Stop students from watching videos during class

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.

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:

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 Streaming Media.
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.
6. 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

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 site you want to allow (for example, YouTube).
3. Ensure Allowed 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.
6. Select New Rule.
7. In the This rule controls field, search and select Streaming Media.
8. Ensure Blocked is selected.
9. Select Add Rule.
10. Repeat the steps for the Live Streaming category.

Block a specific signature

You can block specific video streaming signatures:

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

Block video applications on Windows devices

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

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