The Future of Student Data: Privacy, Security, and Success

Educast 3000

In this episode, Ryan Lufkin and Melissa Loble interview Daisy Bennett, Instructure's data protection officer, about data privacy in education. Daisy shares her background in privacy and security and discusses the importance of data privacy in the digital age. She explains the various legislation in place to protect student data in both K-12 and higher education, including FERPA, COPPA, and state laws. Daisy also highlights the difference between privacy and accessibility concerns in K-12 and higher education and the challenges faced by schools in terms of cybersecurity.

In this conversation, Daisy Bennett discusses the importance of data security and privacy in education technology. She emphasizes the responsibility of ad tech providers to ensure the security of their systems and the protection of user data. The conversation also touches on the role of regulations in supporting AI technology and the need for schools to vet technology tools and practices. Daisy provides recommendations for schools to future-proof their learning environments and protect student data. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of focusing on student success and access in the context of privacy and data protection.

Takeaways

• Data privacy is a fundamental right that allows individuals to control their information and governs how data is collected and used.
• In the US, there are federal laws like FERPA, COPPA, and the Protection of Pupil Rights Act, as well as state laws, that protect student data in both K-12 and higher education.
• Privacy laws are important to ensure data is used ethically and responsibly, especially in the digital age where personal information is collected and used extensively.
• Accessibility laws differ between K-12 and higher education, with K-12 focusing on student success and higher education focusing on access to resources.
• K-12 schools are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks due to the valuable data they collect, and many schools lack sufficient resources to address cybersecurity issues. Ad tech providers have a responsibility to ensure the security of their systems and protect user data.
• Regulations are important in supporting AI technology, but they need to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements.
• Schools should vet technology tools and practices to ensure they align with privacy and security regulations.
• To future-proof their learning environments, schools should develop close relationships with vendors, leverage resources from non-profit organizations, and stay informed about upcoming privacy laws and guidelines.
• The focus should always be on student success and access, rather than getting bogged down in the details of privacy and security.