Episode 165: Shannon Edwards Reveals the Student Data Free-for-All in New York City Schools
Sep 10, 2024
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Shannon Edwards, a passionate privacy advocate focused on data privacy in education, delves into the alarming invasion of children's personal data by for-profit companies in NYC schools. She discusses how educational apps extract sensitive information and the lack of transparency this creates. The conversation highlights the urgent need for parental advocacy and understanding their rights regarding data management. Shannon also emphasizes the implications of social-emotional learning initiatives and offers practical advice on protecting children's privacy in an increasingly tech-driven educational landscape.
The integration of educational technology has blurred the lines of data privacy, prompting concern over how children’s sensitive information is exploited.
Parents must actively engage in understanding data collection practices and advocate for their children's rights to ensure online safety.
Deep dives
The Rise of Data Privacy Concerns
The increasing reliance on technology in education has transformed the landscape of data privacy, particularly concerning children. The shift from using fun and engaging online shopping apps to educational tools has resulted in significant data collection practices that many parents are unaware of. With millions of children using platforms like Google Classroom and Chromebooks daily, there exists a grave concern about the extent of data being harvested by educational apps. This shift underscores the critical need for parents to understand what information is being collected and how it might be used.
The Notorious Dessa Program
The introduction of programs like Dessa, which aimed to assess students' social-emotional learning, raised alarms among parents and educators alike. The program, initiated in response to the pandemic, required teachers to complete detailed questionnaires about each student's emotional state, leading to fears of personal data exploitation. Parents worried about the implications of subjective assessments on their children's futures, especially when not well-understood by their teachers. The backlash against Dessa emphasized the importance of transparency regarding student data and proper industry vetting of technology providers.
The Challenge of Understanding Privacy Policies
Many parents struggle to comprehend the lengthy and complex privacy policies associated with educational apps, which complicates their ability to make informed decisions for their children. The digital age has produced user agreements that are often intentionally difficult to read, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed. Moreover, educators frequently lack the resources or knowledge to navigate these policies effectively. This disconnect highlights the urgent need for better education on digital literacy and data privacy for both parents and teachers.
Taking Action for Data Protection
Parents can play a crucial role in protecting their children's data by engaging in open conversations about digital tools and advocating for their rights. Practical steps include educating themselves about data collection practices, opting out of programs when necessary, and discussing online safety with their children. It's essential for parents to establish good online hygiene practices, such as using strong passwords and regularly checking which apps their kids are using. Ultimately, empowered parents can create a safer digital environment by being proactive and informed about their children's online interactions.
As technology is integrated deeper into classrooms, the lines between education and data privacy have been destroyed by for-profit data miners. This week, privacy advocate Shannon Edwards reveals how educational apps harvest sensitive information from children, commodify their data, and what parents can do to fight it.