Even with the new policy on cell phone bans, students have still been finding ways to cheat. In the Francis Howell School District, a new policy has been implemented for teachers called “Classwise,” which is essentially a tool where teachers can view all their students’ screens from one device. There are a few ups and downs about the tool, like taking into consideration teachers’ work times, and it does not work if the student is using their own device. Students argue it is an invasion of privacy, while teachers are just trying to prevent cheating.
While the teachers can view students’ screens, teachers can also block websites from students or open and close tabs for the students. For example, if a student is on an assignment and the teacher notices them getting sidetracked and playing video games instead of working, the teacher may close the tab for the student or block any access to the website for the entire class, just for the remainder of the class period.
Science teacher Melissa Broadfield explains that the policy is not a new thing; it is just reinvented for the 1:1 devices. Previously, all schools had this type of software, but the devices had to be connected to a computer web.
“What people don’t understand is that when we all worked in the computer lab, before Chromebooks, they had the same system,” Broadfield said.
When it comes down to it, this ‘new’ system isn’t new after all. Schools actually used the system back before the individual laptops.
Teachers are supposed to officially start using this application starting on January 6th, but have been using the tool since November. Many students feel that their privacy is being invaded, or they feel confined due to the teachers just peering over their screens. Junior Ethan Oketch feels strongly about teachers using Classwise.
“I feel like there’s been a trust that’s been broken, because the teachers don’t trust us anymore… I feel like it infringes my privacy because it’s my Chromebook screen and the teacher is looking at what I’m doing even though I am the one logged in,” Oketch said.
Many teachers argue invasion of privacy is unrealistic since the student should be doing their schoolwork in school. Some fear teachers can now see their own personal devices. Both claims are valid arguments that these techniques are used for students to be held accountable to not be inclined to cheat.
