Re: Network Driver's License (was Re: several other threads)

[Steve Worona <sworona () EDUCAUSE EDU>]

So...I think this isn't really a "license".  A license determines what
you are permitted to do by law or policy.  Driving without a license is
illegal and subjects you to penalties whether you have an accident or
not.  I think (hope!) that's not what you're proposing.  This sounds
more like an optional certification which confers benefits, like, to
extend the driving metaphor, you might get lower insurance (ISP) rates
if you've taken Driver's Ed (Internet Ed).  Yes?  In that case, right
on!  A definite winner.  But let's stop calling it a license.
Steve
-----
At 3:15 PM -0500 2/27/03, Randy Marchany wrote:
> > In what we call "real life", we need no license to read a newspaper or
> > to mail a letter or to make a phone call.  When you lose your driver's
> > license, you can still take out a library book or place a phone order
> > from the Barnes and Noble catalog.  To license basic network access is
> > to license activities that our society has always considered rights
> > than privileges.  Our solutions must be more granular.
>
> I don't agree. Getting too granular is one of the reasons why we (the security
> "we") have been stalled in increasing general user awareness. We need to find
> something that the general population can associate with computer usage. From
> what I've seen, the DMV model is the way.
>
> One of the problems of using the term "Network Drivers License" is that
> "license" implies different things to different people. They immediately think
> of regulation. However, apply the above statements to driving a car. The
> absence of a driver's license doesn't prevent you from driving a car. The
> absence of a "Network Drivers License" won't prevent me from using a computer.
> It's only if you have an accident or cause damage to another car that the
> issue ever comes up. Is driving a car a privilege or a right? We can argue all
> day long over this. Life does go on without computers. Families won't starve
> because they're not on the Net.
>
> We certainly don't need a DMV style bureaucracy. All we need is a couple of
> large ISPs that offer this "Computer Ed" training to their customers. "Hi
> there! As part of our efforts to ensure you, our customer, the best possible
> service, we offer to you as part of our package, an NDL. We feel this
> information will help you protect your personal information from scoundrels on
> the Net. Just another friendly service from us to you. Remember, since our
> competitors don't offer this to you, they must not care about your welfare
> like we do."
>
> The rest of the ISPs will follow the moment they see more people moving to
> that ISP.
>
> All I'm saying is that general society has accepted the driving rules imposed
> on us by the state DMV's. We seemed stalled on looking for workable models to
> increase user awareness when we have a beautiful one already. We had Driver's
> Ed in High School (it's an accepted way of life, indeed, it's a right of
> passage), why not Computer Ed in High School? We have chaffeur's licenses
> truck licenses, motorcycle licenses each requiring additional driving skills.
> This is an accepted method. Why not the same for computer users? Server
> license, Network license, etc. We're not talking long involved tests....we
> talking the equivalent of knowing how to read road signs, the rules of the
> road and how to parallel park.
>
> I'll bet you that if I'm able to design a series of "licenses" ala DMV, that I
> would have an easier time selling the concept to the general public. In my
> talks, I tell my audience that their computer is like a car. I steal their car
> to rob a 7-11, the clerk writes down their license #, not mine. As soon as I
> say that, I see the lights go on in their eyes because they already understand
> the car model. If I tried to explain about trojans, viruses, etc, I'd lose
> them.
>
> Another .02 worth.
>
>        -r.
>
> **********
> Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Discussion Group discussion list can be found at 
> http://www.educause.edu/memdir/cg/.

**********
Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Discussion Group discussion list can be found at 
http://www.educause.edu/memdir/cg/.