Reflection

The most surprising issue to me was the ways companies will write their terms of service in order to give them permission to sell data from users. It was reassuring that there are measures taken to protect students and schools from websites claiming to be educational about what they can and cannot do with their terms of service. I was reaffirmed in some of my choices that I utilize for my students and my tech team will be there to support smart decision making for the district. 

I have often heard of student information being leaked or used in adult business or scams of some sort, however, the how always eluded me. Learning that some companies not only use but sell student information to companies that use these mining apps to sell students and their parents things versus to make the app more useful for students is a bothersome thought. An idea that reconfirms that we live in a profit driven not people and purpose driven society.

I learned how important student privacy is.  Just because some apps may be approved, you still need to look into how safe it is.  I didn't know that some apps have ratings.  That's useful information to use.

I learned how to effectively evaluate and understand the language in a TOS & what to do to get things approved moving forward. This course reaffirmed that it's essential for educators to evaluate and understand what they're giving to a company of their own information and their student's information.

Very informative about the security of data, how it can be used for future use or possible solicitation. Very eye opening!!

I learned that apps have ratings.  I learned just because it approved from the district does not guaranty that it is 100% safe for students to use.  

After this course, I was reminded of how important the support of IT on our campus is. 

I learned that student apps are not just based on educational content, but also the safety and security of the student.

I learned that you have to really do your research on apps for kids, even if they seem educational. I learned more about Metadata, which explains how things we look up in a search engine ends up in our news feed as Ads. When deciding to utilize an app with/for your students you must ask; is this site safe, secure, and restricted? I was familiar with FERPA, however through this training I was also informed about COPPA and PPRA. I also learned that its best to work with vetted district approved apps. Common Sense also provides an evaluation to help you decide if an unapproved apps are safe for your students.

I learned that there are several different categories IT personnel have to check off before saying if an app is appropriate for the students. Some of the questions to answer while trying to decide if an app is appropriate is; Does this app have data privacy? Does the app have features that can be turned off if not wanted by the teacher? Is it safe for students to use? 
Before using an app or website, you need to check the IT page to see if the district has approved the use of the app or website. If IT you do not see an app you are looking for, contact IT to see if they can take a look at the app for possible approval.