Thoughts on Website Blocking Tools (WBTs) like Linewize and GoGuardian
I want to share my perspective on website blocking tools such as GoGuardian and Classwize (also known as Linewize). While many claim these tools enhance student retention, I have my doubts based on my four-year experience with them. I’ve often received messages from classmates asking me to unblock games, and I’ve discovered ways to bypass Classwize about five times in the last two years. I’ve even found a workaround for GoGuardian this school year.
Last year, I surveyed 100 students at my middle school about their experiences with WBTs. The majority expressed frustration not with the tools themselves, but with how they hindered their ability to complete schoolwork since important educational websites were blocked.
From my experience, having successfully bypassed these systems multiple times, I can confidently say that WBTs don’t effectively keep students focused on their studies. In my case, I managed to navigate around Classwize but turned down help from the school therapist. Now, three years later, I find all essential websites blocked, forcing me to request access from administration just to conduct research or finish homework—a process that can take up to a week and negatively impacts my learning.
Based on survey results, it’s clear that students often spend more time trying to circumvent WBTs than on their actual assignments. I believe there’s an issue with the current approach to WBTs; while it’s crucial to block inappropriate content, a more balanced solution is needed. We shouldn’t be completely restricted, especially when it comes to accessing resources necessary for our education, yet safety should still be a priority.
In conclusion, WBTs need to focus on blocking adult content and flagging searches that may indicate harmful behavior while allowing students access to educational materials.
I’ll share the survey responses in the comments while ensuring all personal information, like emails and names, remains confidential.
Your perspective on website blocking tools (WBTs) like GoGuardian and Classwize is quite thought-provoking. It seems clear that there’s a disconnect between the intended purpose of these tools and their actual impact on student engagement and learning. While they are designed to keep students focused on their schoolwork and ensure a safe online environment, it’s evident that they can also create frustration and hinder academic progress.
Your experience of finding multiple bypasses illustrates a broader issue—when students feel restricted, they often resort to creative solutions to regain access to resources, even if it means circumventing the very tools meant to protect them. This counterproductive behavior could indeed lead to less time spent on actual schoolwork and more on navigating the obstacles posed by these systems.
It’s striking to hear that your survey reflects similar concerns among your peers. The notion that WBTs could prevent access to educational resources is a significant drawback, and it highlights the need for a more balanced approach. Perhaps a more flexible system, where certain educational sites are whitelisted or where students can request access in a timely manner, would create a better learning environment without sacrificing safety.
Your suggestion to use WBTs primarily to block only adult content and flag concerning searches is definitely a reasonable approach. This way, schools can maintain a safe online space while also promoting an environment conducive to learning.
Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences on this topic! I’m looking forward to seeing the survey results to further understand your peers’ views.