Stop students from listening to music during class

You can create rules in Classwize to block access to streaming and desktop music apps during class while allowing exceptions.

Before you begin

• You must have access to Rules in Classwize.
• Check if your school has already implemented policies to block streaming music platforms, as this may affect the rules you create.
  • Check for existing restrictions:
    Look for the Locked rule error to check if the Music and Audio category or specific music streaming platforms are already locked.
  • Review Blocked or Allowed Content:
    Refer to types of content you can block or allow to understand the current settings.

Block music content

Classwize offers various options to block both streaming and desktop music apps.

Block Music and Audio

Blocking the Music and Audio category prevents students from accessing all music streaming sites, including non-music audio content such as podcasts and audiobooks.

Video 1: Block the music and audio category

To block music:

1. Sign in to Classwize, open your class, and go to Rules > New Rule.
   Select Create Rule if this is your first rule.
2. In the This rule controls field, search and select Music and Audio.
3. Ensure Blocked is selected.
4. In the This rule applies to field, select the Whole class checkbox or search and select specific students.
5. Select Add Rule.

Repeat these steps to apply additional rules to block desktop music players on Windows devices (for example VLC Media Player or Windows Media Player).

Block Music and Audio and allow a streaming platform

You can block all music content except for a particular service, such as Spotify.

Video 2: Allow a specific music streaming platform

1. Sign in to Classwize, open your class, and go to Rules > New Rule.
   Select Create Rule if this is your first rule.
2. In the This rule controls field, search and select the specific music platform you want to allow (for example, Spotify).
3. Ensure Allowed is selected.
4. In the This rule applies to field, select the Whole class checkbox or search and select specific students you want this rule to apply to.
5. Select Add Rule.
6. Select New Rule.
7. In the This rule controls field, search and select Music and Audio.
8. Ensure Blocked is selected.
9. Select Add Rule.

Block a specific music signature

You can block specific music streaming signatures:

1. Sign in to Classwize, open your class, and go to Rules > New Rule.
   Select Create Rule if this is your first rule.
2. In the This rule controls field, search and select the app signature (for example, YouTube Music).
3. Ensure Blocked is selected.
4. Select Add Rule.

Block music applications on Windows devices

To block access to music applications, like VLC Media Player or Windows Media Player:

1. Sign in to Classwize, open your class, and go to Rules > New Rule.
   Select Create Rule.
2. In the This rule controls field, search and select the application name (for example, VLC Media Player).
3. Ensure Blocked is selected.
4. Select Add Rule.