A study of Internet filters in Alabama public school systems

Technology coordinators and elementary and secondary teachers in Alabama public school systems were surveyed concerning their use and perceptions of Internet filters in schools. The research sample was comprised of 145 volunteer participants and the response rate was 53%. All participating school systems were using an Internet filter with the most common being BESS (N2H2). Technology coordinators and teachers agreed that Internet filters should be used to protect students from inappropriate materials on the Internet. The majority of both groups also indicated that having an Internet filter in place did not interfere with student learning using the Internet. Furthermore, both groups indicated that Internet filters did not prevent teachers from planning, using, and teaching effectively in the classroom using resources available on the Internet. The understanding level of teachers concerning the use of an Internet filter was below that of technology coordinators and it was not evident that effective educational classes were being conducted to cover the implementation of an Internet filter and the application of acceptable use policies concerning the use of the Internet.