Originally called SafeFinds, its educational value now equals its safety features. Consequently, it is now named the Educational Internet and represents an expansive "parallel Internet" intended specifically for education. The system has several patents pending regarding personalized filtering, off-site tracking, protective email, and research library collection.
Its protective capabilities are "socially significant" and have been presented in national forums where immediate distribution has been suggested.
Consequently, it is being distributed free to those who cannot afford it (through secured school listings), free to all schools (both public and private), at a minimal home price.
The Educational Internet Goals Are:
- the organization of Internet resources
- the protection of children from the objectionable content that is all to easily accessible
- to allow for the addition of new approved sites, so that families can easily expand their personal database of reviewed sites
- open-ended searches that look specifically for educational sites, giving children access to in-depth material while maintaining their online security
- an e-mail system that allows for both child-privacy and parental monitoring
The Educational Internet has been developed with the student and teacher in mind. We have built a library of literally hundreds of thousands of safe and educational sites. We have also divided the system into four different age groups in order to cater to differing developmental needs. These classifications include kindergarten (with voice overlays, as most children at this age can not yet read), age 7-12, age 12-15, and 15 to young adults. For the latter group you may give them "free reign" of the Internet (meaning with no restrictions as to where they go) if you so choose. However, a feature of The Educational Internet called the Tracker system allows you the parent/teacher to know where they have been (what site) and how long they have been there.
As a teacher or parent you will be designated as the supervisor. With this title, it is ultimately up to you to determine what is and is not acceptable for your home and/or classroom. In other words, you have the ability to add sites (to the existing library) that you feel are appropriate for your home and/or classroom. This allows for individuality and customization. As a supervisor you will choose a password that allows you to make such choices.
A wonderful analogy to our system is one that was made by the government appointed Child Online Protection Agency (COPA). In a letter they wrote about The Educational Internet they stated that, "It is a closed garden in the best sense of that term." Indeed, you as a parent or teacher can let your children explore and learn in an enclosed, safe portion of the Internet, which consequently, allows you to have peace of mind.
Schools, particularly administrators and teachers are excited about our fundraising programs. They allows the system to remain free for schools and are potentially a significant source of funding for other school needs. See School Rebates, Community Rebates, or Finding.com.
 |
 |
 |