Case Study 2 - Julie Amero

Julie Amero, as we read in our second case study of the semester, was placed in
possibly one of the most awkward situations a teacher can experience. While teaching her
class, a pop-up appeared on one of the computers. It was something that should not have
been seen by her students. It was unavoidable, as no one expected it to happen. Julie
Amero, not allowed to turn off the computer, and even without the knowledge of how to
in any case, was charged for allowing her students to catch a glimpse.
In her position, I would have gone against the order to leave the computer on at all
times. Even if I did not have the knowledge to turn it off, I know that everything has a
plug, and would have taken any connection of the computer out of the wall. Keeping such
inappropriate sights from the students is much more important than whether the rules of
slighter importance were followed, especially if leaving it be reflects poorly on the teacher.
Schools are evolving. Many schools are adopting computer labs in the hopes to
improve their system. This is understandable. What schools must make sure of however, is
that the computers they do have come with programs such as firewalls that are strong
enough to block out such inappropriate sights.
This proves to me that the teaching profession, although seemingly simple and
straight-forward at first, can prove difficult. Decisions must be made in the best interests
of the children, and this may sometimes compromise your own work. At this point, it is
imperative to decide, what’s more important?