Hello,
I had several replies to my recent request for information on Computer Games Policies. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and policies with me.
The answers ranged from absolutely no games allowed to limited use of games sites. The responses I got included the following details:
Cyber Café - Students are asked to stop playing games when they are seen doing so. They are then directed to the Cyber Café which has a few PCs for general use.
Zero tolerance - because of limited PC resources. It is explained to students that it is not fair for them to play games when others need to do work. The IT Manager says games use a lot of network capacity. Spy software is also used for spot checks. Warning messages can be sent to game players and their PCs logged off remotely if they continue to play.
Self policing - Notices inform students of the policy of computer use: Terminals in the LRC are for catalogue searches only and take priority over email, internet etc. Students should allow others to use the computer if they are waiting. Students who are waiting to do searching on a terminal that is being used for email etc are encouraged to point out that they take priority. This policy works well and is self policing.
Games are banned - Not enough PCs to go around as it is and banning games helps to preserve a working environment. Less games are played now due to improved filtering software (Bloxx) and an Internet café in the student centre.
No - Not Allowed.
MyPC - this is a PC booking software package. It can be used to manage computer use and it comes with ISpy which allows staff to see what students are doing. It also allows messages to be sent out and PCs can be logged off or shut down.
Blind Eye - Games are ignored before 9.30 and after 4.00. This is for the sanity of staff as they know there is a time limit on nagging students.
Websense - Filtering software that allows limited use of certain sites. A period of recreational use is allowed but these privileges can be switched off when there is increased demand for PCs. There is a good ratio of PCs to students and all students are post graduates.
Thanks again. Mike
Mike Dann
Learning Resources Manager
Darlington College of Technology
#####################################################################################
This e-mail message has been scanned for Viruses and Content and cleared
by Darlington College IT Services using NetIQ MailMarshal
#####################################################################################
|