where educators come to learn from one another

Blocking connection to Internet

My school wants to add Kindles to the library but we need to not have them connect to unfiltered content on the internet. According to a discussion answer from Oliver Chase, there is supposed to be a way for them to disable the wireless connection/whispernet. I really need to verify this before purchasing. Has anyone else been able to do this? I have spoken to so many people at Amazon and I am getting frustrated. Suggestions?!! Thanks

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Will DeLamater on April 30, 2011 at 7:35am

I know that Oliver posted that information but it was a long time ago and he said he got Amazon to do it through a phone call. I have never heard of another person duplicating that feat. So, I think you have to start from the position that you cannot disable the wifi or the 3G, depending on the type of Kindle you purchase. If you purchase the wifi-enabled Kindle, that can only connect through your school network. Of course, if kids take the Kindle home and have wifi at home or someplace else, they would have unfiltered access to the internet.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cathy Moore on May 1, 2011 at 6:30pm

Will, thanks for your reply. I think Kindle and Nook are missing a huge opportunity to sell to schools. I know that this issue of unfiltered internet access was the only thing keeping my school (and district) from going with an ereader. Our school does not have wifi, but we are located in a neighborhood with many people who don't password protect theirs. So students would be able to access the internet with our Kindles and I'm fairly certain that for legal reasons, my administrators won't agree to it. Ereaders are the future and I think my district is going to have to find a way to make it work. They are voting on my proposal on Wednesday so if you hear anything helpful, let me know!!! Thanks again.