What are effective ways to ensure privacy and security when using online assessment tools in K-12 education?

1 Choose reliable and reputable tools

Not all online assessment tools are created equal. Some may have better features, functions, and designs than others. But more importantly, some may have stronger privacy and security policies and practices than others. Before selecting an online assessment tool, do some research on its reputation, reviews, and ratings. Look for tools that have clear and transparent privacy policies, that comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as FERPA and COPPA, and that protect data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Avoid tools that collect or share more data than necessary, or that have vague or questionable terms of service.

2 Educate yourself and your students

Using online assessment tools requires some basic digital literacy and awareness skills. You and your students should know how to create and manage strong passwords, how to avoid phishing and malware attacks, how to use encryption and authentication features, and how to report and resolve any issues or incidents. You should also educate yourself and your students on your rights and responsibilities regarding data privacy and security, such as what data is collected, how it is used, who can access it, and how to request or delete it. You can use online resources, such as the Common Sense Education Privacy Program, to learn more about these topics.

3 Set clear and consistent expectations

One of the best ways to ensure privacy and security when using online assessment tools is to set clear and consistent expectations for yourself, your students, and your colleagues. You should communicate and document the purpose, goals, and methods of your online assessments, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. You should also establish and enforce rules and guidelines for online assessment behavior, such as how to access, complete, submit, and review the assessments, how to provide and receive feedback, and how to respect and protect the privacy and security of others. You should also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of your online assessments, and make adjustments as needed.

4 Use multiple and diverse tools

Another way to ensure privacy and security when using online assessment tools is to use multiple and diverse tools, rather than relying on one single or dominant tool. This can help you reduce the risk of data breaches, errors, or biases, as well as increase the validity, reliability, and fairness of your online assessments. You can use different tools for different purposes, such as formative or summative assessments, or for different types of assessments, such as quizzes, surveys, portfolios, or simulations. You can also use different tools for different subjects, levels, or groups of students, depending on their needs, preferences, and abilities.

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?