This article summarizes a recent survey of IT professionals in k-12 schools. Even before COVID-19, there were major concerns about funding, diversity, and staffing. COVID-19 has exasperated already limited resources. Without adequate cybersecurity protections, students’ privacy is at a higher risk.
Category: Policy
“Paranoia about cheating is making online education terrible for everyone” via Vox
This article by Rebecca Heilweil of Vox documents some of the privacy concerns raised through universities’ use of artificial intelligence based test proctoring in the COVID-19 distance learning environment.
“Western Massachusetts Writing Project: Using this uncertain moment for educational change” via Daily Hampshire Gazette
This article, co-authored by the executive board of the Western Massachusetts Writing Project, documents some of the disparities that are magnified by COVID-19 forced distance education for K-12 students. “We urge teachers to be thoughtful in the kinds of technology platforms they choose for their students, to not trade ease of use for student privacy in the rush to get online…”
“Analysis: Recovery From Coronavirus Shutdowns Hinges on Good Data. What the Federal Government Can Do to Help States and Schools” via The 74
In this article appearing in The 74, Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger, President and CEO of Data Quality Campaign, describes some of the ways in which Congress can solve difficult educational challenges resulting from COVID-19. She notes that the effective use of student data at the local and state levels can give leaders the information needed to make informed decisions with the goal of improving educational outcomes.
“Youth advocates in North Carolina urge state superintendent to take action” via notes
This article by Lainey Millen documents efforts by parents, administrators, teachers, and students to “take action that would protect the privacy and safety of transgender students” in North Carolina. The concern is that the way North Carolina uses their online platform PowerSchool may cause transgender students to be vulnerable to having their privacy violated. Other states’ implementation of PowerSchool does not include design choices that risks student privacy the way North Carolina does.
Education Privacy 