You can create rules in Classwize to block access to both streaming and local video content during class while allowing exceptions when needed.
Before you begin
- You must have access to Rules in Classwize.
- Check if your school has already implemented policies to block streaming media, as this may affect the rules you create.
- Check for existing restrictions:
Look for the Locked rule error to check if the Streaming Media or Live Streaming categories are already locked. - Review Blocked or Allowed content:
Refer to types of content you can block or allow to understand the current settings.
- Check for existing restrictions:
Block video content
Classwize offers various options to block video content.
Block Streaming Media and Live Streaming
Blocking these categories prevents students from accessing entertainment-related content, including video streaming sites.
Video 1: Block the streaming media and live streaming categories
To block all streaming content, you need to block both categories:
- Sign in to Classwize, open your class, and go to Rules > New Rule.
Select Create Rule if this is your first rule. - In the This rule controls field, search and select Streaming Media.
- Ensure Blocked is selected.
- In the This rule applies to field, select the Whole class checkbox or search and select specific students.
- Select Add Rule.
- Repeat the steps for the Live Streaming category.
Block Streaming Media and Live Media, but allow a specific video streaming website
You can block all streaming content except for a particular site, such as YouTube.
Video 2: Allow a specific video streaming website
- Sign in to Classwize, open your class, and go to Rules > New Rule.
Select Create Rule if this is your first rule. - In the This rule controls field, search and select the specific site you want to allow (for example, YouTube).
- Ensure Allowed is selected.
- In the This rule applies to field, select the Whole class checkbox or search and select specific students.
- Select Add Rule.
- Select New Rule.
- In the This rule controls field, search and select Streaming Media.
- Ensure Blocked is selected.
- Select Add Rule.
- Repeat the steps for the Live Streaming category.
Block a specific signature
You can block specific video streaming signatures:
- Sign in to Classwize, open your class, and go to Rules > New Rule.
If this is your first rule, select Create Rule. - In the This rule controls field, search and select the signature (for example, Netflix).
- Ensure Blocked is selected.
- Select Add Rule.
Block video applications on Windows devices
To block access to video applications, like VLC or Windows Media Player:
- Sign in to Classwize, open your class, and go to Rules > New Rule.
- Select Create Rule.
- In the This rule controls field, search and select the application name (for example, VLC).
- Ensure Blocked is selected.
- Select Add Rule.
Note
You can't add an Allowed rule for a specific video website if there's an existing Blocked rule for its parent category, For example, you can allow YouTube while blocking its parent category, Streaming Media. Learn how to allow a resource and block its parent.