Bill's session attracted a great deal of interest from Heads of Technology from a diverse group of schools in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, SA and WA, who are all in the process of trying to decide how to come to terms with the 'beast' that is the internet. According to Bill Taylor , Somerset has taken an enlightened and philosophical approach to this perceived problem. To vet the internet, or to put filters on it, or even to create an intranet - a school based microcosm of the internet where staff download selected and 'suitable' sites for student access, would be counterproductive and futile. Apart from this, access to the internet is not only available to schools.
Students can, and do have, their own internet accounts with commercial providers.
Filtering the internet at school as part of policy, would in addition, be an insult to the intelligence of our students. That is, the school seeks to instil in students a sense of responsibility, self-discipline and self regulation in their approach to the temptations of the Big Wide World and indeed, the World Wide Web. The system should not be used for games. The system should not be used for access of 'inappropriate content'. Users should avoid material which is potentially offensive to other users, may expose the school to legal liability and disrepute, or create a non learning atmosphere.