Blocking and Allowing URLs

You can block and allow Websites and specific URLs in a class. See Selecting a Class for information on how to reach the class screen shown below.

You can add entries only when a class is running and are valid only during the class session. If you need a permanent list, then we recommend that you create Exception lists in the filtering policy or load the list using the Load List icon.

To block and allow URLs in a class

1. Click the Block or Allow button. The corresponding window opens.

   

2. 

3. Type the URL of the page you want to block or allow in the Input URL text box and click Block Page or Allow Page. Be aware that the Block Domain and Allow Domain checkboxes are selected by default. If you want to block or allow the entire domain, leave these checkboxes selected. Clear both if you want to block or allow only the URL you entered.

4. For instance, if you enter www.facebook.com and leave them selected, the following appears in the Blocked URLs section when you click Block Page: *.facebook.com. This blocks the entire domain.

   Conversely, if you enter www.facebook.com and clear them, the following appears in the Blocked URLs section when you click Block Page: www.facebook.com. This blocks only www.facebook.com. Students may still be able to access other pages on facebook.

   You can also use the Block Domain and Allow Domain checkboxes separately if you want to only block or only allow domains.

   Be aware that once you add a URL as described above, make sure to select the Block Domain and Allow Domain checkboxes so you don't unintentionally give students access to forbidden URLs in a domain.

5. Click Add Field + if you want to block or allow additional URLs and repeat step 2 above.

6. Click the down arrow at the far right of the Block/Allow bar to view the URLs you blocked and allowed.

   

You can also keep the URLs you block and allow for the next class session by selecting the Keep URLs on next session checkbox. This checkbox is not selected by default.