Service (SICTAS) project.

The report briefly describes Web 2.0 in terms of opportunities for teaching and learning and places site blocking in context within an overall framework that includes cyber-safety and 21st century learning.

This paper discusses key findings arising from desktop research, online surveys and consultation with Education.au’s contacts in the educational jurisdictions and other relevant bodies. 

Finally it provides a set of recommendations that could overcome many of the barriers that current site blocking practices in schools place on teachers looking to use Web 2.0 to improve teaching and learning.

Noticeboard

10 February 2012

The Attorney-General, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, has announced the appointment of Professor Jill McKeough as Commissioner in charge of the ALRC’s Inquiry into Copyright Law.

20 December 2011

On 18 November 2011, Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator the Hon Kate Lundy, announced the establishment of an independent panel of eminent community leaders to conduct an inquiry into Australian Government services to ensure they are responsive to the needs of Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

02 December 2011

Applications are now open for a unique training opportunity for selected individuals develop the skills, networks and knowledge needed to be effective in forging a more sustainable future.