iChat

October 14, 2004

iChat off again, on again at Hays High

KALEY LYON

Hays Daily News

The Hays High School administrators have once again announced that the controversial iChat computer program would be inaccessible to students during school hours. "I think it's good that they took it off because even though students are mad, it was a big distraction," HHS senior Bryce Bishop said. "I think people are making a much bigger deal about it than it needs to be." This decision was the result of months of consideration and strategizing after it became obvious that instant messaging software on the student laptopcomputers was causing more harm than good. Ichat proved to be a distraction during class time and an outlet for vulgar, sometimes even illegal, proceedings. However, the idea behind installing the program was that it could be helpful in the classroom. The initial solution was to create a system that would hold the individual offenders accountable; however, that proved ineffective as those in violation continued to use the program. "It was the same people who were abusing it," HHS Principal Mike Hester said. "Most people do not abuse it. Enough are that we're not going to spend any more time trying to chase them." Earlier in the school year, a very simple lock was placed on the program through the school's computer ports. However, students quickly found a way to beat the system. The lock that is now in effect is much more technologically advanced in order to prevent students from bypassing the system. However, students showed that it was easy to overcome the barrier. Even though the announcement on the new lock was made Wednesday during first hour, by the end of the day severla students once again had gained access to the program. "There's still some ways around it," Hester said. "We're experimenting right now with what we want to do." "I think it's pointless that they're getting rid of it, because people are still going to find a way around it," HHS junior Keegan Weigel said. "We're a lot more familiar with computers than our teachers are because we grew up with them." Administrators are not taking this news lightly. They already have two people monitoring iChat activity and taking down the names of students who log on to the program. These students will first receive a warning and if their chatting continues, they face the possibility of suspension. Even though the iChat program has essentially been shut down, the program can be opened up for classroom use at a teacher's request. And there's still hope that students and teachers can use the program as part of the education process. "It's one more tool in the tool box that we don't have time to get to yet," Hester said. "But it will be down the road."

Kaley Lyon is an intern for The Hays Daily News and a senior at Hays High School. She can be reached at (785) 628-1081, ext. 138, or by e-mail at 5klyon@hayshighindians.com.