A Breakdown of Dyknow Blocking Methods

There are two primary blocking plans within Dyknow: “Allow Only” and “Block Only.” To create a new blocking plan, teachers need only to log in to Dyknow and navigate to the “Blocking Plans” tab. Once there, teachers can view previously saved blocking plans as well as create new ones. If teachers would like to create a new blocking plan, they should click the “Create New Plan” button and enter a name for the blocking plan. The next step is to decide if you want to create an “Allow Only” or a “Block Only” plan.

“Allow Only” Blocking Plans

Dyknow’s “Allow Only” blocking plan option enables teachers to create a blocking plan in which they only allow certain sites to be accessed. This is the most restrictive of the blocking plan options, as it limits students to only access the websites and apps that have been selected as appropriate for that class session. Many Dyknow teachers will use “Allow Only” blocking plans for writing activities, testing, and quizzes.

To finish creating an “Allow Only” blocking plan, simply click the “Allow Only” button and select the websites and apps that you would like to allow for that class period. Once your blocking plan is created, click “Save” and enforce it during class.

“Block Only” Blocking Plans

The “Block Only” option in Dyknow enables teachers to create a blocking plan in which they choose to block specific websites and apps for that class period, but anything outside of those blocked sites will be accessible. This blocking plan gives students more freedom as they will have access to more websites and apps throughout the class period. This blocking plan is a great option if teachers are looking to only block distracting websites like gaming, social media, and entertainment sites.

To finish creating a “Block Only” blocking plan, simply click the “Block Only” button and select the websites and apps that you want to be blocked for that class period. Once the blocking plan is created, click “Save” and enforce it during class.

Another blocking method within Dyknow is the ability to block sites on the spot during a monitoring session. If teachers have a monitoring session in place – with or without a blocking plan enforced – they can block distracting sites or apps that students are getting to. 

To do this, once teachers notice that distracting site, they need only to enlarge that student’s screen into Big View and from there click the “Block Activity” button. This will block that website or app for all students for the rest of the class period unless the teacher removes the site from the blocking plan. 

The last part of Shannon’s question was regarding the “Got It” button within Dyknow’s messaging feature. This feature is accessible when teachers send a message to one or all students using Dyknow and enables students to dismiss the message once they have seen it, letting the teacher know that they “got it.”

Enabling the “Got It” button in Dyknow

1. Send a custom message to one, all, or a few students

2. Type out your custom message

3. Choose NOT to lock student devices upon sending the message

When students receive your message, it will appear as a notification on their screen with a blue “Got It” button in the right-hand corner, and they can dismiss the message by clicking the “Got It” button.