How can you respect student privacy with educational technology?

1 Understand the laws

The first step to respecting student privacy with educational technology is to understand the laws and regulations that apply to your context. For example, in the US, you should be familiar with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the confidentiality of student education records, and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which regulates the collection and use of personal information from children under 13. You should also check your state and district policies, as well as the terms and conditions of any third-party platforms or tools you use.

3 Educate yourself and others

Another way to respect student privacy with educational technology is to educate yourself and others about the potential benefits and risks of using it. You should stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the field, and learn how to use the tools effectively and ethically. You should also educate your students, colleagues, and parents about the importance of privacy, and how to protect it online. For example, you can teach your students how to create strong passwords, manage their online profiles, and avoid phishing and malware.

4 Seek consent and feedback

Respecting student privacy with educational technology also means seeking consent and feedback from the people who are affected by it. You should always ask for permission before collecting, using, or sharing any personal data from your students, and inform them about the purpose, scope, and duration of the data collection. You should also give them the option to opt out or delete their data if they wish. Moreover, you should seek feedback from your students, colleagues, and parents about their experiences and concerns with the tools you use, and address them accordingly.

5 Review and revise

Finally, respecting student privacy with educational technology requires constant review and revision of your practices and policies. You should monitor the performance and impact of the tools you use, and check for any changes or updates in their privacy settings or terms of service. You should also review your own data collection and management practices, and ensure that they comply with the laws and regulations, as well as the ethical standards of your profession. If you find any issues or gaps, you should revise your practices and policies accordingly, and communicate them to your stakeholders.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?