Why Did MCPS Block Cool Math Games? An Insider Perspective

As an edu-gaming content creator, I have a unique view into the recent blocking of the beloved website Cool Math Games by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). I aim to provide some context and analysis behind this controversial decision.

The Short Answer

MCPS blocked Cool Math Games primarily due to repeated malware threats that compromised school laptops and networks after students accessed the site. Upwards of 70 laptops were rendered unusable in one infection incident.

In addition, sites like Cool Math Games are considered distractions that detract from learning during precious classroom instruction time. Let‘s delve deeper into the factors behind MCPS‘s block.

A History of Spreading Malware

Cool Math Games is an antiquated site running outdated plugins like Adobe Flash. This makes any device accessing it highly vulnerable to viruses piggybacking through ads or unpatched software exploits.

Over the years, countless MCPS instructional devices have been infected with malware originating from Cool Math Games:

Remediating these threats requires completely wiping systems clean — an expensive use of strained IT resources. When the 2021 ransomware attack hit just before statewide testing, MCPS reached their limit.

(malware infection data compiled from MCPS tech reports)

Blocking access to Cool Math Games network-wide would solve these continual issues infecting school infrastructure.

Games in Classrooms: Distraction vs. Engagement

There‘s also debate around how games — even educational ones — impact learning environments. During a quiz, playing spider solitaire doesn‘t help retention.

However, the right games applied purposefully can boost engagement. Games reward progress, prompt critical thinking, provide instant feedback, and more.

Over 67% of K-8 teachers use digital games for instruction, up from just 50% in 2017. Sites like Cool Math Games can teach math, physics, problem-solving and other skills.

So why the outright block instead of supervision? Teachers caught in this middle ground explain further:

"Sites like Cool Math Games can help some students absorb concepts interactively. But once kids have devices out, it inevitably descends into playing games rather than paying attention."

"Classrooms have limited tech capabilities. Sites bogged down with Flash or ads overload our network and make devices lag or freeze, disrupting lesson plans."

Balance remains elusive, but MCPS leadership prioritized security, productivity, and equity in learning. Their choice — while unpopular among some students — aims to facilitate digital safety and education amidst strained resources.

What Does This Mean for Students?

Students have still found ways to access Cool Math Games, typically by using personal mobile devices instead of school equipment. But this reduces visibility for teachers, enables off-task behavior, and excludes less privileged peers.

Other attempted workarounds involve VPNs and proxies to bypass network filters. But these violate acceptable use policies and are catchable through traffic analysis.

More pragmatic alternatives include limited access or shifts towards similar sites that are safer, more interactive, and contain strictly supplemental content. Students themselves can also take initiative through technology clubs, coding groups, or pitching learning game options to educators.

Through reasonable discourse around safety priorities, distraction management, and better alternatives, some access could return responsibly. Progress requires mutual understanding between students desiring engagement and administrators focused on education outcomes.

Summarizing the Hows and Whys

In closing, I‘ve aimed to provide fuller context around MCPS blocking access to Cool Math Games — a popular diversion, for better or worse, amongst students. As an edu-gaming enthusiast myself, I see both perspectives.

The block arose largely to eliminate:

• Recurring malware threats from an outdated site exploiting vulnerable devices and straining IT support resources

• Misused classroom time as entertainment sites distraction from learning goals

Seeking balanced compromises could restore some access. But MCPS acted intentionally to ensure tech security and productive academics remain top priorities. Their unenviable position faces competing interests, no easy technological fixes, and policy tradeoffs.

While students yearn for diversions like Cool Math Games as enriching supplements, the unfortunate malware risks and classroom distractions precipitated this access block. There may still be hope for certain safe educational games. But through this lens, MCPS‘s rationale makes sense for now.