Students of all ages are increasingly engaging with online content. As the internet evolves by the hour, new potential threats emerge regularly. Traditional "block and allow" filtering systems are often inadequate, since they are unable to keep pace with these changes. These outdated methods may inadvertently block valuable educational content or, worse yet, fail to address the underlying causes of online safety issues.
With GoGuardian Admin, we offer a sophisticated approach to digital safety, moving beyond mere filtering to foster a truly supportive Learning environment. According to a third-party survey conducted in March/April 2022, GoGuardian Admin was recognized as the most preferred K-12 web filtering solution, ranking highest in satisfaction and Net Promoter Score among key competitors.
While there are many aspects of GoGuardian Admin that make it a stand out among its peers, Mike Daugherty, Director of Technology at Chagrin Falls School District, said, "With the recent release... of the machine Learning and AI built in, we're finding things no other filter on the market I believe could find. Holes I thought I had plugged as an IT director, students would have found a way around those holes. So I really like not only what we bought, but also where the company is going and that's what makes me stick around."
At GoGuardian, we understand access to the internet for students is of vital importance to their Learning journey. While other digital safety tools may block sites necessary to learners, GoGuardian Admin ensures you still have uninterrupted access to staples of digital education, like YouTube.
"I love the fact you can give access to YouTube for certain types of videos or ‘allow list’ certain types of videos. Blocking YouTube altogether is not the answer...I love that we can give that control and find out this teacher wants these types of videos so they can continue to integrate them into their lesson…,” Seth Hemken, Director of Technology at Redding School District, explained.
And while students are always the focal point of our online safety tools, GoGuardian Admin provides the added benefit of ensuring anyone who arrives on your campus doesn’t misuse your network.
"We recommend it for any school district where you have people coming from offsite. If you have any events - football games, pageants, assemblies, a job day, programs where parents come, family members come, vendors come - DNS filtering is great for that because we can allow everybody in and have access to our network and our network is safe and their privacy is safe. It's a win-win for both sides,” Mark Mallahan, Lead Technician at Camdenton School District, stated.
Let’s explore a bit more in depth how GoGuardian Admin’s advanced features provide a nuanced approach to web filtering and discuss the role of Smart Alerts in proactive student support.
GoGuardian Admin's advanced filtering capabilities
Traditional web filtering methods typically rely on one or more of the following approaches:
- Keyword-based filtering: This method scans the content of websites for specific keywords and blocks access if those keywords are detected. However, it can be imprecise, often blocking useful content while missing harmful material that doesn’t match predefined keywords.
- URL filtering: Administrators can create allowlists or blocklists of specific URLs. While straightforward, this method is rigid and doesn't adapt to new or emerging threats.
- Category-based filtering: Websites are classified into broad categories (e.g., social media, gaming, education), allowing or blocking entire categories. This method alone can be overly simplistic, potentially blocking useful educational resources.
- Time-of-day restrictions: This method limits internet access to specific times, which doesn’t address content-specific concerns and can be easily circumvented.
GoGuardian Admin takes a more nuanced approach, offering:
- AI-powered filtering: Leveraging AI, GoGuardian Admin quickly analyzes website content, going beyond simple keyword matching. This enables the identification and blocking of harmful content even if it hasn’t been previously categorized. AI-powered filtering means GoGuardian Admin continuously evolves to address new threats and ensures up-to-date protection.
- Dynamic filtering: The filtering capabilities of GGA adapt to the ever-changing online landscape. Continuous updates to the filtering database and Learning from user feedback refine accuracy over time, maintaining a balance between safety and access. This advanced level of control not only enhances online safety but also minimizes unnecessary disruptions to student Learning, ensuring a balanced and supportive digital environment.
- Granular control: We provide the ability for administrators to create highly specific filtering rules based on websites, categories, and even individual students. This flexibility ensures filtering can be tailored to specific needs without blanket restrictions.
Beyond filtering: Fostering a supportive Learning environment
One of GoGuardian Admin's standout features is Smart Alerts, a powerful tool for proactive observation and intervention. Smart Alerts focus on identifying and flagging explicit content, such as sexually explicit material, in real-time. This capability is crucial for:
- Early detection: By receiving timely notifications about explicit content, educators can address potential risks before they escalate. Early intervention helps prevent emotional distress, academic decline, and exposure to exploitation.
- Enhanced administration: Recent updates to Smart Alerts have streamlined the process for administrators, including a cohesive Alert Drawer that consolidates Browsing Activity, Audit Log, Related Alerts, and Notes. The simplified trigger creation flow with added guidance ensures actionable data is readily accessible.
Shifting focus from traditional disciplinary actions to proactive interventions offers numerous benefits:
- Building stronger relationships: Proactive support fosters open communication and trust between students and educators, which is essential for effective Learning and development.
- Developing digital citizenship: Educating students about online safety and responsible behavior empowers them to make informed decisions and navigate the digital world more safely.
- Creating a safe Learning environment: A culture of prevention and support enhances student well-being, creating a sense of belonging and safety crucial for academic and personal growth.
GoGuardian Admin’s advanced filtering capabilities and Smart Alerts provide a comprehensive approach to maintaining a safe and supportive Learning environment. By moving beyond basic filtering and embracing proactive observation, GoGuardian Admin empowers educators to address online risks effectively and foster positive student outcomes.
Learn more about how GoGuardian Admin can enhance your digital safety strategies and support student well-being by scheduling a demo today.
