The increasing use of digital technology in schools is raising concerns about student data privacy, according to research from Dublin City University. While technology offers benefits like personalized learning and streamlined communication, it also creates a growing collection of data on children, prompting questions about ownership and security.
The Expanding Digital Footprint in Education
Irish parents are increasingly using apps like Aladdin, VSWare, and Microsoft Teams to receive school reports and communicate with teachers. In the classroom, students utilize tools like Kahoot and Quizlet on devices such as Chromebooks and iPads. These technologies provide real-time feedback to educators, but simultaneously generate substantial amounts of student data.
Many of the technologies used in schools were originally designed for general office productivity or consumer use, rather than specifically for educational purposes. This “platformisation” of education, as it’s been termed, allows big tech companies to increase their presence in schools and potentially influence teaching and learning.
Data Breaches and Cybersecurity Risks
The potential for data breaches is a significant concern. Irish higher education institutions, including the National College of Ireland, Technological University Dublin, Munster Technological University, and South East Technological University, have experienced large-scale cyberattacks and ransomware operations. Similar incidents have impacted schools in the U.S., such as the 2020 attack on the Miami-Dade public school system and a 2021 breach exposing data on over 1 million New York City students. Even Mount Temple School in Clontarf, Ireland, recently experienced a data breach where student evaluations were inadvertently shared.
Beyond security threats, new software services are emerging that monitor student communications for concerns related to mental health and school shootings. But, commentators have noted that these services lack proven effectiveness and collect highly sensitive data on students’ private conversations.
The Need for Transparency and Stakeholder Input
The collection of personal data is governed by regulations like the GDPR and the EU AI Act, which emphasize fairness, transparency, and consent. Research at Dublin City University suggests that increased teacher awareness of data implications can be a positive step. However, researchers Costello and Lowney argue that a broader conversation is needed, involving teachers, parents, and students themselves, to determine the appropriate role of technology in schools and the types of data collected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “platformisation” in the context of education?
“Platformisation” refers to how systems like MS Teams or Google Classroom become embedded in schools and can influence teaching and learning.
What regulations govern the collection of student data?
The collection of personal data is regulated by laws such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and, more recently, the EU AI Act.
What happened with Google Chromebooks in Denmark?
Google Chromebooks were effectively banned from schools in Denmark in 2022 for violations of GDPR.
As digital technology becomes increasingly integrated into education, how can schools balance the benefits of innovation with the need to protect student privacy and data security?
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