NTU's blogging rule raises eyebrows

[Vulcann]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1080137/1/.html

 

NTU's blogging rule raises eyebrows

By Leong Wee Keat | Posted: 09 September 2010 1615 hrs

 

SINGAPORE: It is an annual reminder, according to Nanyang Technological University but its recent circular on blogging has raised eyebrows on campus.

 

Among its several do's and don'ts for Internet postings, the Nanyang Technological University Students' Affairs Office has set out this rule: Those who create webpages or blogs containing information regarding politics and religion must acquire proper licences from the Media Development Authority and the university's written approval.

 

The email was sent on Tuesday to all students with the subject title, Message on Exercising Freedom of Expression Responsibly, in block letters.

 

When asked what prompted the email and when the circular was first published, NTU Dean of Students Lok Tat Seng said, "Every year, we disseminate information on the do's and don'ts of Internet usage as a regular reminder to our students. The new academic year has just started, hence it's an appropriate time to disseminate the guidelines. These guidelines are posted on NTU's website for their reference, too."

 

NTU did not respond, however, to MediaCorp's queries on why students needed the university's written approval to create webpages or blogs touching on politics and religion.

 

Nor did it reply to the question on how many students have obtained written approval thus far.

 

Under the Broadcasting Act, registration is required for websites deemed by the authorities to be propagating political or religious issues relating to Singapore.

 

The last time any website was required to register as a political site, though, was in 2001.

 

The owner of the site, Sintercom, shut it down in protest.

 

Some NTU students are now questioning the university's approach.

 

Final-year student Terence Lee, 24, who has been blogging about religion for the past two years, said it was the first time he had seen its rules.

 

"Requiring students to register with the university is ridiculous," he said. "I'm taking a module which requires students to blog about international affairs. Does this mean all of us have to register?"

 

On the other hand, third-year student Gillian Goh, who also said it was the first time she had seen the circular, felt the reminder was necessary even though some of her friends were "unhappy" about it.

 

"No matter what you post online, and no matter how you defend it or even retract it later, students have to take responsibility for what they say," she said.

 

Last week, a blogger posted about foreign students he accused of not contributing to group projects and, in some cases, copying the work of other students.

 

The anonymous author, who identified the students and posted their photos, has since removed the blog.

 

Two other universities here approach social media with a light touch.

 

"It, however, crosses the line when comments and remarks are untrue or inflammatory," a Singapore Management University spokesperson said.

 

The National University of Singapore "does not monitor students' postings in blogs and other online media", but a spokesperson said students are expected to abide by the university's Honour Code, "which includes not acting in a manner which is or may be detrimental to the reputation, dignity, interest, or welfare of the University".

 

SMU students, too, are bound by the university's Code of Conduct, whereby students are expected to refrain from hate speech or epithets - be it racial, ethnic, religious, sexual or political in nature - in any media or communication.

 

"In situations like these, we believe in education and dialogue, instead of authoritarian and punitive measures," its spokesperson said. - TODAY/fa

 

 

[RadX]

I believe this comes in the wake of the exposure of the Foreign TRash...really trash behavior at classes, project and internship....

[RadX]

I feel if it is truthfulll why hide

[Vulcann]

Lately there were quite a few negative reports on NTU so maybe this could be the reason but they have denied it.

 

OT abit.

 

Prof Lok Tat Seng was quite well-liked when he was lecturing in the former CSE.

 

One of the few who was very passionate in teaching and his lectures were quite lively.

 

And he was driving a mini then...

 

Not sure if he is still teaching there since he is now a Dean of Students.

 

 

[GoodCar]

Like the old days, People with motive will target student to stage revolution.

So it is natural for anyone holding the power to keep a close watch....regardless of which and what party in power.

 

 

[Cootie-Monster]

This must be due to that blog (since taken down) where someone exposed all the bum FT students who never pull their weight

 

You can see a topic about it HERE

[Swqwe]

This must be due to that blog (since taken down) where someone exposed all the bum FT students who never pull their weight

 

You can see a topic about it HERE

 

Wa, 99% from NTU Computer Engineering [:(]

[Vulcann]

Wa, 99% from NTU Computer Engineering [:(]

 

Maybe they did not deserve to be labelled as such but the guy/gal & his/her friends must have reached boiling point to have resorted to the shaming...

Edited September 9, 2010 by Vulcann

[Albeniz]

If what the blogger said is true, then he should not be penalised for whistle-blowing.

[Cootie-Monster]

Wa, 99% from NTU Computer Engineering [:(]

 

It just means the whistle blower is from NTU Computer Engineering

[Happily1986]

i feel sad about NTU. about a year or so ago, i read an article that mentioned that a sizeable number of academic teaching staff will be dropped in favour of academics who have substantial and important research portfolios. simply put, these guys will bolster the profile of NTU via their research. Well i am not trying to round up all these brilliant researchers and shoot down all of them but some of their predecessors which they are replacing can really teach and i have met my fair share of brilliant academics who cant teach for nuts.

[Cleanliver]

Lately there were quite a few negative reports on NTU so maybe this could be the reason but they have denied it.

 

OT abit.

 

Prof Lok Tat Seng was quite well-liked when he was lecturing in the former CSE.

 

One of the few who was very passionate in teaching and his lectures were quite lively.

 

And he was driving a mini then...

 

Not sure if he is still teaching there since he is now a Dean of Students.

 

 

 

 

Were you from CSE? 2nd half of the semester - Structures 2, moment distribution etc. He used to teach those topics.

 

I think i saw him ride a bicycle in campus before, attempting to ascend the slope beside canteen A.. but that was many many years ago.

 

And his hairstyle was different then...

Edited September 12, 2010 by Cleanliver

[Vulcann]

Ya many many years ago...

 

He taught, if i remember correctly, us matrix. should be under analysis.