By Kimberly Chen & Amilia Wu,
Staff Writers
School computers throughout the district received a new addition to their downloaded software– Linewize, a content filter that completed testing Nov. 1. This software accompanies the monitoring app Classwize, which classes will use in the coming weeks.
The district implemented Linewize on July 1, 2022, to replace the former school year’s content blocker. Former Executive Director of Educational Technology, Susan Hemans, endorsed Linewize’s content filtering package. This package provided cost savings for the district budget and classroom management tools and online filters. Despite Hemans’ departure, the district proceeded with Linewize and Classwize began to undergo testing.
The program enables teachers to monitor and interact remotely with a student’s school laptop. Initial software testing with teachers completed, and a phased rollout will activate the software in the coming weeks. Linewize is currently in place to abide by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, while the district finalizes Classwize for the near future.
Abiding by CIPA requires the district to implement an internet safety policy that prevents minors from accessing inappropriate matter and harmful material, while maintaining their internet security. The federal act also states that it is necessary for the district to monitor students’ online activity.
“Classwize is a classroom management tool that helps to keep students focused, engaged and less distracted when connected to the internet in class,” Curriculum Coordinator Scott Sherman said. “It provides classroom teachers the ability to proctor assessments and keep students on task during school hours. The content filter prevents students from accessing inappropriate and dangerous content which is required by CIPA.”
The district has stated through email correspondence that teachers can view TCUSD device activity during school hours using Classwize. This means that monitoring capabilities exceed last year’s firewall including proctoring capabilities, such as overseeing browser-based tests.