Mark and Eric (AKA Eric the Intern) join the K12 Tech Talk Podcast to discuss a cyberattack on a school district and recent Google outages. They also delve into the legal implications of including student names in emails, protecting personally identifiable information, and censorship challenges. The podcast ends with a discussion on the challenges faced by K12 Techs and appreciation for their work.
Decisions on content censorship should be based on established policies, not personal biases.
Involving multiple stakeholders in the decision-making process can ensure a fair approach to content censorship and removal.
Deep dives
Handling Content Censorship and Removal
When it comes to content censorship and removal, it is important to rely on established policies and procedures. This ensures that decisions are not made based on personal biases or preferences. In the context of school libraries, content should only be removed if it violates district policies or guidelines. The decision should not be based on individual preferences or complaints. It is crucial to maintain a balance that respects both student privacy and freedom of information. Additionally, involving different stakeholders, such as administrators and librarians, in the decision-making process can provide diverse perspectives and ensure a fair approach to content censorship and removal.
Navigating Interactions with the Public
Interactions with the public regarding content censorship can be complex. In these situations, it is important to avoid making decisions on your own and seek guidance from superiors or individuals who are knowledgeable about the specific content area. Ultimately, decisions should be based on established policies and guidelines rather than personal opinions. Transparency and engagement with parents and community members can help address concerns and provide a platform for open discussions. Striking a balance between meeting community expectations and upholding students' rights to access information is key.
Thresholds, Boundary-setting, and Context
Setting thresholds for content censorship can be a challenging task. It is essential to have clear guidelines and policies in place that define what content warrants removal and what does not. Contextual factors, such as intent, impact, and appropriateness, should be considered when making these decisions. While different individuals may have varying thresholds, following established policies and involving multiple stakeholders can provide a more fair and consistent approach. Striking a balance between protecting students and preserving their rights to access information is a constant challenge that requires ongoing discussions and adaptations.
Awareness, Second Opinions, and Decision-making
Being aware of the limits of personal knowledge and expertise is crucial when dealing with content censorship. Knowing when to seek second opinions and involve others who have specialized knowledge is essential in making informed decisions. Additionally, relying on established guidelines and policies provides a clearer framework for decision-making. Engagement with legal, educational, and ethical resources can provide valuable insights and ensure decisions align with legal requirements and best practices. Ultimately, decision-making should be objective, fair, and consider the broad interests of the educational community.
In the latest episode of the K12 Tech Talk Podcast, host Josh is joined by Mark and guest host Eric (AKA Eric the Intern). We discuss a cyberattack on a school district in Butte and the recent Google outages. We then discuss a question regarding FERPA and the inclusion of student names in emails. The main topic of discussion is censorship, with the hosts sharing their practices and considerations when deciding to remove or censor content. Chris wasn't able to join because this episode was too spicy, but Eric the Intern joins to share his wisdom and discuss life after K-12 technology!
Learning Technology Center’s SecurED Schools (virtual conference) is on January 16 & 17, 2024. We’re presenting. If you want a discounted ticket, use code K12TechTalkPodcast and go to ltc.site/secured