British Columbia Teachers’ Federation. (2017). Technology: Privacy concerns. Priorities for public education: A brief to the Ministry of Education. https://bctf.ca/PrioritiesForPublicEd.aspx
The British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) published a brief surrounding the issue of digital technology and privacy issues, including student information systems, learning management systems, various apps, and communication and productivity tools. BC provincial law requires all student personal information be stored on Canadian servers. In a survey, it was found that less than half of teachers underwent privacy training and that resources were not evaluated prior to use.
Digital technology tools such as student information systems (myEducation BC), learning management systems (Moodle) and the use of technology apps (ePortfolios, and other educational apps), as well as the use of productivity tools (email, Microsoft or Google applications) raise privacy concerns at both the classroom and teacher level.
MyEducation BC is a one the most widely used platforms in schools for student reporting, attendance, and individuated education plans. BC has a specific law that requires individual personal information must be stored on servers in Canada. However, a survey conducted by the BCTF resulted in 85% of users of MyEducation BC did not feel sufficiently prepared for privacy related responsibilities. With the increase in the amount of technology apps integrated into the classroom, privacy assessment will need to be required however teachers do not have the time or research each digital education tool.
BCTF Recommendations:
- Ministry of Education and school district personnel need to focus on adequate teaching of the MyEducation BC platform.
- A guidebook should be developed for teachers, parents, and administers on digital technology privacy policies and practices.
- Creation of a privacy information database to allow teachers to consider educational apps based on privacy information.
