Reflection

I learned that there are some apps that may be suitable for kids, however they collect data without the student realizing it.

I wasn’t aware of how many federal laws there were in place to protect student privacy. I think it is great that those are there because I also didn’t realize that if students information got out that there could be identity theft and people actually want student information since there isn’t a lot of credit history related with that name. I knew how important student information was and now I am going to make sure that anything we use in the classroom is vetted. I had never even heard that word but now know that is important because it is an app that has been approved and will protect the students. 

After reviewing this content, I feel more strongly about student privacy and making sure that we as students are doing what we can to protect it.  With us having to move to more online learning, we will be more susceptible to this type of information and we must be more diligent than ever.

It is the law to protect our students privacy, and keep their personal data secured. Only choose apps approved by the IT department, and familiarize yourself with all of its functions. Use your instinct...if it's questionable, probably shouldn't use it. 

It is important that apps are safe and secure for students. This course reminded me of third party issues that can provide an unsafe online environment for students. I will use apps and websites that are district approved and if I have any questions or issues, I will contact the IT department.

Safe- student interactions with each other or with adults have some level of oversight or moderation.

Secure- steps are taken to prevent unauthorized access of student data, including password protection, encryption, and transparent, clear data- security practices.

Restricted- student data is not shared for non-educational purposes, expect as de-identified or aggregated data.

I learned that there are approved list from the district when selecting apps to use in your classroom. I also learned that just because they are on the approved list, doesn't necessarily mean that information won't be shared with 3rd parties, always good to check for yourself. 

I learned that there are exceptions to FERPA- the school official exception. Most importantly I was reminded that student privacy is making sure that students are having safe interactions online, that their information is secure, and that their data is restricted to third-parties or for non-educational purposes. 

In addition to the reaffirming purpose for federal and state laws to protect student privacy - Personally Identifiable Information (PII) at the basic and common sense level, it was critical to understand how words defined in the “Terms of Service” (TOS) of advertised online educational services or app, can put at high risk how the privacy of students and families can be compromised if close attention is not paid to what is written. Federal laws such as FERPA and COPPA just to name a few, in addition to Directory Informational and School Official Exceptions--serve as district and school IT safeguards through implemented policies and procedures as well as contracts; to enforce service transparency and accountability of potential educational service providers (along with subcontractors that help provide company service), to hopefully receive a blue “Use Responsibly” approval for student use.

 I learned that apps should be safe, secure and restricted in order for student privacy to be protected.  I was reminded about FERPA and all that goes along with law.  I also learned about  the COPPA and PPRA laws, that i was not fully aware of.  I really liked learning about the common sense ratings and how easy we can check if apps we find are safe and secure for our students.  

The course shows a lot of different ways that student privacy can be violated that we as educators may not even think about. When we choose apps to use as individuals, generally the only risk we pose is to ourselves. But as a teacher, choosing an app for your students to use can put their information at risk. I love the reference sheet that shows phrases to look for that are both good and phrases that are dangerous in user agreements.