EEND 681 Module 5 Discussion

Impact of FERPA on Educational Technology Services

Hello Class,

After reading a few of the articles and watching the youtube video, I felt like I had a pretty good grasp on FERPA and where it has benefited student's privacy and also where it has been abused.  I think in general, FERPA not only means well but successfully protects students private records.  In a time when anything is available at the touch of a button, and data hacks and profiles are being leaked all the time, I think it is critical that we protect student's private information.  Personally, I find it crazy that every time I log into my computer, the computer seems to know more about me in the form of ads and websites that the web thinks I would like.  I also think we need to make sure we don't create extra hurdles for parents, or students, to access their information easily.  This can create a "catch 22" because we need to have strict regulations, but also easy access for the students and families.  

Since I have taught co-taught biology for 10 years, I am slightly more sensitive to these rules.  Many students in my class have IEP's or 504 plans that are highly protected under these FERPA laws.  Even getting rid of paperwork at the end of the year can be an issue because of these highly confidential documents.  We actually have to shred the documents ourselves to make sure we keep that information confidential.  There have been a few times in which I have to keep FERPA rules in mind that affect the delivery of the curriculum. 

1.  We often use social media or online forums to post discussions or even assignments.  My main reason for doing this is so everyone can view their classmates work in one convenient location.  The issue can arise that if students use their personal social media accounts to post their work, sometimes accidentally while working on the assignment from home, this can create access to their personal information.  That is why I always require them to use their school issued google account.  In fact, many of my assignments on google I can make only accessible to users with ipsd.org accounts.  When I use Twitter or another form of social media it can complicate things.  Telling students that I will not grade any projects that aren't from a school account usually solves this issue. 

2.  The only other issue that I can think of is class field trips.  Gone are the days of posting grades in the classroom and even class rank has disappeared at our school.  I go on 4 main field trips every year, but only have room on the bus for 50/150 students.  Because of this I go by student achievement to choose who goes on my field trips.   I do post a final roster at kind of a big reveal event.  Although I am in a way revealing student information, I make sure to scramble the 50 students who are able to go on the trip.  Parents are made aware of the process at the beginning of the year and must sign off on a permission form for their student to participate.  I also worry that I have singled out the 100 students that do not have a high grade.  I have had a instances of push-back from parents and have attended meetings with administration, but it is a widely accepted practice at our school and elsewhere.  How else could you determine who gets these opportunities?  Blind lottery?

Thank you,

Jim Nielsen