Content Filtering Policies and Classroom Manager

Linewize Filter Content Filtering Policies change how teachers can use Class Tools and Rules in Classroom Manager. Teachers can use Class Tools to manage students’ access to websites. The Class Tools functions can override Linewize Filter’s unlocked filtering policies by:

• Creating filtering Rules specifically for their classes or students
• Generating Bypass Codes to allow certain students to bypass some filtering policies
• Giving a Reward to students to access blocked popular sites, such as gaming and social networking sites
• Allowing a teacher to Pause Internet access to discourage students from browsing the Internet during class
• Set a Focus on specific websites a student can access

Creating Rules in Classroom Manager

Classroom Manager allows teachers to create class-specific filtering rules that either block or allow access to websites when their classes are in session.

This means that while your school has created filtering policies within Linewize Filter, teachers can still override unlocked policies in Classroom Manager to help manage their classes and to support their students’ learning needs. For example, they can temporarily unblock access to sites like gaming or social networking to reward students for good behavior or completing tasks, or block access to an unfiltered site to encourage students to focus in class.

Image 1: Classroom Manager Rules panel.

Can Teachers override all filtering policies?

No. Teachers can’t override all filtering policies. Some filtering policies are Locked-Blocked in Linewize Filter to ensure students’ online safety, while others are Locked-Allowed to make sure that students always have access to required learning resources. Teachers cannot use Classroom Manager to override Locked policies that are enabled (green) in Linewize Filter. Only IT support with an Owner/Global Administrator role in Linewize Filter can unlock Locked policies.

Image 2: Locked policies in Linewize Filter.

• Locked-Block policies may include filtering for pornography, malicious sites, unsafe searches, or other content that the school considers as inappropriate for students.
• Locked-Allow policies may apply to required connections to ensure the network system runs smoothly and prevent disruptions when operating school equipment (e.g., printers, projectors, routers). Some Locked-Allow policies also ensure students can access essential learning resources.

Can an Administrator remove Classroom Manager Rules?

An administrator can remove Classroom Manager Rules:

1. In Linewize Filter, go to Configuration > Classroom Manager > Classrooms.
2. Open the relevant classroom and scroll down to its Class Policies section.
3. Select the bin icon (Delete) to remove the Classroom Manager Rule.
4. On the confirmation dialog that appears, select DELETE.

See Introduction to Classroom Manager Rules for more information.

Classroom Manager Class Tools

In addition to Classroom Manager Rules, teachers can use the following Class Tools to manage students’ internet access during class.

Bypass Code

A user with a Bypass Code can enter it on a block page to access any blocked site that isn’t also Locked. Teachers can create time-limited Bypass Codes in Classroom Manager and give them to students when they aren’t sure why the student can’t get to a website after creating a Classroom Manager Rule to Allow it. They can also give a Bypass Code to a student when they want them to do self-directed inquiry in an environment where the teacher or student can't be disturbed. IT support can manage Bypass Codes across all Classroom Manager users from Linewize Filter.

Reward

Teachers can use Reward to allow students to view an otherwise blocked Signature/Category for a defined period of between ten minutes and three hours. Teachers will typically use Reward to let students access games or social media as a reward for good behavior or for completing a task. Teachers cannot use Reward to give access to Locked-Blocked sites.

Pause Internet

Teachers can use Pause Internet to temporarily stop one or more students from accessing the internet entirely. Teachers often use this tool to prevent any student from getting distracted while the teacher is addressing the class.

Focus

Teachers can use Focus to temporarily stop students from accessing the internet except for one or more sites. When the teacher turns on Focus, any open web pages or browser tabs will close and students won’t be able to open new sites or follow links unless it’s to a Focused Site. Teachers will often use this feature to encourage their students to stay on task and avoid distractions.

When the Teacher ends the Focus session, any closed tabs will reopen for the student. See: Introduction to Class Tools for more information about Focus and other class management features in Classroom Manager.

See: Introduction to Class Tools for more information about Focus and other class management features in Classroom Manager.