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Academic Technology: Data, Privacy & Surveillance: Home

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Data, Privacy & Surveillance
DATA, PRIVACY & SURVEILLANCE in academic technology are critical considerations for ensuring ethical and equitable learning environments. This section addresses the complexities of managing data and protecting privacy within educational contexts, focusing on the implications of data collection and surveillance practices. As educational technologies become more pervasive, the need to safeguard student information and uphold privacy standards is paramount. This section explores key issues and best practices related to data privacy and surveillance, encompassing topics such as equitable and inclusive access, systematic data collection, and the impacts and harms associated with surveillance. It also examines risk exposure in digital learning environments and the importance of legal compliance to protect student rights and institutional integrity. By understanding and addressing these challenges, educators and administrators can create safer, more transparent, and supportive educational experiences that respect the privacy and autonomy of all students.

Topics on Data, Privacy & Surveillance

SYSTEMATIC DATA COLLECTION in online learning products refers to the gathering and analysis of data on student interactions, engagement, and performance. This practice is central to personalized learning and adaptive learning technologies, enabling interventions by educators who tailor instructional content to individual student needs. However, it also raises questions about data privacy, consent, and the ethical use of student information. Learning management systems are recognized as a locus of large amounts of systematically collected data, and require strong policies and shared ethos to balance the benefits of data-driven insights with the protection of student rights.

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Automatic textbook billing programs, often marketed as "EQUITABLE & INCLUSIVE ACCESS" by commercial publishers, claim to provide students with affordable access to digital course materials. However, these programs come with several requirements and impositions on students. For instance, students must understand how the system works, including the need to opt in or out of the program, and be able to successfully navigate several poorly integrated systems. Additionally, by participating, students often waive certain perpetual rights they would normally gain by purchasing a textbook, such as ownership and the ability to resell the material. These programs raise significant concerns, not just about freedom and autonomy, but about data privacy and surveillance that stem from the extensive tracking of student interactions with digital content and tools, and how that data is handled. Specific risks of such monitoring include potential invasions of privacy, the commercialization of student data, and the creation of detailed student profiles without their informed consent, and result in problems like unauthorized data sharing, targeted advertising, identity theft, and the erosion of trust in educational institutions. Additionally, the constant surveillance can lead to a chilling effect on student behavior. Strategies for institutions to safeguard student privacy include implementing data governance policies, ensuring transparency in data practices, and advocating for student rights.

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Surveillance in educational settings, particularly through digital tools and platforms, can have significant IMPACTS & HARMS on students. Data breaches of personal information (or in the case of some commercial publishers, simply selling this information to other 3rd parties), profiling, and psychological awareness cause specific harms including identity theft, financial loss, emotional distress, discrimination or bias affecting academic and professional opportunities, chilling effects on free expression, and disengagement with academic platforms and learning content. Digital tools pervade higher education, with learning management systems, online proctoring software, and equitable/inclusive access programs being of particular concern. Institutions can mitigate the impacts and harms by implementing strong data governance policies, promoting digital literacy, and advocating for student rights. 

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Universities must be in LEGAL COMPLIANCE with laws governing data privacy and surveillance, such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), to protect student data. They attempt this by gaining informed consent, minimizing data collection, and implementing security measures against breaches. Transparent, straightforward privacy policies and compliance from third-party vendors are also needed, but can be difficult to secure. Regular audits, effective data protection officers, and student and staff training help ensure the academic community understands their privacy responsibilities.

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