Josh Peete

* Superintendent / Principal since 2010 * Teacher since 2003 * M.Ed. Admin.

Teachers’ Secrets Revealed: Why Gum, Phones, and Hoodies Drive Them Crazy – A Rhyming Poem!

In every classroom, there are some things
That students do which teachers don’t like or find a nuisance brings
Gum, phones, and hoodies – these three are often to blame
So let’s dive in and find out why, and what brings the disdain.

In every classroom, certain student behaviors tend to bother teachers and disrupt the learning environment. The presence of gum, phones, and hoodies is often blamed for these disturbances. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind teachers’ disdain for these items and their impact on the classroom.

The Sticky Situation of Gum

Gum, often enjoyed as a tasty treat, can quickly become a nuisance in a classroom setting. It is not solely the flavor that troubles teachers but also the mess it creates. Gum stuck under desks or on the floor can be an unsightly eyesore, undermining the overall environment. Additionally, the sound of chewing gum can be distracting and disrupt the flow of the classroom.

The Perils of Phones

Phones have become an omnipresent tool in our lives, but their presence in the classroom is viewed as uncool by many teachers. While they offer quick access to information, their use in class poses a significant distraction. Engaging with phones diverts students’ attention away from the lesson at hand, hindering their concentration. Furthermore, the noise and the bright screens can affect not only students’ focus but also their eyesight.

The Hoodie Conundrum

Hoodies, beloved by students for their comfort and style, can provoke despair in some teachers. It is not merely the fashion statement but rather the assumptions associated with hoodies that concern educators. Unfortunately, hoodies can carry negative stereotypes, linking them to gang activity or criminal behavior. Although these stereotypes may be unfounded, the stigma persists and can create an unfavorable impression within the classroom.

The Reason Behind the Disdain

The three aforementioned items—gum, phones, and hoodies—draw teachers’ disapproval for valid reasons. Teachers prioritize professionalism and safety in the classroom. Distractions, caused by gum-chewing, phone usage, and negative associations with hoodies, can hinder the learning process and compromise the students’ success.

Working Together for a Better Classroom

While students may not always agree with the restrictions, it is essential to understand that teachers have their students’ best interests at heart. The aim is to create an optimal learning environment where distractions are minimized. By avoiding gum, keeping phones aside, and being mindful of the impressions associated with hoodies, students can actively contribute to a focused and engaging classroom atmosphere.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gum, phones, and hoodies are often viewed as nuisances in the classroom due to the disruptions they cause. Gum creates a mess and distracts with its sound, while phones divert attention and affect concentration. Hoodies, despite being a fashion choice, may carry negative stereotypes. By recognizing the reasons behind teachers’ concerns and working together to reduce distractions, students can create a conducive learning environment where education thrives and success is attainable.

Behind the Firewall: Decoding the Mystery of Why Schools Block Everything – From Games to Social Media to Spotify

Schools across the world use various techniques to block certain websites and games, and limit the content that students can access through school networks. But why do schools block everything? Here are some possible reasons:

To maintain a safe learning environment: Blocking certain websites can protect students from accessing inappropriate content, such as adult content or violent games. Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for their students, and blocking harmful content is one way to achieve this.
To prevent distraction: The internet is full of distractions, and students can easily get sidetracked by games, social media, or other non-educational content. By blocking these distractions, schools can help students stay focused on their studies.
To comply with regulations: Some schools may be required by law to restrict access to certain websites or content. For example, schools that receive federal funding are required to have internet safety policies in place, and blocking certain websites may be part of those policies.

Why Do Schools Block All Games?

Games can be a significant distraction for students, and many games are not appropriate for school environments. Here are some reasons why schools block all games:

To prevent distraction: As mentioned earlier, games can be a significant distraction for students. By blocking all games, schools can reduce the likelihood of students getting sidetracked during class.
To maintain a safe learning environment: Some games are violent or contain inappropriate content, and allowing access to these games can create an unsafe learning environment.
To prevent network congestion: Games can consume a lot of bandwidth, which can slow down the entire school network. By blocking all games, schools can prevent network congestion and ensure that all students have access to a fast and reliable network.

Why Do School Chromebooks Block Everything?

Chromebooks are becoming increasingly popular in schools because of their affordability and ease of use. However, schools often use software to restrict access to certain websites and content. Here are some reasons why school Chromebooks block everything:

To comply with school policies: Many schools have policies in place that restrict access to certain websites or content. By using software to block everything, schools can ensure that students are not able to access any restricted content.
To maintain a safe learning environment: As mentioned earlier, schools have a responsibility to provide a safe learning environment for their students. By blocking everything, schools can reduce the risk of students accessing inappropriate or harmful content.
To prevent distraction: Distractions can be a significant problem for students, and by blocking everything, schools can help students stay focused on their studies.

What Websites Do Schools Block?

Schools may block a variety of websites depending on their policies and goals. Here are some types of websites that schools commonly block:

Social media: Social media can be a significant distraction for students, and some social media sites may contain inappropriate content. As a result, many schools block social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Games: As mentioned earlier, games can be a significant distraction and may not be appropriate for school environments. Schools may block popular games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox.
Video streaming sites: Video streaming sites such as YouTube and Netflix can consume a lot of bandwidth, which can slow down the entire school network. Schools may block these sites to prevent network congestion and ensure that all students have access to a fast and reliable network.
Adult content: Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe learning environment for their students, and blocking adult content is one way to achieve this. Schools block websites that contain explicit content.

Why Do Schools Block YouTube?

YouTube is a popular video streaming site, but many schools block it. Here are some reasons why:

Inappropriate content: YouTube is home to millions of videos, and some of them may not be appropriate for school environments. Schools may block YouTube to prevent students from accessing videos that contain violent or explicit content.
Distraction: As mentioned earlier, distractions can be a significant problem for students, and YouTube can be a significant distraction. Schools may block YouTube to help students stay focused on their studies.
Bandwidth consumption: As mentioned earlier, video streaming sites can consume a lot of bandwidth, which can slow down the entire school network. Schools may block YouTube to prevent network congestion and ensure that all students have access to a fast and reliable network.

Why Do Schools Block Reddit?

Reddit is a popular social media site, but many schools block it. Schools may block Reddit for similar reasons to other social media sites, such as preventing distractions and maintaining a safe learning environment. In addition, some subreddits may contain inappropriate or explicit content, which can create an unsafe learning environment.

Why Do Schools Block Roblox?

Roblox is a popular game, but many schools block it. Schools may block Roblox for similar reasons to other games, such as preventing distractions and maintaining a safe learning environment. In addition, some Roblox games may contain violent or explicit content, which can create an unsafe learning environment.

Why Do Schools Block Social Media?

Social media can be a significant distraction for students, and some social media sites may contain inappropriate content. In addition, social media can be a platform for cyberbullying and other negative behaviors. Schools may block social media sites to prevent distractions, maintain a safe learning environment, and reduce the likelihood of negative behaviors.

Why Do Schools Block Spotify?

Spotify is a popular music streaming service, but many schools block it. Schools may block Spotify for similar reasons to other video streaming sites, such as preventing network congestion and ensuring that all students have access to a fast and reliable network. In addition, some schools may consider music to be a distraction and may block Spotify to help students stay focused on their studies. Lastly, some music is not appropriate for the school environment with inappropriate language and themes. It is difficult for the teacher to monitor and each family has a different feeling of what is appropriate music for students. Research shows that listening to music without words at a low volume is a best practice for classrooms.

List of Websites Blocked by Schools:

Here are some examples of websites that may be blocked by schools:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media sites
YouTube, Netflix, and other video streaming sites
Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox, and other popular games
Reddit and other social news sites
Adult content sites
Torrenting and file-sharing sites
Online gambling and betting sites

Conclusion:

Schools block everything for a variety of reasons, including preventing distractions, maintaining a safe learning environment, and complying with regulations. By blocking certain websites and content, schools can provide a safe and focused learning environment for their students. However, it is important to note that not all blocked content is inherently harmful, and some students may have legitimate reasons for accessing certain websites. As such, schools should consider carefully which websites and content to block and should provide clear guidelines and policies for students to follow.

Outsmarting AI: 5 Foolproof Ways to Prevent Students from Cheating with ChatGPT and AI Technology!

Academic dishonesty has been a growing problem in schools and universities around the world. Cheating undermines the integrity of the educational process, and can have serious consequences for both students and educators. The following are strategies that educators can use to prevent students from cheating using AI technologies and ChatGPT:

Strategy #1:

Try using this more…

Try using this less…

Design assessments that are difficult to cheat on:

One of the most effective ways to prevent cheating is to create assessments that are difficult to cheat on. This means designing assessments that require higher-order thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Rather than simply testing students’ recall of facts, you can ask questions that require them to apply their knowledge to new situations. For example, you can ask students to analyze a case study or a real-world scenario, or to provide an explanation or justification for a particular concept or theory.

Another way to make assessments more difficult to cheat on is to use open-ended questions. Open-ended questions require students to provide more detailed responses that can’t be easily memorized or copied. By requiring students to explain their thinking, you can also gain insight into their thought processes and identify areas where they may be struggling.

Designing assessments that are difficult to cheat on involves careful planning and implementation. Here are 10 ways to create such assessments:

Define Clear Learning Objectives: Start by identifying the specific learning outcomes you want to assess. Clearly define what students should know or be able to do after completing the assessment.
Select Appropriate Assessment Methods: Choose assessment methods that align with your learning objectives. Consider using a mix of assessment types, such as essays, projects, presentations, and problem-solving exercises.
Create Authentic Scenarios: Develop assessment scenarios that reflect real-world situations or problems relevant to the subject matter. This encourages students to apply their knowledge rather than rely on memorization.
Craft Open-Ended Questions: Formulate open-ended questions that require students to provide detailed explanations, analyses, or justifications. These questions should not have straightforward answers and should challenge students to think critically.
Use Unique Case Studies: Design unique case studies or scenarios that are not readily available online or in textbooks. This makes it harder for students to find pre-written solutions.
Emphasize Application: Focus on assessing students’ ability to apply concepts and theories to solve problems or make decisions. This can be done through practical exercises or real-world simulations.
Encourage Independent Thinking: Promote independent thinking by asking questions that require students to draw their conclusions, rather than regurgitating textbook information.
Randomize Assessment Content: If using multiple-choice questions, randomize the order of answer choices or create multiple versions of the assessment with different questions. This reduces the effectiveness of cheating through collaboration.
Implement Time Constraints: Set time limits for assessments to deter students from seeking outside help or consulting external resources during the test.
Include Oral Presentations or Interviews: Consider including oral presentations or interviews as part of the assessment process. This allows you to assess students’ understanding in a direct and interactive manner, making it harder for them to cheat.

Use technology to monitor student activity:

Technology can be a powerful tool in preventing cheating. There are several technologies available that can help monitor students’ online activity during assessments. For example, you can use plagiarism checkers to detect whether students have copied text from online sources. You can also use webcams and remote proctoring software to monitor students while they take online assessments. This technology can detect if students are looking at notes, using their phones, or collaborating with others during the assessment.

It is important to communicate to students that technology is being used to monitor their activity during assessments. This can act as a deterrent for those who might be considering cheating.

Here are 10 ways to prevent cheating using technology:

Use Plagiarism Detection Software: Employ plagiarism detection tools to identify and flag any instances of copied or unoriginal content in essays, papers, and assignments.
- Turnitin: Turnitin is one of the most widely recognized plagiarism detection tools. It checks submitted papers against a vast database of academic and non-academic content to identify similarities and potential instances of plagiarism.
- Grammarly Plagiarism Checker: Grammarly, known for its grammar and writing assistance features, also offers a plagiarism checker that scans text for similarities with content available online and in its database.
- Copyscape: Copyscape is primarily used to detect plagiarism on websites. It scans web pages to find duplicate content, making it useful for checking the originality of online essays or articles.
- Plagscan: Plagscan is a comprehensive plagiarism detection tool that checks documents for similarities in academic papers, reports, and other written content. It provides a detailed plagiarism report to users.
- Unicheck: Unicheck is an integrated plagiarism detection tool compatible with various Learning Management Systems (LMS). It compares submitted assignments against a database of academic and online content, generating a similarity report for instructors and students.
Implement Secure Online Testing Platforms: Utilize secure online testing platforms that offer features like randomized questions, time limits, and question banks to make cheating more challenging.
- ProctorU: ProctorU offers live, online proctoring services that monitor students in real-time through webcams and screen sharing. It ensures that students adhere to test guidelines and maintains the integrity of online assessments.
- ExamSoft: ExamSoft is a secure exam software that allows educators to create and administer online assessments. It offers features like randomized questions, time limits, and lockdown mode to deter cheating.
- Canvas Quizzes: Canvas, a popular Learning Management System (LMS), provides a quiz tool with features such as randomizing questions, shuffling answer choices, and setting time limits, making it a secure option for online assessments.
- Moodle Quiz: Moodle, another widely used LMS, includes a quiz module with features for secure online testing, including question randomization and the ability to require students to complete the assessment within a specific time frame.
- Blackboard Learn: Blackboard Learn offers a secure testing environment for educators. It includes features like question pools, timed assessments, and options for randomizing questions to enhance assessment security.
Enable Lockdown Browsers: Require students to use lockdown browsers that restrict access to external websites, applications, and notes during online assessments.
- Respondus LockDown Browser: Respondus LockDown Browser is a widely used and trusted solution for securing online assessments. It integrates seamlessly with popular Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle. It restricts access to external websites and applications while students are taking a test. Respondus Monitor, an additional feature, provides webcam monitoring for added security.
- Safe Exam Browser (SEB): Safe Exam Browser is an open-source lockdown browser that works on Windows, macOS, and iOS. It’s highly customizable and can be configured to suit various assessment needs. SEB is known for its flexibility and compatibility with different learning platforms.
- LockDown Browser for Google Chrome: LockDown Browser for Google Chrome is specifically designed for Chromebook users. It provides a secure environment for online exams by locking down the Chromebook, preventing students from accessing other websites or applications during the test. It integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace for Education.
- Labster LockDown Browser: Labster LockDown Browser is designed for science and lab-related assessments. It ensures the security of virtual labs and science simulations. This browser is suitable for educators looking to secure assessments that involve hands-on experiments conducted online.
- KioWare for Secure Browser: KioWare for Secure Browser is a lockdown solution that provides robust security features for online assessments. It’s compatible with Windows and Android devices and offers customization options for administrators. This browser is suitable for both education and corporate assessment purposes.
Utilize Remote Proctoring Services: Implement remote proctoring services that use webcams and AI to monitor students in real-time during online exams, ensuring they follow test guidelines.
- ProctorU: ProctorU is a widely recognized remote proctoring service that offers live, online proctoring. Trained proctors monitor students via webcam and screen sharing in real-time during their exams. This service ensures that students adhere to test guidelines and maintain academic integrity.
- Examity: Examity is a remote proctoring platform that employs AI-driven monitoring to detect suspicious behavior during online assessments. It provides a range of proctoring options, including live proctors, automated authentication, and recorded sessions for later review.
- Proctortrack: Proctortrack is an AI-powered remote proctoring solution that monitors students’ behavior during online exams using their webcam, microphone, and screen sharing. It flags any potential instances of cheating or rule violations for review by instructors.
- Honorlock: Honorlock is a remote proctoring service that uses AI and machine learning to ensure exam integrity. It offers a variety of proctoring options, including live proctors, automated identity verification, and AI-driven behavior analysis.
- Respondus Monitor: Respondus Monitor is an integrated remote proctoring solution that works seamlessly with Respondus LockDown Browser. It uses a student’s webcam to record them during the exam and employs AI to flag any unusual behavior or potential cheating instances.
Randomize Questions and Answers: Randomize the order of questions and answer choices in online assessments to reduce the effectiveness of collaboration.
Implement IP Tracking: Monitor student logins and IP addresses to detect unauthorized access or multiple logins from different locations during an assessment. You can accomplish this using ProctorU, Examity, Proctortrack, Honorlock, or Respondus Monitor.
Set Time Limits: Enforce time limits for online assessments to prevent students from seeking external help or consulting resources for extended periods.
Restrict Copy-Paste Functionality: Disable the copy-paste function within online assessment platforms to deter students from copying and pasting answers from external sources.
Use Anti-Cheating Software: Invest in anti-cheating software that employs AI algorithms to detect patterns of suspicious behavior, such as rapid mouse movements or unusual eye movements during an online exam.
- Proctorio: Proctorio is an AI-driven online proctoring solution that monitors students during exams using their webcam, microphone, and screen sharing. It detects unusual behavior patterns and flags potential cheating instances.
- ExamSoft (ExamMonitor): ExamSoft’s ExamMonitor is an AI-powered remote proctoring feature that identifies suspicious behavior during online assessments. It uses webcam and microphone monitoring to detect unusual eye or head movements, as well as changes in the test-taker’s environment.
- Kryterion: Kryterion offers remote proctoring services that use AI to monitor test-takers during online exams. It tracks mouse movements, keyboard activity, and other behaviors to identify patterns of cheating or misconduct.
- SmarterProctoring: SmarterProctoring is an AI-enhanced proctoring service that monitors students in real-time during online assessments. It analyzes data, such as eye movement and keyboard activity, to detect unusual behavior that may indicate cheating.
- Proctortrack: Proctortrack employs AI algorithms to monitor students during online exams, focusing on behavior patterns that suggest cheating. It uses webcam and microphone data to flag suspicious activities.
Provide Clear Guidelines: Clearly communicate the rules and expectations related to online assessments, including the use of technology for monitoring, in your course materials and instructions.

When using technology to prevent cheating, it’s essential to strike a balance between security and maintaining a positive learning environment. Transparent communication of your methods and expectations can help foster a sense of fairness and encourage students to engage honestly with their coursework.

Clearly communicate expectations:

It is important to clearly communicate to students what constitutes academic dishonesty and what the consequences are for engaging in such behavior. This can help ensure that students understand what is expected of them and what the consequences will be if they violate academic integrity policies.
In addition to communicating expectations, it is also important to provide resources for students to learn about how to avoid plagiarism and how to cite sources properly. This can help ensure that students are aware of the proper way to conduct research and can help prevent accidental plagiarism.

Create a Detailed Academic Integrity Policy: Develop a comprehensive academic integrity policy that clearly outlines what constitutes academic dishonesty, including examples of cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized collaboration. Ensure that this policy is easily accessible to all students through the course syllabus or a dedicated section on your course website.
Hold an Orientation Session: At the beginning of the term, conduct an orientation session or provide a video presentation that reviews the academic integrity policy, emphasizing its importance and the potential consequences of violations.
Offer Writing and Citation Workshops: Organize workshops or share online resources that educate students on proper research techniques, citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA), and how to avoid unintentional plagiarism. Provide information on available citation management tools if applicable.
Include Plagiarism Detection Tool Guidance: If your institution uses plagiarism detection software, provide clear instructions on how students can use it to self-check their work before submission. Explain how the tool works and how it benefits both students and instructors.
Regularly Reinforce Expectations: Throughout the course, periodically remind students of the academic integrity policy and the importance of honest and ethical behavior in their academic work. Encourage them to ask questions if they are unsure about any aspect of the policy or citation guidelines.

Foster a culture of academic integrity:

Creating a culture of academic integrity is essential in preventing cheating. Educators can encourage academic integrity by modeling these values in their own behavior and by discussing the importance of academic integrity in class. For example, educators can discuss the importance of citing sources properly, or the consequences of engaging in academic dishonesty.

It is also important to reward students who demonstrate academic integrity. For example, you can acknowledge and celebrate students who have conducted research and written papers in an honest and ethical manner. This can help reinforce the importance of academic integrity and encourage other students to do the same.

Personalize assessments:

Personalizing assessments can also help prevent cheating. By creating unique assessment questions or customizing assessments for individual students, you can ensure that students can’t simply copy answers from others. This can also help ensure that each student is being assessed on their individual knowledge and skills.

Personalizing assessments can take more time and effort, but it can be well worth it in the long run. By ensuring that assessments are fair and personalized, you can help prevent cheating and promote academic integrity.

10 ways to personalize assessments:

Tailor Questions to Student Interests: When possible, create assessment questions or prompts that relate to students’ interests or career goals. This can make the assessment more engaging and relevant for each student.
Provide Choice in Topics: Offer a choice of topics or essay prompts, allowing students to select the one that aligns with their interests or expertise.
Use Real-Life Scenarios: Develop assessment scenarios or case studies that reflect real-life situations, industries, or professions related to the subject matter.
Adjust Difficulty Levels: Modify the difficulty level of questions based on individual student performance or progress throughout the course.
Allow for Multiple Attempts: Permit multiple attempts on assessments, with each attempt presenting different questions or variations of questions to reduce the potential for sharing answers.
Incorporate Student-Generated Content: Encourage students to contribute to assessment content by proposing questions or problems relevant to the course material.
Adaptive Testing: Implement adaptive testing technology that adjusts the difficulty of questions based on a student’s previous responses, ensuring each assessment is personalized to their skill level.
Use Student Portfolios: Assess students through the compilation of personal portfolios, allowing them to showcase their best work and demonstrate their individual growth over time.
Oral Assessments: Conduct one-on-one oral assessments or interviews to evaluate each student’s understanding and ability to articulate their knowledge in a personalized setting.
Peer Assessments with Feedback: Incorporate peer assessments where students evaluate and provide feedback on each other’s work, fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement in the assessment process.

Conclusion:

Preventing cheating is a multifaceted challenge that requires a combination of strategies. By creating assessments that are difficult to cheat on, using technology to monitor student activity, clearly communicating expectations, fostering a culture of academic integrity, and personalizing assessments, educators can help prevent cheating and promote academic integrity.

While no single strategy will be 100% effective, by using a combination of these strategies and consistently enforcing consequences for academic dishonesty, educators can help promote a culture of academic integrity and minimize cheating. It is important to remember that academic integrity is not just about preventing cheating, but also about promoting ethical and honest behavior in all aspects of the educational process.

As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that our students are learning and achieving in an environment that is fair and equitable for everyone. By implementing these strategies and fostering a culture of academic integrity, we can help ensure that our students are prepared to meet the challenges of the future with honesty, integrity, and the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.