1. Content Filtering Pilot
Resources can be found: http://oit.hcpss.wikispaces.net/Content+Filtering

2. Agenda
• Part I
• Selecting and evaluating digital content
• Part II
• Using the content filter bypass
• Reporting issues

3. Digital content includes text, images, sounds,
and video that have been accessed over the
Internet and brought into a computer.
This content will most often come from websites.

4. As more and more digital content is readily
available for educators to incorporate into their
instruction, it is essential that you are aware of
your responsibilities as an educator to select
appropriate content to use.

5. Selection of Instructional Materials, 8040
o Instructional materials must foster the inclusion of all voices
within a global society (racial, ethnic, sexual, cultural,
disabled, aged, religious, etc.) unless the content of the
material is typical of society in a specific period of history.
o Prior to use with students, each video will be evaluated by
those teachers who will use it. If the video meets curricular
objectives and is age appropriate, it may be used.
o Instructional materials must allow for representation of
contrasting points of view or multiple interpretations of
content.

6. Acceptable Use of Computer Technology, 8080
o Employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors are to use
HCPSS technology in a responsible, ethical manner
consistent with their professional responsibilities.

7. • Accessing collaborative sites is part of the
current AUP that students and parents sign.
• Assuming the parent/guardian has signed the
AUP, many HCPSS approved collaborative sites
are covered.
o However, this does not cover EVERY site.
o It is a best practice to send home a project letter
(contact OIT for samples).

8. Non-Collaborative Collaborative
(online resources which do not (online resources which support
support discussions) discussions- requires approval)
HCPSS - http://www.hcpss.org Glogster - http://edu.glogster.com/
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives - Blabberize - http://blabberize.com/
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
PhET - http://phet.colorado.edu/ Edmodo – http://hcpss.edmodo.com
Pics4Learning - SchoolTube - http://www.schooltube.com/
http://www.pics4learning.com
NOTE: The sites listed above have gone through Software Approval
(SAP)- http://doc.hcpss.org:8080/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-20838

9. Educators are expected to preview the web-based digital
content and use the following guidelines when deciding if
the content should be used:
1. The digital content aligns with HCPSS curriculum.
2. The digital content is appropriate for use with students in an instructional
setting.
3. If digital content from a website is going to be reused (e.g., downloaded,
embedded, edited), the new version must adhere to relevant copyright law.
4. The use of the digital content must adhere to the website’s terms of service
(TOS) and privacy policy.
5. The digital content aligns with the county’s guidelines for collaborative
discussion.

10. Is the digital content appropriate for use with students in an
instructional setting?
• Consider the following:
o Developmentally appropriate (including readability)
o Accuracy and validity of content
o Clarity of the message
o Language usage (grammar, mechanics, etc.)
o Viewpoints presented
o Ease of use
o Web accessibility (Section 508)
• Note: Reasonable exceptions to this provision may be made at
the discretion of a teacher.

11. The design of a website can limit people with varying abilities from
being able to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the
site. Websites should be evaluated to determine the degree in
which they are accessible to the end user. Keep in mind, sites
that are accessible to some students may be inaccessible to
others.
If you have a student who requires accommodations, please
contact your special education team leader for guidance.
Additional information on these topics may be found:
http://oit.hcpss.wikispaces.net/Digital+Content

12. Does the use of the digital content adhere to the
website’s terms of service (TOS) and privacy policy?
The TOS gives specific directions concerning the user’s
responsibilities when using the site (e.g., send home the
privacy policy for parent/guardian signature).
• Consider:
o Type of content
o Age restrictions
o Copyright implications
o Type of use permitted

13. Does the use of the digital content adhere to the
website’s terms of service (TOS) and privacy policy?
Encourage educators to read the Terms of Service even with
websites that are approved because sites can change their
TOS without notice.
Items on the SAP list may still have a TOS that says “over 13”
and may be appropriate for secondary and not elementary
students.

14. Is the digital content on the HCPSS approved list of
collaborative websites? (Non-collaborative websites do
not require approval)
Resources that support collaborative discussions must be on
the Software Approval (SAP) list which is available in the
Document Repository.
Teachers wishing to use a resource not on the SAP list may
submit the resource for approval. Information for submitting a
SAP request can be found on the OIT Intranet page.

16. General:
o Have another HCPSS teacher/administrator review the
digital content.
o Provide multi-group assignments.
o Determine which lab to use (mobile vs. stationary) based on
the needs of the assignment (stationary computers are
usually faster for accessing web-based content).

17. Video:
o Download Discovery Streaming videos prior to instruction.
o Pre-load digital content to be used in class (to reduce
buffering) if possible.
o Use short video clips instead of full length.
o Provide closed captioning for students when available.
 Copyright Note: Discovery Streaming videos can be
saved to HCPSS computer/network as long as HCPSS
maintains a subscription to the service.

18. Technical / Network:
o Consider impact of digital content on bandwidth.
o Internet speed varies throughout the day.
o Stagger student logins when using Discovery Streaming.
o Limit the number of students accessing digital content
simultaneously.

19. Content Filter Bypass

20. Purpose of Pilot
With the recent upgrades to the HCPSS
infrastructure, the Technology Department can
begin studying the effect of opening streaming
media sites for teacher use.

21. Evaluation of Pilot
The Technology Department and OIT will
work with schools in the pilot to complete the
Technical Evaluation.
The evaluation will include data on the
network impact and the number of service
requests (help desk calls and tickets).

22. Best Practices
• The key to the success of using streaming
media depends on its integration into the
course and how it applies to student learning.
• Have a plan:
o Be clear about your instructional goals.
o Choose media that helps meet your goals for student
learning.
o Have students use media in a way that helps accomplish
instructional objectives.

23. Best Practices
• Integrate media with student activities.
o Prepare the learners for viewing the media clip:
 introduce clip
 explain clip's purpose
 explain what to watch or listen for in the clip
o Have students do something with what they’ve learned:
 complete a task
 answer a question
 participate in a discussion, either online or in the
classroom

24. Step 1:
• When you get to a streaming site such as voicethread.com,
click on "Login as Different User”.

25. Step 2:
• Type in your active
directory login (the login to
your computer).
• Staff should not login to the
content filter for students.
• Board Policy 8080: Users
will not engage in
unauthorized
activities: Accessing
technology via another
user’s account credentials
or facilitating unauthorized
access.

26. Step 3:
• Keep this window open (or minimize) and then go back to the
Internet browser and reload the website.

27. Step 4:
• You can now view streaming media within the site or access
the entire webpage.

28. Reporting Issues
• Please call 410-313-7004 with any problems.
• If experiencing difficulty logging in:
o Plug your computer into the network via Ethernet.
o Restart computer (wait for green light on Mac).
o Try to login.
o If the computer warns you that your password is expired or
near expiration you will need to change your computer
password to be able to login to the content filter.
 To change password while on the network:
https://changepw.hcpss.org

29. Staff Professional Development
“It's important that communication with staff is consistent and
open so they feel they understand the filtering process, the
approval process, and where to go for resources.”
Reservoir High School example:
https://sites.google.com/site/rehsmedia/use-the-media-center-
staff-handbook/contentfilteringpilot

30. Questions?