D#4,HW#3 Draft WP#1

D#4,HW#3 Draft WP#1

Research Proposal

Kathy Lacey

17 September 2007

Internet filtering software has been installed on many public access and school computers in order to comply with the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) of 1999. Strong opinions about filtering are held by different segments of the population. There are groups at one end of the spectrum that want all filtering software removed from public computers. There are also groups at the other extreme that want filtering software installed on all public and school computers. My experience working in a public charter school setting has influenced my opinion about the issue, and I would like to know more about the issue.

For my specific research question, I will ask, “Should Internet filtering be optional for elementary school students?” Several years ago, I would probably have answered “no” to that question. Working with students of all ages has changed my views.

There have been many situations in which students were denied access to legitimate research information. I have witnessed several instances when instructors compiled lesson plans on their home computers, complete with links, only to find those links forbidden by filtering software at school. It is frustrating for everyone involved, and the issue needs to be addressed.

Therefore, my research will focus on presenting documentation to reinforce my opinion that students need to be able to turn filtering off when necessary. My audience includes anyone employed by an elementary school district, and the parents and students served by that district. My purpose in conducting this research is to convince those people demanding filtering of all content that filters can severely hamper the student’s ability to locate legitimate information, and the instructor’s ability to offer effective lessons. The information and statistics in my writing project will offer support for my position.

My research plan includes using journal articles found on electronic databases and in current periodicals, recent books written about the topic, and professional Web pages hosted by education and library organizations. I will review the pros and cons presented by groups addressing the topic, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the American Library Association (ALA), and the National Education Association (NEA). My audience will need facts, examples, and the testimony of professionals in order to be convinced to believe as I do. My writing will address that need.

Finally, my timeline for this project covers the next twelve weeks. My final research proposal will be submitted within three weeks. The annotated bibliography is due three weeks after that. I need to outline and write the research paper, with revisions completed by November 21^st. The final weeks will be spent preparing a portfolio to evaluate and reflect on the entire process. I understand that completing all of the weekly assignments will help to prepare me for the writing projects ahead, and I will do my best to stay on top of the requirements.