Post #8

The issue of protection and moderation of internet access in schools is an interesting topic. The internet has always represented the ultimate ideal of open and free access to information which, obviously, comes at a price. In order to maintain a haven for the equitable discourse of information, you have to accept the fact that there's going to be more than a little objectionable (to the majority, of course) content thrown in there as well. It's the age-old conundrum that's always faced parents and schools...just how far can you protect your kids from the vagaries of the world? Myspace is an interesting example here...there have been numerous news stories lately about the number of predators utilizing MySpace to prey on children. Kids aren't the only victims there, though...employers have started actively scanning MySpace to dig up "dirt" on their employees. Numerous teachers have been faced recently with disciplinary action for "questionable" content found on MySpace profiles.

So, when does the benefit of ease of communication and open information sharing on MySpace cease to outweigh the potential costs? How do you slow down that decline?

I almost forgot how much I missed the rain in Florida. Nothing quite like wading your way to class in the middle of a baby hurricane.