Why do schools block forum usage?

[DJ Higgumz]

At my high school they have an internet system where numerous types of websites are blocked e.g. video, porn, chatrooms, game sites, social networking, and FORUMS?? it seems counter-purpose. you go to school to educate yourself and prepare yourself for your career path. I have learned more about my career than any school, maybe college, would teach me by just my activity in multiple forums. I guess I don't understand. luckily BFM and ArcticChat aren't blocked for some reason, but others like Boyinaband, DJForums, AVS, Freestyer, and ControlBooth are blocked...

Just something that grinds my gears....

[Charles Jenkinson]

Its usually a reflection on the person or system providing the facility. They remove priviledges because of their personal outlook or what they think you should or should not be doing. They may also use the nice emotion-free 'bandwidth' excuse.

Go and tell them the only thing important about bandwidth is how far the guys stretch out across the stage!

[Michael Ewald Hansen]

Can't you just use a VPN? Should fix it nice and easy

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

At my high school they have an internet system where numerous types of websites are blocked e.g. video, porn, chatrooms, game sites, social networking, and FORUMS?

Perhaps because you're supposed to be doing school work instead of goofing off? But in truth that would serve to prepare you for the real world. Web forum traffic is always busiest during working hours, Monday through Friday, slowest at night and on the weekends. Chances are 90% of those reading this post are supposed to be doing something else.

[88h88]

Chances are 90% of those reading this post are supposed to be doing something else.

errrr, no...

[Radian]

you go to school to educate yourself and prepare yourself for your career path.

Eventually stripped of core vocational training and a relatively hostile environment for thought-provoking discussion, school as it became in my childhood, was just an quirky form of day-care.

I could surf the web from anywhere, and I continue to educate myself.

Chances are 90% of those reading this post are supposed to be doing something else.

Golfing?

[Bruce Weldy]

Chances are 90% of those reading this post are supposed to be doing something else.

This forum is my excuse for not doing the things I should be doing. Fortunately, being retired - I can't be fired for it.

[bassmonster]

Exactly. Facebook is blocked at my school, which I don't really care about anyway. Neither of the two forums I participate in are blocked, including Subaruforester.org and this BFM forum- I'm in my IB history class right now. Seeing as I still get very good grades and learn the material required in my school classes, who cares? I visit and post in online forums because I have specific interests and want to learn about them. We don't learn anything about electronics or automobile mechanics in any of my classes, except for physics a bit. I soak up information like a sponge from these online forums because it's something I'm interested in. Some online forums are educational, and well worth my time IMO. Regular school comes first on the priorities list, though.

Unfortunately, my school's internet is super slow because a lot of people illegally download movies and stuff from BitTorrent.

[Boyd]

Eventually stripped of core vocational training and a relatively hostile environment for thought-provoking discussion, school as it became in my childhood, was just an quirky form of day-care.

I couldn't agree more -I've learnt far more through self education than I ever did at school.

The give away is in the name "school" as in "a school of fish" which all move in the same direction at the same time. Its more about indoctrinating the masses to accept the "norm" and not think too far outside the box.

Learn with a hunger, but don't expect your teachers to be particularly objective, or even that well informed. Question your sources, and their motives.

[doncolga]

Unfortunately, my school's internet is super slow because a lot of people illegally download movies and stuff from BitTorrent.

Yikes...

[DJ Higgumz]

yea I wish there was a school where people were self applied more. it would teach more than lessons, but responsibility. I only do this in study halls, or if I'm ahead in a project.

[byacey]

I was fortunate. When I was in high school, they offered an electronic course that was all day for the full school year. I had to attend an additional year to complete all my courses, but it was well worth it.

When I went to the post secondary technical institute, I was able to write off my first two years based on my training and grades in high school.

Unfortunately the internet didn't exist at that time (or maybe it was a fortunate thing, depending how you look at it).

I'm sure now many kids waste time on the 'net during school hours, but you reap what you sow.

[Radian]

I'm sure now many kids waste time on the 'net during school hours

If it wasn't the internet, it would be something else. Could be anything really. Wasting time at school is certainly not something new. ..if one can see past the bullying, occasional dirt-bag faculty, and disorientating curriculum, we might actually take away something useful from the experience.

...but you reap what you sow.

+1

[Tom Smit]

There are numerous forums that are NOT beneficial in any way (because of deflamation, violence, etc, etc.) In our city, a young women was murdered New Years Day, and the two accused of the murder were members of a couple of disgusting forums. This is one reasons that could definitely support the school's policy.

This forum is beneficial, as far as I'm concerned. But I think it should be done outside of school unless it's a part of class training.

[Bas Gooiker]

If you must use forums at school, try a VPN.

Though in my humble opinion, school time would be best spend doing school stuff. So unless you are in social media or forum class, that should be either learning in class or skipping classes and smoking weed in the alley behind the gymnasium... Well, at least that's what i remember from my high school years.