Data Privacy

Free Guide on Student Data Privacy Now Available to Teachers

The Educator’s Guide to Student Data Privacy offers teachers tips to protect student information.

• By Sri Ravipati
• 05/24/16

The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) and ConnectSafely have released a new guide to help classroom teachers utilize technology in the classroom while protecting their students’ privacy.

More schools are using student information systems, learning management systems, technology tools and education apps to facilitate learning and collaboration in K-12 classrooms. When schools use these technologies, students’ personal data is collected and shared to further their education. The Educator’s Guide to Student Data Privacy offers free advice on how teachers can take steps to ensure sensitive student information remains private.

The guide explains:

• Why teachers should care about student privacy, including ethical reasons and legal requirements;

• Questions to ask and steps to take when using apps and technology that was not specifically designed for education; and

• Resources for teachers to further understand and teach student privacy.

“Schools across the country are rapidly integrating new technologies meant to deliver a quality education to students in more effective and efficient manner. The Educator’s Guide will be a vital new resource for teachers when helping students use educational applications and technology in a safe way that protects their data privacy,” said Kobie Pruitt, one of the guide’s authors and the education policy manager at FPF, in a prepared statement.

The Educator’s Guide to Student Data Privacy is available on the FERPA|SHERPA blog and the ConnectSafely site.