Reality check...network security in K-2

I need to know if I'm way off base here. I'm in a suburban school system and the tech department just handed down notice that K-2 students have to log into the network with their student ID and a less-than-intuitive birthdate code.

Previously, teachers and the media center had generic logins and the kids were able to move among the computers, using them freely. Now, they're supposed to log in and log off repeatedly throughout the day.

I'm not quite sure how the teachers and the media center people are going to deal with teaching AND keeping an eye on the kids who are having trouble logging in (and after 3 bad tries, they're locked out).

Here's my question: Is this standard operating procedure in other districts? Is there a gaping security hole I'm unaware of? And how DO you handle security for primary kids in YOUR district? Thanks!

John

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Permalink Reply by Berta Hayes Capo on August 31, 2009 at 6:29pm

Hi John, I can't possibly see these procedures as constructive for this age group. I have seen it pose a barrier in middle and highs school level students. Someone is trying to cover their tushy and not even thinking about the kids. It is a shame that we have to get so paranoid, but then we do not seem to have adequate coherent procedures in place and many are frightened because they are just playing it by ear. Leadership and legislation have to collaborate with classroom teachers to devise a true working plan for today's issues.

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Wylie on August 31, 2009 at 8:20pm

We have generic logins in our district for K-7 I believe. On shared computers, like in the lab, there is a generic teacher login. I think in an ideal world there would be separate logins for everyone. However, with K-1 or maybe even 2, it takes a while to train them to login properly, and as you said, the logins are rarely all that student friendly, (surely that is not all that difficult to do). It is sometimes more hassle than it is worth.

Still, that said, it is easier for kids to save and retrieve work if they have network logins. The security is better this way, although not foolproof. (How many kids know each others logins? A lot. How many staff do not change their passwords? A lot.) And, over time, the kids just learn to do it. Make them all little ID cards to take to the computer lab. I have done that before and it works quite well. Ask if the IT dept can assign animal names as passwords, or something else that is user friendly like a teacher name.

I understand your frustrations, because I have been there, but the pros just about outweigh the cons in my opinion.