AFZ: Guide from SpectorSoft Creates Acronym-Free Zone

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 01/12/10

Chat and Web monitoring doesn't do much good if the Web administrator, parent, or teacher can't interpret the meaning of acronyms used commonly by students, such as "CUNS" or "CUL8R." SpectorSoft, which sells monitoring software, has published a PDF document free with e-mail registration that spells out hundreds of crypto-terms used in e-mail, texting, chat, and on social networking sites. (CUNS translates to "see you in school," and CUL8R means "see you later.")

The company also launched new versions of its software, Spector Pro 2010, for Windows and Mac OS X. Spector Pro monitors and records everything a user does at the computer and on the Internet. It can also be set to block access to Web sites and file sharing services, prevent online chat with certain individuals, and e-mail an alert whenever specific keywords are used in e-mail and chat.

The new release includes a built-in version of the Internet lingo translator. Whenever the administrator or other Spector Pro user encounters any e-mail, chat, or instant message containing an unknown acronym, he or she can simply roll the mouse over it to get the term translated. As the company explained in a statement, "By understanding the one-digit difference between JFI (just for information) and JDI (just do it) or LHO (laughing head off) and LHOS (let's have online sex), parents can know whether their child is acting appropriately or whether critical decisions need to quickly be made to ensure their safety and well-being."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • classroom scene with students gathered around a laptop showing a virtual tour interface

    Discovery Education Announces Spring Lineup of Free Virtual Field Trips

    This Spring, Discovery Education is collaborating with partners such as Warner Bros., DC Comics, National Science Foundation, NBA, and more to present a series of free virtual field trips for K-12 students.

  • glowing padlock shape integrated into a network of interconnected neon-blue lines and digital nodes, set against a soft, blurred geometric background

    3 in 4 Administrators Expect a Security Incident to Impact Their School This Year

    In an annual survey from education identity platform Clever, 74% of administrators admitted that they believe a security incident is likely to impact their school system in the coming year. That's up from 71% who said the same last year.

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.