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Privacy and Educators. Developed by Rurik Rory-Nakerud Graduate School of Education Portland State University Updated July, 2014. What is Privacy?. The ability to control the degree to which people and institutions impinge upon one ’ s life. Hildreth & Hoyt, 1981
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Privacy and Educators Developed by Rurik Rory-Nakerud Graduate School of Education Portland State University Updated July, 2014
What is Privacy? • The ability to control the degree to which people and institutions impinge upon one’s life. • Hildreth & Hoyt, 1981 • The right claimed by an individual to control the disclosure of personal information about themselves. • Adams, 2000
Collection of Children’s Information • PEW Research Internet Project (2013): • 78% of teens use a cell phone • 74% access the Internet • 93% have a computer at home • 23% have a tablet computer • Study conducted by Cai and Gantz (2000) indicated that the majority of Web sites targeted at children collect personal information from their under-age users.
Why is Privacy Important for Teachers? • Federal law mandates that teachers protect the information they gather and record regarding their students (National Center for Education Statistics, 1998). • FERPA • COPPA • Supreme Court Decisions • Failure to do so could result in personal and professional liability.
Privacy Practices—Common Law • Information should not be conveyed to other teachers/administrators unless the motive is to enhance performance. • Pupil information should be transmitted only upon request. • Records should be released only if there is a statutory requirement or the pupil/parents request the release.
Privacy Legislation for Educators • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act , 1974 (FERPA): • Requires that educators demonstrate “due diligence” in protecting student data, information, records, and other sensitive information. • Teachers can be personally held liable for failing to maintain the integrity of such data.
FERPA... • Parents/guardians have a right to inspect all records. • Record of access maintained regarding individuals examining the files. • Appeals to contents are permitted. • Records must be kept confidential—no release unless there is permission. • Birth date, address, ss#, grades, test results, discipline records, attendance, health records, pictures, etc.
Practical Privacy Techniques for Teachers: • Practice Proper Information Security Techniques • E-Mail Awareness • Use of Encryption • Download Precautions • Close the Cookie Jar • Read Privacy Statements • Set up a Second Online Account
Dissemination of Privacy Practices to Students: • Fundamentals of protecting privacy is a “new” skill that schools should address • (Willard, 2000) • Privacy issues need to be embedded within the curriculum as readily as technical skills • (FTC, 2001) • Short lessons and natural teaching moments work well for identifying the topic. • Teachers must serve as a role model for privacy protection practices.
Conclusion: • As technology is introduced into schools, it is critical to combine the technical skills with the soft (ethical) skills surrounding the media. • Attention needs to given to both teachers and students upon this topic. • Teachers must practice privacy techniques daily---to protect the information and serve as a positive role model.
Resources for Teaching Internet Safety to Students • Investigate http://safekids.com • Explore the safety advice and tools, paying particular attention to the information for child safety, parents of pre-teens and parents of teens • Investiate http://www.netsmartz.org/ • Explore the downloadable teaching materials for educators including tip sheets on social networking, cyberbullying, sexting, and cybersecurity.
Excellent Resources: • Stealth Surfing by Matt Lake: http://www.pcworld.com/resource/printable/article/0,aid,16350,00.asp • Follett Software Company: Privacy Sites: http://www.pathwaysmodel.com/resources/articles/adams/weblinks.cfm • Make Your PC Hacker Proof by Jeff Sengstack: http://www.pcworld.com/resource/printable/article/0,aid,17759,00.asp