If I had a nickel for every time I've agreed to terms and services just to create see what an educational website has to offer, I would have a boat load of nickels! I need to be more careful about trusting every recommended site that I assume to be reputable, especially after taking a closer look at CIPA, COPPA, and FERPA. These are laws that were enacted to keep any information pertaining to students private and not for the use of businesses, or anyone outside of those that really need to know. I would never share this information with someone who confronted me in person, but when we sign our students up to use various web tools we might be opening them up to have their information accessed by strangers. Below is a summary of the purpose of each law:
Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
CIPA gives a federal mandate to have filters for students when accessing technology provided by or within a school. All content must be monitored to assure that students are not accessing inappropriate. Any image with respect to minors that could be considered pornographic is a federal offense. It is not uncommon for students the share offensive images with each other, which they may not realize can get them into serious trouble if caught. I know as the technology coordinator that our school has heavy filters for our students' Chromebooks and school networks, because it is much better to be safe than sorry.
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
The purpose of COPPA is to protect student pricacy, stating that information about students under the age of 13 cannot be collected without parental consent. Schools must provide direct information to parents with their intentions of collecting any info or use of technology sites. What I did not pay much attention to as a teacher was the fact that you should delete personal info once the purpose of its collection has been served. Most schools have AUPs to help protect students. Our school has an AUP, as well as a permission slip that parents are able to sign when they register their student for school that gives their consent for teachers and the school to use various educational websites. This covers us to use all sites, but it is important that teachers still notify parents when they intend to use a new online tool that will require information about their children.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA's purpose is to protect student records. This law seems like it should be obvious, but it needs to be put in place so that schools do not share student information with third parties who do not need it. I found it interesting that the video provided by Mrs. Zumpano said to log out of PowerSchool when you are done using it to avoid anyone gaining access to student information. The video also mentioned being careful working with student data in public places, so nobody can look over your shoulder to gain information. These are simple steps that I had not considered that would be an easy way to avoid a slip up when it comes to student information going public.
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As the Technology Coordinator, I need to do a better job of making sure all staff are aware of these laws pertaining to student confidentiality. I have felt a sense of security given the district's AUP and waiver that all parents sign when they register their children. I have assumed that it is common knowledge for a teacher to not go around spreading personal or academic information about students, but since it is law, it would be best to cover all bases and explicitly remind teachers about the importance of this. It is better to be safe than sorry!
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