I’ve posted something similar in the past, but a recent event has this topic on my mind again. In preparing for our Cinemania contest – see Marty’s previous post – one team sponsor lamented our proposed use of YouTube, noting that “…not ALL schools can reach YOUTUBE!!” Fair enough.
Our contest involves students creating a three-minute video in 48 hours with the inclusion of certain prompts such as actions, phrases and objects. We have nearly 100 entries this year and simply need a way to get those delivered in a consistent and timely fashion. While I agree that not all schools can reach YouTube, it troubles me that any school district employee would feel so helpless in their own environment as to be unable to have access enabled on a limited basis for a project like this. Believe me, I completely understand why some districts have chosen to block access to sites like YouTube. However, it really bothers me that some of these same districts might not have a mechanism in place to – at least temporarily – have access allowed to such a popular site for a legitimate purpose.
My former blog was created with the thought of giving guidance to K-12 CIOs. I post this with that thought in mind. If you’re a K-12 CIO, would any of your users exhibit this type of frustration with site(s) that may be inaccessible in your district? Would you be willing and able to help? Perhaps there’s just a miscommunication in this district… I hope so. An effective CIO would find a way to support innovative instruction and get access in a case like this. Do a bit of self-reflection and ask yourself if others around you see you as an obstacle. If they do, try to remedy that.
Jody