Student's privacy and information might be at risk from educational websites and apps that accumulate their personal data, warns Ontario's privacy commissioner. Brian Beamish said the student's information could be used beyond educational purposes. That's why he suggested teachers, parents and kids to be aware of the information provided as well as what it is being used for.
Latest technologies are swiftly being adopted in various schools in the form of learning apps, websites and mobile applications where students can post their assignments or work for their teachers review. These technologies might gather student's information, online behaviors and voice recordings. Though technology can really bring fantastic reward, Brian Beamish, Ontario's privacy commissioner, said it also can bring great harm.
In some states of America, student confidentiality has been a big concern, with California as the first state to pass strict law that makes sure educational apps and online services only gather some information and data on any young students and that information cannot be sold, compiled or shared. In Ontario, that privacy law is more than passable. However teachers and parents, according to Beamish, need to be better informed, particularly to make sure online services used are not "over-collecting" information.
The main issue is that the collected information of students could be used beyond the educational purposes. Beamish said the student's information could be a rich source for companies. These companies may use the information from parents or children which they need in order to deliver their services. Identity Protection noted that stolen mails and email addresses of students could be used by third parties for targeted advertising campaigns, while voice recordings, pictures and birthdates could be used to commit identity theft.
With these worries in mind, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has worked with Ontario Association of School Business Officials to make an informational pamphlet. The Star noted that the association also has a video for teacher boards that warns that when using other services like photo-sharing websites or app to post quizzes or homework, teachers must think twice.
In the video, students and parents are all encouraged to be cautious when sharing more information about them, while teachers are discouraged from posting videos or pictures showing children's faces or use the kids' full names. It is also cited in the video that teachers should think twice as to why they're using the educational app or sites.
As educational technology grows in fame, it just makes sense to teach children few identity-protection tactics now. Students should know which information should be kept private and must be demonstrated how other people can view the information they share on the Internet.
