Q&A by: Ashley Sylvara
From scriptwriting program Celtx to internet browser Google Chrome, students have found that certain applications will no longer work on their Macs. Northmen News caught up with building technology assistant Lee Carpenter to find out what changes have been made, and what students can expect in the future.
Northmen News: What was the problem with the applications not working with the Macs?
Lee Carpenter: “The school blocked applications that were not downloaded from the app store because students were misusing applications to play games and it became a distraction during class.”
NN: How was the problem solved?
LC: “The school decided to make a ‘white list’ that is basically a list of applications that are allowed through the server. Any applications that are not downloaded from the app store will not work.”
NN: Is this “white list” currently in effect?
LC: “Yes.”
NN: What about applications that teachers use, such as Google Chrome and Spotify?
LC: “They will be blocked as well.”
NN: How will this “white list” effect efficiency in classrooms?
LC: “The purpose was to make the Macs less distracting so that students will be more likely to focus on the teacher.”
NN: If more loopholes are found to download and use apps that are not on the “white list,” what measures will be taken?
LC: “I’m sure there are loopholes that people will find and if that happens again then we will shut down the apps once again and take more precautionary measures.”