Whether it be computers or iPads or other, technology is rapidly becoming more prevalent in schools. With that comes apps and websites, and the question of what should be allowed. I think that the restrictions put on our technology should not be as extreme.

The Children’s Internet Protection Act requires schools to block or filter Internet access to and material that may be “harmful to minors”. Are schools simply following this act, or are they interpreting it to their own liking? I personally think that school’s restrictions are rapidly becoming too strict. So strict, in fact, that they could arguably be hindering student’s learning capabilities.

Students are usually given iPads or computers to do school work on. However, for the Baldwin school district, the App Store is completely taken off. Students are only able to download apps that the teachers see fit. According to PBS, 73 percent of of educators said that technology helps teachers respond to different learning styles. If exploration though technology is restricted, however, how are teachers supposed to know what learning styles different students respond to? Only 66 apps are available on our school’s version of the App Store, “Manager”. In addition to this, many websites are made unusable by the fact that many websites don’t let you use them unless you download the app version.

By not allowing students to download apps, any room for creativity is demolished. It can be  harder for students to learn if they are hindered and not allowed to download apps that help them specifically. The entire point of iPads is to have an outlet to help us learn, but we can’t even download what we need. If a student preferred to use a different search engine, planner, or note taking app, they simply can’t on the device that they have to use every day.

I propose that the school only blocks apps as needed. I think it would be a much better system if they only blocked apps that caused a problem and disrupted the school environment. I also believe it is unfair to block apps from everyone if only one person was doing something wrong. Not everyone should be punished because of one person’s irresponsibility.