The implementation of Lightspeed Classroom—a learning application that allows teachers to view, monitor, and block tabs on student’s LCPS-issued chromebooks—was initially announced on Sep. 27 within the “Upcoming at SBHS” newsletter.
Various policies and websites outlining the terms of service and plans for usage were hyperlinked within the newsletter, which contributed to some confusion among students and parents.
“The only information I know about [Lightspeed] is that teachers can see our screens,” junior Alex Nystrom said. “Teachers do not mention it…The administration doesn’t give us a lot of information about what it is and what else it can do…It just makes students more nervous.”
The details announced through email to the public about Lightspeed surprised its recipients, who considered the frequent number of emails released last year surrounding the implications of school-wide vape detectors placed in all bathrooms to be beneficial.
The vape detectors installed in the 2023-2024 school year were merely a pilot program while Lightspeed’s installment into classrooms is a county-wide initiative that has been viewed as more frequently invasive. A total of three emails were sent about the vape detectors and one email was sent about information on Lightspeed.
“It reminds me of a panopticon because students don’t know when they’re being watched,” long-term substitute Sarah Goodwin said. “I’ve only ever closed people’s tabs if they were doing something like watching a movie that is so viciously off task.”
The program, however, isn’t just for teachers. The Lightspeed Parent Portal, accessible through ParentVue, allows for parents and guardians to view their child’s real-time screen activity or opt in to receive weekly emails regarding their student’s internet usage. This application of Lightspeed has generated lots of feedback.
“I was optimistic that Lightspeed plus a comprehensive phone policy would hopefully lead to less distractions,” Instructional Facilitator for Technology and Stone Bridge parent Corinne Brandstetter said. “I would like it be a tool for people to be less distracted and not some draconian way for staff to be like ‘watch me close all of your windows.’”
Much to many students’ dismay, Lightspeed has already been successful in its initial goal of exposing academic dishonesty.
“I could initially see everybody working,” science teacher Jeanette Fehr said. “I couldn’t even keep up with everybody who was off task. Somebody was watching a football game, some had gmail open…some kids even copied the questions right into Google.”
Although some students were upset, predominantly the ones who had been caught off task, the majority agreed that Lightspeed helps to promote academic integrity. However, many students still struggle with the program’s perceived invasion of their privacy.
“I think that it definitely makes sense to prevent kids from cheating on tests, but I think the extent of its use doesn’t make sense,” junior Lexi Layton said. “I think it’s an invasion of students’ privacy, but it doesn’t have to be. If it was just used during a designated time that we knew about, it would be fine.”
Many students have claimed that the new Lightspeed application violates their right to privacy. However, the program’s usage is protected under LCPS Policy 8650 because it enforces the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). CIPA was enacted by Congress in 2000 to limit the obscenity and violence viewable to children on the internet.
“[My work computer] is a device issued to me by my workplace, and they filter my content as well,” Ms. Brandstetter said. “All of us agree, when you log onto StudentVUE at the beginning of the year…you sign a document that says I agree to what’s called the Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy…That network is supposed to filter your content.”
Students are not completely stripped of their rights when they enter the school building. Even still, Lightspeed’s goal is to protect students from violence, obscenity, and sexual exploitations regardless of whether students feel the program is invasive within the school building. Ultimately, the program protects students and promotes an efficient learning environment online, even if it sometimes crosses a barrier of student comfortability.
“There are good things that can come out of it,” Nystrom said. “It could definitely increase students’ desire to stay on task. There are definitely positive things if it is utilized in the correct way. It’s a fine line.”
