Perhaps the debate over student access to the Internet should be discussed in the language and discipline of our trade as a curricular and instructional challenge. The most popular blocking software titles in use in homes, libraries, and schools do just that block sites. Generally a software company generates a master list of subjects, words, or images that are deemed inappropriate for children. These key words are fed into a program that does not allow children to view Web pages that contain the stated objectionable material. These programs generally allow the software to be turned off by the use of a password.
Users can then readily add or delete sites from the master list.
As a first amendment issue, this debate will certainly continue for years. One of the most dangerous obstacles to learning is time off task. In sixth grade I got in trouble for reading what I considered a more interesting story at the back of the textbook while the teacher wanted me to analyze what I considered to be a more boring story in the front of the textbook. While my capricious imagination called me to read one thing, the rigor and discipline of learning demanded that I pay heed to the task at hand. There always needs to be time for students to read what they want and motivate themselves, but there must also be a time when students must struggle with what is in front of them.