Study Island

Study Island is a great resource for teacher and student to help advance and improve content areas. I feel that this is a great site for students to go on and practice different techniques while having fun and challengin their minds. There are several different tests and games for teachers and students to participate in. I like that it gives you feed back and lets you know which are wrong and which are right. I also like the fact that in the testing of different subjects and content areas it offers the opportunity for students to go back and get a second chance at the questions that were missed. It is not just telling the student right or wrong, it is allowing them to think and use that resource as a study guide to help perfect the areas that were missed. Overall this is a wonderful resource

Study Island

When navigating through Study Island, I first was unaware of the content of knowledge that you can acquire from this website. I like how this site was very user friendly and was easy to follow the directions to get you through to the area of interest. It was also nice to see that it is in class grade sections so that you can directly to the course and be able to further your knowledge in areas that you may be having difficulties. I like the fact that when you start the drills you get immediate feedback so you know if you answered the question right or wrong. I also enjoyed that they do not ask the same questions over and over so that the students does not memorize the answer but are required to think the questions through and they reflect the answer. The question are always changing and I think that is great way for students to have to dig a little deeper so that they actually asborb the material and understand what it is being taught.

When I was in middle and high school, computers were just evolving and students were not required to learn how to use the materials that are now available to help students that may need that extra time on specific areas. I really like the fact that this site can be used clear through the high school years. I feel with this type of materials that are available students will have a better grasp on what they are learning and can do it at their own pace.

Study Island

I liked the Study Island website. I believe it can be a very helpful website for both teachers and students. Anything that can help prepare students for the standardized tests is a plus in my book. I used a similar site when studying for the Praxis I and even though I am not a good test taker (and I get test anxiety), the site was extremely helpful and I easily passed the Praxis.
A very good feature of the site is that the teacher can track the progress of the student. I also like how detailed it is in giving feedback to students.

Study Island

I think the Study Island website is a good tool to be used by students and teachers. I think students will enjoy practicing what they are learning in this way and I liked how they could choose to play many educational games. Having the ODE standards right at the end of each line would really help a teacher to see what standards are being met. This website would be fun for students at home or in the classroom.

Study Island

I really liked this program that is provided for students and teachers. I think it is a good way for teachers to see the progress that their students are making individually or as a group. I like how it is based off of the Ohio Academic Content Standards. It divides the lessons into grade levels. Also, it gives lessons online and quizzes to test the students understanding of the information. It also provides the students to use this program with their unique learning style. Overall, I think the Study Island is a great tool for teachers to see the progress of their students and for the students to be able to practice at school or home.

"Ethics in Education"

In the article, "Ethics in Education," Jeremy Moss writes about the controversial topic of censorship. He defines censorship as "the restriction of speech or other forms of expressions based on its content." The major question throughout the article is if censorship is a good thing or if it is a violation to our right of freedom of speech. The internet gives an easy way for people to receive just about any information they want. There are two ways in which certain things on the internet can be censored or blocked. The first is at the global level in which the government can censor certain sites and there is the local levels in which schools, families, or workplaces can censor certain site.
There are many pros and cons to censorship involving the internet. I think that schools and workplaces should definitely censor many sites on the internet. I believe that there is a difference of what you should be able to access on the internet at school or work and what you can access at home. I think on a person's own home computer they should be given the right to any information that they desire from the internet. There are many programs for a computer to block certain sites in which parents can use to protect their children from having access to certain things that they should not be aloud to access; again that depends on the parents moral standards and what they want their children to have access to on their computer. That also goes along with television shows. Parents should be the ones choosing what their children watch. If a site on the internet or on the television offends you as an adult, then do not view it. We all have the right to freedom of speech. Overall, I do not believe that the government should be able to censor media and internet, but I do believe that schools and workplaces should.

Ethics in education

Censorship is a very sensitive issue for most Americas. We live in a country where our freedoms are cherished and we do not want any of them to be taken away. It goes hand-in -hand with the Bill of Rights and the freedom of speech that the Constitution enables us to have. Once you take one freedom away, there may be an snowball effect where more of our rights could be taken away. Take Prohibition for example; our government tried to take the right of alcohol away, and it did not work. Once you obtain a freedom, it is next to impossible to take it away. We all have freewill to decide what our moral choices will be.
As a mother, it is my choice to censor some of the information that my children come into contact with. It is my moral choice! This holds true for teachers. Teachers should take a proactive role in censorship within their classrooms. For example, if I would give an assignment where my students would have to do research on the Internet, I would give them the appropriate sites that is approved by me and the administration at the school. No other websites would be accepted. We do need to have some type of protection for our children from the trash that is out there and I think that it should happen on the local level (workplace, school, or family). Censorship can be a double-edged sword that can hurt someone if it swings too far in either direction.

Study Island

Study Island is a great tool for any teacher, at any level. I love the way it reports back to you so that you are able to see your students progress. In the day of standardized testing, Study Island is a great way for a teacher to equip their students for the stringent testing and get them more comfortable with the whole testing process. I plan on using this when I get out into the teaching world

Study Island

Studyisland.org is a wonderful website and resource to have both in and out of the classroom. The games are stimulating and fun, as well as educational. I chose to play Space Game and answered questions about ordering while shooting down space ships...fun stuff! I also took a test that dealt with ordering and symmetry. I love that this website has the state content standards in each test and game. Another praise for this website is the explanations it gives after getting an answer correct. The program gives a detailed reason for why the correct answer is correct. If a student were to choose a wrong answer, they are not penalized or forced to move on; they simply try again. Students don't have a specific amount of time to complete their tasks which helps make the time spent on studyisland.org more enjoyable.

Overall I really enjoyed my experience on Study Island. I plan on using this program, or one like it, in my classroom someday in the future.

Study Island

Study Island is a wonderful website. I like the fact that it is based on each state’s standards to help prepare children for testing. It allows students to learn at their own pace and own style (tests vs. games). Study Island has benefits for teachers such as instant reporting on results, the ability to monitor progress, and providing students with extra practice that can be accessed either at school or home. Worksheets can be printed too.

I reviewed the kindergarten math program for subtraction. I chose to evaluate the math game, Swat. You can have the questions “spoken” to you, read the words, or just look at the pictures. When you answer questions correctly, you get to “swat” at bugs. Each hit earns points, however, each miss subtracts points. The movement was a little fast for kindergarteners but overall enjoyable. Feedback is active and uses reinforcement. Correct response receives a gold star and the ringing of a bell.

Overall, I believe that this program could be used in the home to reinforce the classroom curriculum. I am not certain that it needs to be used in the classroom as the material can be taught in other ways. It could be used as extra practice.

Study Island

While reviewing Study Island I found it very usefull for preparing students for the Ohio Achievement tests. What seems to be the most helpful is that the programs are set up to simulate the Ohio tests. This gives the student a comfort level when taking the actual tests in that the questions are aranged and constructed in a manner the the student is now familiar. Some groups insinuate that this is just teaching students how to take tests. I would argue that this relaxes the student to accertain their true abilities. This seems to be Study Island's best assett, the ability to prepare students for state testing requirments.
Study Island does not replace in insights that teachers are able to give students while teaching a subject. It should not be used as a supplemental teaching tool as you can do with some softwear that is developed to involve to student in problem solving techniques.

Ethics in Education

Cencorship on the internet is a very controversial subject, for many reasons. The internet is full of many wonderful sites that can educate, entertain, and give timely insight as never before. However the internet is also full of dangers that are hard to detect at first sight. It also contains many area's not fit for children or most adults. The internet is just like walking around a large city. Think of letting your children walk around New York City by themselves, or as an adult walking around the city without knowing where you are going. The same danger lurks. Does this danger need to be cersored? I think the answer is no. We have the ability to put filters and use protection when on the internet to give ourselves and our children protection.

The wrong kind of protection is censorship. Cencorship can elimate the freedoms this country is based on. The differences of ideas, whether an individual agrees or not should not be censored. All censorship can accomplish is leading us down the road that China has taken. The great firewall of China is an outstanding example of what happens when censorship is used. Read more about this at: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/2008-04-22-internetbandits_N.htm

Study Island

I believe that Study Island is a great opportunity for kids to have a better learning opportunity. This is educational software that should be utilized in classrooms around the world. Study Island is generated from the Academic Content Standards, in which they are tested through the Ohio Achievement Test and the Ohio Graduation Test in grades 3 through 12. What better way to study for this important test than the software that was built for this purpose? Also, students can become familiar with the idea of using a computer for school lessons. Each topic contains a lesson and questions that provides assessment for each child. If a student is not sure of the answer or how they got the answer, there is an icon that gives a detailed explanation on the answer. There is also a tips button to try and give little hints. There are also reports generated for each subject area that the teacher and parent can look at to see how their child is progressing. Students are able to learn at their own pace and not feel pressure from other students. Study Island is user-friendly and can be taken in the form of a test or interactive games. It can be used for several grade levels and students can reach their full potential. In my classroom, I would definitely use Study Island for an interactive learning experience.

Ethics in Education

This article discusses the many aspects of censorship. The main form of censorship this aricle focuses on is internet censorship. My take on the whole issue of censorship is this: if I don't want to look at something or listen to something I don't have to. And in the same sense, if I don't want my child looking at something or listening to something then I will take measures to ensure he doesn't. I understand the reasoning behind censorship but ultimately I feel like it is a personal censorship. If I want to censor it for myself or my child then I will. But that doesn't mean somebody else needs to be censored from it.
However when it comes to viewing things in a public setting ie: internet at school, billboards, etc. I do believe that censorhip is needed. I will not be able to be at my child's side 24/7 to censor what he sees and hears. Therefore I have to rely on the government's good judgement that they will not allow age inappropriate material in public places.

Study Island

I found Study Island to be a useful source for students wanting to prepare for the Ohio Achievement test. It would be a great tool for teachers because it allows them to see how their students are progressing. Teachers can use the information to see what areas each student needs to work on.

Nobody Wants To Pay For Music

This article discusses the ever growing problem of illegal downloading of music. The reason it is so controversial is because the musicians, writers, producers, etc. do not get paid when people download their music free on the internet. The author gives a solution to the problem that would both allow fans to download music for free, and allow the musicians to get paid for their music. I like the idea that the author proposed but I also think there are other ways to ensure everybody remains happy. The first way is to charge a fee for the computer programs that allow people to download and share music and part of that fee could go to the musicians. Another way is to charge a monthly fee for a music service (much like satellite radio). Instead of charging a fee per song, the fee would be one set fee per month regardless if you download 1 song or 100 songs. Then the majority of the fee could go to the musicians.
While I understand the musicians being upset about people downloading their songs for free, I have a hard time believing that any of them actually felt the effects of it. If you've taken a look at concert ticket prices these days you'll see that they are extremely high. Musicians are making plenty of money by performing live at concerts.

Study Island

While I was evaluating Study Island, I found that I really enjoyed what it had to offer. I was a great idea that to allow students to get online to a safe site and practice math, science, or whatever subject it may be and have fun doing it.
I liked the fact that it gave you a lesson then you had the choice of taking a standard test or take the test in a game style. The games were set up so if you missed the question you did not get to play for that question. If you got the question right you got to play for the amount of questions you answered correct. These games were fun but also help students learn or want to learn.
This site also had a link to help students prepare for the OGT.
Overall, I loved Study Island and the fact that it can help kids in all grades through school. Also the fact that is allows the teacher to see how the child is progressing and how they are doing in that subject.

music downloads

this article was about music downloads and whether it should be copyright protected, or free for the public to access whenever. it talks about all types of media ranging from news to music to be open for all to take without copyrights. In part, I agree that some of it should be accessed for free, such as the website for the logan daily news. they used to give full articles on the internet for you to read, but they currently give you a small blurb to read on the website unless you have a subscription to the paper. i feel that is unfair for people who would rather access these articles through the internet rather than go out and pay fifty cents a day to purchase the newspaper. in the aspect of music being downloaded for free, i feel that to a point, it's rather harmless. I know a lot of musicians are complaining about people downloading for free, but in all reality, they are not hurting for money, b/c they still make money from concerts, and merchandise that it shouldn't matter that people download their songs off of sites that don't charge for the downloads. it's not like the American public is plagarizing their material.

censorship article

this article was about how people feel that pornography access at work is wrong. I agree with this in the aspect that I would not want to be working in a cubicle and walking by one of my collegaues while they are accessing such a site and physically doing something with that site. In my opinion, as long as the guy doesn't bring his pornography to the office, nor does he execute the "roughness" of the content while at the office, i don't see what the difference is of someone acccessing whatever they want to when they are at home. My issue is when they want to do it while they are at work. It takes up time that could be used productively toward his daily tasks, it's offensive to co-workers, and if it's something where the guy was part of a team project, and he wastes time by watching porn during his shift, he's putting the jobs of his colleagues in jeopardy.

Ethics in Education

This article discussed the topic of censorship mainly on computers. Censorship is a really hard topic to figure out based on the fact that everyone has different morals and values. It also states that information can be put on the Internet by anyone with basic computer skills. Which can create problems when doing research because some sites are credible whereas others are not credible by any means. The article mentions different types of censoring down at a local level. Including schools, work places, and an individual's home. At a school the censorship is there to prevent students from looking at inappropriate things according to the school's regulations. At work the regulation my be that no site can be accessed except sites that have to do with work issues. Maybe because management has decided that too much time is being used on none work related sites instead of employees actually working. When it comes to ones home it could just be a matter of what one would personally want censored from others in the house whether it be a spouse or children or whoever. For the first case study I believe that websites should be censored based on content not on word related items. This means Jason would have more access to sites that may not be entirely bad. I also believe that if at all cost he was prohibited from seeing a certain site since books are available, they should be used also because as the article stated not all websites are credible. Jason should not just limit his search to just the Internet and it would not have really been a problem. As for case study two I believe that it is Alex's right to view what he wishes at home as long as he will not use it to offend others. I also believe that he should be prohibited from viewing such things at work but, in my opinion it is not fair to keep someone from accessing websites that they would like to access in their own home. Even if some people do not like the content of the site if he is not hurting anyone than he should be left alone in the privacy of his own home.

No one likes to pay for music--or much else

In this article a man by the name of Mark Boyle is trying to promote the values of "freeconomy" movement. Boyle feels that the Free Culture movement such as news, books, film, games, and music should be free. It is also mentioned that there should be no censorship over how culture is used. This I disagree, even though it may seem that there is no harm in having access to free downloads as far as information may go, this is saying that those that come up with the idea maybe getting paid for their ideas, but in the long run why are people not having to pay for these things as if they would in a store. Now a days we all know nothing is free, so why should we be able to access information through the internet for free? Like mentioned in the end, even though we think we are getting things for free were not. These things catch up with us, meaning that we think music and or other things such as movies are free but really consumers are really paying for these things at the cash register in the end.

Ethics in Education

In this article the author Jeremy Moss discusses censorship especially on the internet as well as other areas such as television and or books. As for the internet it is less likely to be censored compared to adults being able to restrict children from watching certain movies or television shows. Unless you have access in a school and then the school may restrict what is available to view. In each of the case studies I wasn't to sure if I was for or against. I had taken the situations and looked at them at both stand points. As far as the last case study, I felt that accessing pornographic websites at the workplace and or anyother public place is unexceptable because this could affend some people at his workplace. Then again like Alex in the case study argues and thinks the government should not be allowed to decide on what material he access in the privacy of his own home. This is true, but who is to say that Alex won't turn into a porn junkie and let the situation get out of control. This could hurt others, such as young children or even within a relationship. Also in the other case study when Jason is doing a research project, I felt that if he isn't able to access all the information he needs then how is he to complete the assignment accuratley?

No one likes to pay for music-or much else

In the article, "No one likes to pay for music-or much else", by Andrew Potter the issue of illegal downloading of music and other content on the internet is addressed. The Free Culture Movement believes things such as news, books, film, games, and music should all be free; "information wants to be free". Film studios and music produces are opposed to the Free Culture Movement and want more strict consequences for illegal downloading. The McGuinness's tax-and-distribute model is a model in which the government charges a internet tax that would give people the right to download content on the internet.
I believe that this is going to be a very hot topic in today's society. The internet gives us multiple opportunity to have information, music, etc for free and with little effort. I think that the idea of the government charging a internet tax is a good idea because it would give everyone the right to download music and other content without paying every time.

Ethics in Education

In this article Jeremy Moss takes a look at censorship. There are several conflicts on censoring and what is right and what is wrong. He discusses the difference in censorship in television and how some shows may say that it is only for specific viewing of a certain age, but then we go to the censorship of the internet and there are none. If we are going to put a specific viewing age on the television then why not on some of the internet sites that are out there. Moss also goes into discussion of the public and privite of the usage of the internet. If an individual is told not to view certain sites while at work or school, but then may go home and view these under their own roof, then what is the censorship there? Moss develops a couple of different case studies and questions some censorship issues. For example there was the case study on the students that was doing the report on the history of war and was researching the different weapons and how some things were made and how bombs were made. The student was able to find this type of information on the internet, but is this something that should be censored. Should the site that is providing this information had to censor or limit their information. What if someone not like the student that was using it for research purposes were to come across this site. The article discusses several different cases and types of censorship and it is good reading for debate.

Ethics in education article

Since I have one comment left to place and I seem to be the only one against censorship, Ill make it as a post. There are many people in our world who need a release, whether that release be shooting people in a violent video game or releasing their urges through pornography. I would much rather have those people getting out their aggressions in that manner, than the alternative of killing sprees and raping. Because of the popularity of certain situations shown on such sites as YouTube, many want to place blame on our lack of censorship. As I pointed out earlier, this sort has been around since the beginning of time. The only reason we are just now noticing and focusing on it is our technological ability to do so. Just because it is now advertised for all to see doesn't mean it wasn't present earlier. Because I live in terms of reality, I know censorship is very unlikely. I would much rather focus on teaching children computer ethics. Obviously as a mother of two, I know young children should not be exposed to everything which is available. I was surprised to hear a lot of people had horrible pop-ups and search engine results. With the right filtering software you can make a computer a good experience for a child (or yourself as an adult if your easily disturbed). Not once in my over ten years of using a computer have I had such things pop up like that. You can create a login for each child and choose what kind of accessibility you would like them to have. This also allows for parents of older children to look through and see the addresses of sites they have accessed....since we can't watch them all hours of the day. Personally I feel if you teach children good computer ethics, they will come to learn what is acceptable, thus creating an adult who is capable of making better choices in life. If you don't give people a choice of censorship, but only demand it, you will only create more problems then good. So, even though I value everyone's opinions, see the viewpoints being expressed and would love to have censorship.........I think in reality terms of what it would mean to the world, not just myself.

No one likes to pay for music - or much else

In the article, "No one likes to pay for music - or much else", by Andrew Potter, the discussion of illegal downloading of music on the internet is addressed. The Free Culture movement believes news, books, film, games, and music should be free. This is opposed by music producers who believe the music industry should be paid for their music and that there should be penalties for illegal downloading. People argue that free media like t.v. and radio do not charge for music. They don't realize they are really being paid for by commercial advertisers, which in turn makes consumers actually pay at the register. Since people want to believe they are getting something for free, the McGuinness tax-and-distribute model is suggested as a way to resolve this conflict. The government would charge basic internet access taxes to be collected by ISPs, which would assure unlimited right to download, while a fee would be paid out in royalties by the copyright board. This could be a solution to the problem, however, for people who don't download music or anything else, they would be paying unnecessarily. I think this is an issue that will continue to be a hot topic.

For more info on student music downloading see:

http://cornellsun.com/node/31264

Ethics in Education

In the article "Ethics in Education", Jeremy Moss discusses and raises many questions about internet censorship. He defines censorship as "the restriction of speech or other forms of expression based on its content". He raises many ethical questions such as should the internet be censored when it harms others, uses hate speech, or with pornography, etc.? These questions just seem to raise more questions.
Many people feel freedom of speech is the most important thing and if others don't want to read what they wrote, they don't have to. While we do value freedom of speech, should hate crimes be permitted on a public internet? The article also raises the issue of children viewing inappropriate material, which is a very important thing to consider for parents and educators. The issue of private and public use is discussed because children have access to the internet through public places such as schools and libraries. I believe these public places should have some kind of censoring software to protect the children. In private homes, it should be up to the parents to censor internet viewing both by having the computer in an open room and by censorship software, or whatever means they feel necessary. Unfortunately, some parents do not take this responsibility or simply cannot be home all the time their children are. I believe this is something that should be worked out privately by each family, with the exception of pornography. I don't feel pornography should be allowed to advertise on certain search engines and websites that may be viewed by children. With my personal values and beliefs, I don't believe pornography should be on the internet at all, but I doubt that will change because it is such a big money maker.
In case study #2, Jason is using censored search engines at school to do research on musicians. Jason concluded that musicians are good role models. Because of the censorship, I don't believe he obtained an accurate view of musicians. The censorship did restrict Jason's ability to make an accurate evaluation of rock stars. The case study didn't mention Jason's age, but if this was an inappropriate subject for his age, he shouldn't have been given this assignment. Censorship could definately restrict learning, however, it should probably change according to age. If the government controlled censorship it could be way too powerful. In a democracy, the people need to vote and choose people and policies they think will work best.

For more info on internet censorship:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/18749/?a=f

http://www.aclu.org/freespeech/internet/onlinefreespeech.html

Ethics in Education

In this article Jeremy Moss is discussing the many viewpoints on censorship on the Internet. He explains how TV and Internet are not viewed the same when it come to the restrictions they put on the ages of who can and cannot view the materials that they display. He also gives view points on how censorship can be viewed private v public Internet access and how some feel that this could lead to upset co-workers, or simply is just wrong! Mr. Moss the writer of this article did a few case studies where he showed different scenario's that gave views on areas such as a student doing a research project on the war and the making of bombs, the second was a student that was doing a project on musicians and how they are positive role models, and the last case study was done on Alexis a 21 year old that goes by the rules of the work place and does not surf violent porn at the job place but enjoys doing this when at home.
I feel that censorship should be taken seriously due to the fact that it is too easy to type something into a Internet search engine and who knows what will pop up. I am a mother of 2 small boys and I watch everything they do but now days not all parents stay up on what their kids are doing on a day to day basis. I feel that there is a fine line with censorship as a whole. It really depends on what you are wanting to protect and who you are protecting it from... Meaning, that if you are doing a history report on the war and the true known artifacts then fine, but if you are surfing the net looking for cheap thrills, rent a movie! Kids are innocent and should be protected!

No on likes to pay for music-or much else...

In this article Potter, Andrew and Maclean's give opinions as to music download should or should not be free. They speak on the fact that a man by the name of Mark Boyles feels that he wants to spread the world on his values of "freeeconomy." He feels that all things that should be free meaning there should be no censorship or control over how culture is used and handed out. On the other hand, music producers and film studios and the artisit that create the music and use there own creative lyrics should be paid for them.
In my opinion, I feel that one should be paid for what they create especially since really nothing is free! I disagree with Mr. Boyles on his belief that there should be a free culture. We life in a real world where nothing is free and if someone is going to work hard and create music from there own experences, and this is their way of making a living then everyone should have to pay them for the work they do. These artisit work hard and have to pay others for the completion of there work and talent. I can only imagine how awful it would be to work so hard to create a music CD that goes on a shelf and then have to turn around to find it on the internet and be able to download it for free.

I feel it is a shame that these artist do not get fully paid for their work and dedications. I also feel it is a shame to know that there are people that believe others people talent should be free! Come on we life in a real world with real bills and remember nothing is free and we all need to make a living. Point is if you are downloading music at no cost you are stealing!

To find more info regarding issues on illegal downloading check out:

http://www.duke.edu/~swp3/pps126/debate.html
www.musicunited.org

No one likes to pay for music--or much else

In Andrew Potter’s article “No one likes to pay for music—or much else”, Andrew discusses the copyright wars going on today with illegal downloading. In a nut shell, the music industry is upset that consumers are downloading songs for “free” off the internet, which results in them losing quite a bit of money. At first glance, there may seem like there is no simple solution to this problem, but Andrew quickly introduces his readers to McGuinness’s tax-and-distribute model. This model would have the government give all Internet users an access tax collected by the ISP’s. In return, users can download however many songs (or in some cases, movies, games, and e-books) they want, whenever they want, guilt-free. The fee would then be paid in a similar fashion to the Copyright Board like radio channels do. And a truce is made…

I think the McGuinness tax-and-distribute model is a great idea. Not only is it ethical, but it’s fair to everyone, the music industry included. If we step back and think about it, the music industry workers are just like us. They go to work, do their job to the best of their abilities, and expect to be compensated for their work. They don’t do all they do just to have consumers take their products for free. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for us to pay for our goods. Not to mention that illegal downloading is just that: illegal! Schools, companies, and state officials are really cracking down on this issue; the punishment if caught is getting more and more severe. This model would allow one to download all they want, and it would be way cheaper than the fine you’d have to pay if you got caught doing illegal activity!

Overall, this is an easy, foolproof, moral solution. To read about how some schools are cracking down on this issue, see the following web page:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/05/MNT6RSPM6.DTL&tsp=1

"Ethics in Education"

In this article, Dr. Jeremy Moss discusses the debatable topic of censorship on the Internet. He defines censorship as "the restriction of speech or other forms of expression based on its content." Some of things being censored are movies, music, books, television shows, and the Internet. The media may cause harm or be offensive to some viewers in a way that is conflicting. Society should have a better understanding of what is ethical in order to make a clear opinion about the situation. As always, there are two sides to the debate. Individuals who support censorship say it is harmful to others, which includes children, because it may involve defamation or hate speech towards certain groups of people. Those people who do not support censorship feel their freedom of expression is being violated. They feel that it is part of an individuals freedom to express themselves however they want.
Moss goes on to talk about how hard it is to regulate the Internet because it is free to anyone that has access to it. Information that is found on the Internet may not be credible, which could cause problems in the long run. He then discusses the issues of private v public Internet use of offensive material. Material that is viewed at home may be seen by other members of the family. He presents three case studies that deal with the issue of censorship.
After reading this article, I feel that censorship in public places is a necessity. By doing this, it prevents corrupt information from being accessed by individuals, especially children. The Internet is a place where many unwanted advertisements can come across the page while students are on the computer. Schools need to be aware of the offensive information that can be found on the Internet. Viewing explicit materials in private places can be a sensitive subject. Even though you are in the privacy of your own home, there may be other members of the family that use the computer. As a result, other members of the household or even guests, are being brought into a situation that may be harmful to their eyes and ears. They are being affected by the choice that an individual has made to benefit themselves. They do not understand the consequences that is may cause to other people. Certain material on the Internet should not be seen by children, or in some cases, even adults.

For more information on this subject, you can go to:

www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Media/MediaCensorship.html

http://socialissues.wiseto.com/Topics/Censorship

www.techlawjournal.com/censor/Default.htm

www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/10/20031025-1.html

Ethics in Education

In the article “Ethics in Education”, Jeremy Moss discusses the highly debatable topic of censorship, with the definition of it being “the restriction of speech or other forms of expression based on its content”. In today’s society many things are being censored, including books, movies, music, television shows, newspapers, and the internet. And as with everything in life, there are two sides to this debate. Those who support censorship feel that the objectionable material is against the public’s moral views and can be harmful to the viewer. Those who do not support censorship feel as though they are not receiving their right to free speech and are not being able to explore different aspects of society. Jeremy Moss also discusses the issue of private vs. public use of controversial material. If one chooses to view or listen to the material at one’s home, does it affect anyone else besides the viewer?

To dig in deeper in this current issue, Jeremy Moss presents three case studies that deal with that question. One of the studies deals with researching topics at a school for a project and the censorship on the internet being a dilemma, another deals with the censorship on the internet not providing a student with the whole truth about what he is researching, and the last case deals with a 21 year old man looking up violent pornography in his home.

After reading this article, I still feel that censorship is a good thing, especially in public places. While I understand that in some cases censorship on the internet can be a problem, such as in Case 1 with the student researching scientific breakthroughs that deal with wars, I still overall think it’s worth it. I think that things such as historical facts or facts about one’s overall health shouldn’t be as suppressed. But in cases such as Case 2 with the rock stars, one can always use other resources rather than just the internet. Millions of books are available to loan through libraries. Other options are available. In regards to issues such as pornography, I cannot express how great it would be to not have to worry about inappropriate pop up ads, shameful search results, or disgusting spam emails! Pornography is offensive and inappropriate for children of all ages, and in my opinion, adults as well. It doesn't matter if one is viewing it in the privacy of their home or out in public...it is still not appropriate. Hardcore violent pornography, such as in Case 3, can lead to that 21 year old man having harmful views towards women. It can become an obsession and serious consequences can come from that. No good can come from it! It's my opinion that pornography should be censored everyone, all the time.

In conclusion, I'm in support of censorship. If it's going to make the online world a better place for people of all ages to be, I'm all for it.

For some statistics on the harmful effects on pornography, go to

http://www.covenanteyes.com/help_and_support/article/internet_pornography_danger_statistics

"No one likes to pay for music--or much else"

“No one likes to pay for music—or much else” by Andrew Potter discusses the issue of getting something for nothing. He maintains that people simply do not like to pay for anything; specifically, paying for music downloads. On one side of the issue is the Free Culture group that believes information (including music) should be free. This group also believes that information should not be censored or controlled. On the other side of the issue is the music industry that believes that there should be stricter penalties for illegal downloads.

Potters explains that Paul McGuinness, manager of U2, blamed Internet Service Providers (ISP), the “hippie culture”, and fund managers for ruining the recording industry. He proposed that a fee should be collected by Internet Service Providers for downloading and the fee should be paid to copyright holders. His solution was not well received.

Potter maintains that people like to think that they are getting something for free. He suggests a method to ensure that copyright holders get paid, while people would believe they are getting free downloads. He proposes that the government charge an Internet access tax be collected by ISPs. People would then have unlimited downloads. The money (royalties) would be distributed by the Copyright Board.

To read more about this issue, check out:

http://www.riaa.com/

http://www.pcworld.com/article/146028/fewer_are_paying_for_music_downloads_study_shows.html

http://articles.directorym.net/Why_Im_Not_Paying_to_Download_Music_These_Days_151_and_Why_Im_Not_Alone-a890710.html

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/01/20/business/digital.php


I agree with Potter’s solution. The artists and recording industry deserve to be paid for their music and people do like to think that they are getting a “free lunch.” By adding an access tax to the ISPs, the recording industry gets paid and people could download guilt free to their hearts’ content. This would be an easy solution. Most people would simply pay their internet bill and not think twice about the extra tax.

Ethics in Education

In the article, “Ethics in Education,” Jeremy Moss discusses censorship on the internet. He defines censorship as restricting speech or other expression based on the content because it may offend or cause harm. He discusses the controversy of censorship – the concern for freedom of speech versus the need to prevent the defamation of someone’s character and hate speech. Moss explains the difficulty of regulating the Internet due to the fact that anyone can access it. He also discusses private versus public Internet use; just because something is viewed in private does not mean that it doesn’t impact others.

Case Study #3 is about Alex, a 21 year old, who frequently watches hardcore violent pornography at home. The government is planning to block access to such material and Alex feels it isn’t fair. He maintains that he is not hurting anyone and not sharing the material so he should be able to view it in the privacy of his home.

Accessing violent pornographic material in private is somewhat different than accessing it in public. In public, you are potentially exposing others – children as well as adults. However, just because you access something in the privacy of your own home does not make it right. The government might argue that it is appropriate to censor hardcore violent pornography because it has the potential of physically injuring the “actors.” The actors may feel like they are required to participate in order to keep their job. The government may also believe that watching violent pornography encourages violence and sex crimes. The private act of consumption is not truly private. It does affect others. Frequently viewing the violent pornography may impact Alex’s treatment of women. Alex may begin to believe that this type of behavior is acceptable and that women are to be treated as objects. While I believe that violence can occur whether or not someone watches violent pornography; I do feel that frequently watching it may cause people to believe that this is normal and acceptable behavior. I do not think that being 21, rather than 13 or 17, makes a difference. If a behavior is not appropriate, then it is simply not appropriate. Being an adult does not make it acceptable. I would support the censoring of e-mail. I would prefer to not have my inbox full of e-mails that contain offensive messages and pictures. E-mail is not as private as regular mail. E-mail is often viewed by others in the household, including children.

For more information on censorship on the Internet, go to:
http://epic.org/free_speech/censorship/
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet-censorship.htm
http://www.duke.edu/~dgm4/ethics
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/86956/internet-censorship-grows-around-the-world.html

"No one likes to pay for music--or much else"

This article talks about the copyright wars going on between the music industry and the consumer. One consumer, a man named Mark Boyle from Britain, is taking a stand and promoting the "freeconomy" movement. Mr. Boyle is going on a journey and hopes to survive by strangers he encounters along the way. These "freeconomists" believe that the world should shift from a "money-based, community-less society" to a "community-based, moneyless society." They feel that all media such as music, news, books, and others should be free for the taking with no censorship or control.

Obviously the music industry is opposed to this idea. Different producers believe that nothing in life is free for the taking. The music industry is losing money or profit becauses the internet is a place where consumers can download music for free. They are pushing for stricter penalties for those who download music for free. The blame is being put on the Internet Service Providers (ISP). Potter explains that Paul McGuinness, manager of U2, has an idea that a fee should be applied to those who download music legally. This fee will be collected by the Internet Service Providers, which in turn would be paid out to the copyright holders. As a result, the consumer has access to all media downloads and the music industry is making a profit from their songs.

I feel that McGuiness has a point with the proposal he is making to the consumer. Not only does the consumer get what they want for a small fee, but the music industry is getting paid for their hard work. It is only fair that consumers pay for their downloads, just like we pay for other items that we want and need to survive. Society should realize that things in life are not free. The artists and the recording industry deserve to be compensated for their music talents. If the tables were turned, I would want to be paid for my hard work.


For more information, you can visit these websites:

www.freepress.net/node/39026

www.cornellsun.com/node/25635

www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf

www.it.northwestern.edu/security/illegaldownloading/index.html

Ethics in education article

The above article goes in depth on the subject of censorship and what it means to an individual. The article is written in a way that allows the reader to see different viewpoints; the case studies are a good example of these. The writer presents the reader with several questions to evaluate, thus giving opportunity for the reader to decide what would be considered ethical and unethical. It touches on subjects such as pornography sites, freedom of speech and research sites providing to much to the reader. The main question of the article seems to be centered around whether the government and ISPs should be allowed to control what individual's access at home or in public.
I think this article focuses on our first amendment rights being compromised. The reason people come to our country is for the freedom it offers. I don't want someone to have the power to tell me what I can and cannot access in my own home. I understand public and work places having grounds to implement the rules they choose, but not in our own homes. I know in my high school computer lab you had your common filters, as well as a teacher watching over everything. If a teacher wasn't in there it was kept locked. Common sense should tell a parent to not allow their young child to keep a computer in their room, it should be in view and password protected. Where there is a will....there is a way, and if someone is bent on a wrongful act they'll make it happen. I think realization needs to set in that humans murdered, raped and did unjustifiable acts since the beginning of time (we do still have wars). Proper education as to how to responsibly deal with what is in the world today is the key we now have.

Ethics In Education-Megan Shaffer

The article " Ethics in education" by Jeremy Moss, discusses the use of censorship on the Internet. Examples of the things being censored: books, television, or the radio; it also gave examples of case studies where individuals felt that their rights were being violated. The ethics that the article discusses whether or not censoring things violates rights to freedom of speech and other civil and rights.
I feel that censoring information on the Internet in all public places is a good thing. It helps offensive information from reaching individuals, such as children, in private and also in public places. Schools especially should be censored more closely. There are many offensive things that are on the internet that kids should not see. There have been times that I, as a student, have been looking up information on the Internet and the images that were very offensive to me.
Censoring on private internet I am not sure about. I think that there are somethings that should be censored regardless if it is private or public. Things such as pornography. Those types of things should never be accessible on the Internet and are available in other well censored ways such as video renting. However, detailing historical facts, I don't think should be as closely censored.
I think that if it is necessary to censor the Internet then it should be done.

No one likes to pay for music--or much else article

The above article can best be summarized as followed: A movement is started by a man named Mark Boyle, who sets out to discover if one really could live without a dime to their name. Mr. Boyle is part of the “freeconomy” movement. This is a movement that believes content, such as books and music, should be free in costs and speech. This is an opposed group by different producers who believe that nothing in life is free. Thus, two different sides have been created: for free downloads or not for free downloads. So the article tries to define how to bring copyright wars to an end. One suggestion was for fees to be collected by ISPs and paid out to copyright holders. In the end the author relays several ways to solve the problem, which would stifle the copyrighters, allow artists to get paid and still allow for us to get free downloads (with the exception of a new governmental tax).
The above article starts out having you say, “Well good luck with that buddy.” Not to say the world isn't filled to the brim with kind-hearted individuals. Not to many things today are free, and now they're trying to take away what little free stuff we can get. Before this whole “copyright war” started, I'm sure we can all agree that us consumers were paying out the butt! For what? Twenty different songs, with maybe two good ones on it? Can those individuals honestly say their still not sitting fat on our royalties? So, understandably they got jealous of us consumers with half a brain and internet access. Well, each side has its legitimate reasoning, and both sides are in the right for me. As Americans we know nothing in life is free or stays free for long. I'm sure we'd pay a nominal fee to subdue copyrighters and get what we want for still less the cost, and feel less like a thief in the process. In the meantime...I am poor and will happily take all the free downloads I need.

No one likes to pay for music-- or much else article--Emily George

The article "No one likes to pay for music-- or much else" by Andrew Potter, discusses how record industries are upset due to the "free downloads" that the Internet is providing. The record industries are losing profit because the Internet provides music and other forms of media to be downloaded for free. This article also provides an out so that the consumers and the producers are happy. The proposition is to use the McGuinness's "tax-and-distribute" model which makes the consumer pay a basic Internet tax that is collected by the Internet Service Providers (ISP) and in return the ISP's would pay the fees to the Copyright Board. So, the consumers get access to all the media downloads and the producers are still making a profit from the media that they are creating.
I feel that the McGuinness's "tax-and-distribute" model is a fair and ethical for the consumers to get the media that they want to download, and the record industries to receive their profits. The media that the record industries produce obviously cost large sums of money, so how can we as consumers expect them to just give us their products.
We live in a society that is consumer-based. It shouldn't come as a shock to individuals that there is going to be a charge to download different forms of media. The producers create their products not to give it away and feel good about themselves, they use their time and resources to produce products that we as the consumers can purchase. It is only fair and "ethical" if you will, for the media industries to receive profit for their work.

Ethics in Education Article-- Emily George

The article " Ethics in education" by Jeremy Moss, discusses the use of censorship on the Internet. It gave examples of the things that are now being censored whether it is books, television, or the radio; it also gave examples of case studies where individuals felt that their rights were being violated. The ethics that the article involves relates to whether or not censoring things violates individuals right to freedom of speech and other civil and ethical rights.
I feel that censoring information on the Internet, and all public materials is a good thing. It helps prevent unhealthy and offensive information from reaching individuals in private and also in public places. Schools especially should be censored. There have been many times that I as a student have been researching information on the Internet and the images or information that i stumble upon is extremely offensive and demeaning.
I'm not sure how I feel about censoring private Internet. I think that there are somethings that should be censored regardless if it is private or public. Things such as pornography, and other obscene gestures. Those types of things should never be accessible on the Internet. However, things such detailing historical facts, I don't think should be as closely censored.
Taking the extra precautions to ensure that the Internet is a safe and secure resource is something that I agree with. I think that if it is necessary to censor the Internet then it should be done.