D#16,WP#1Revisions

WP#1 Revisions:

My research proposal required minor corrections to the header, as well as a few grammatical issues. The paragraph including the topic sentence had to be changed to better reflect the point of my research. That resulted in more changes throughout the body of the text. The revisions highlighted here are changes to the original WP#1 Final that I submitted.

For my specific research question, I will ask, “Are current laws governing the use of Internet filtering in libraries effectively protecting children?” Working with students of all ages has made me aware of inconsistencies in the application of filtering software at different libraries. I have observed students accessing sites that I would have expected to be blocked. There have also been 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. This is frustrating for everyone involved, and the issue needs to be addressed.

Therefore, my research will focus on presenting documentation to reinforce the opinion that current laws are not effectively protecting children, and need to be changed. Evidence will need to be presented that explains deficiencies in the law, current technology available, and information from professionals involved with filtering decisions. The audience includes any parents, teachers, or students involved in Internet access at school or in public libraries. The desired result of this research is to convince the audience that current laws do not protect children who access the Internet in public and school libraries. The information and statistics in my writing project will offer support for my position.

The complete text of the final WP#1 follows.

Kathy Lacey
WP#1 Final
Eng 102-7891
6 Dec. 2007
Internet Filtering

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). 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, and 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.

For my specific research question, I will ask, “Are current laws governing the use of Internet filtering in libraries effectively protecting children?” Working with students of all ages has made me aware of inconsistencies in the application of filtering software at different libraries. I have observed students accessing sites that I would have expected to be blocked. There have also been situations in which students were denied access to legitimate research information. In addition, 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. This is frustrating for everyone involved, and the issue needs to be addressed.

Therefore, my research will focus on presenting documentation to reinforce the opinion that current laws are not effectively protecting children, and need to be changed. Evidence will need to be presented that explains deficiencies in the law, current technology available, and information from professionals involved with filtering decisions. The audience includes any parents, teachers, or students involved in Internet access at school or in public libraries. The desired result of this research is to convince the audience that current laws do not protect children who access the Internet in public and school libraries. The information and statistics in my writing project will offer support for my position.

Sources that will be used for this research include 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). The audience will need facts, examples, and the testimony of professionals in order to be convinced to believe as I do. The evidence presented will address that need.

Finally, the timeline for this project covers the next twelve weeks. The final research proposal will be submitted within three weeks. The annotated bibliography is due three weeks after that. Next, it will be necessary to outline and write the research paper, with revisions completed by November 21st. The final weeks will be spent preparing a portfolio to evaluate and reflect on the entire process. Completing all of the weekly assignments will be essential for the writing projects ahead, and will facilitate the completion of a well-researched argument.