Learning Activity: Privacy in Education

I believe that students should be able to choose how much information they want to share. For example, when using a learning tool, if by default the information will be displayed publicly, students should be given the opportunity to opt out from displaying their work online. In addition, they should be given the option to use pseudonym instead of their real names. Institutions and instructors can challenge student privacy if law enforces them to do so.

Student privacy policy at UVIC

It was quite simple to find the policy on student privacy. I googled ‘UVIC student privacy policy’. No login was required as the information was accessible to public. The language of the policy was not complicated and there was a link to FIPPA (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act) where you can read more on the act.

I had a vague idea that institution can challenge student privacy if required by law but I did not know much detail about it. The information on the UVIC website is more explicit and it provides examples of some situation when they can disclose students’ information. For example, as authorized by FIPPA, information should be disclose if it is in the public interest. This may occur when there are compelling circumstances about the imminent health and safety of the student or others at the university. This includes emergencies, extreme emotional distress, injury, interpersonal conflicts and other circumstances of this nature.

I chose this activity, as I wanted to find out more about how privacy works in some educational institutions. It is an opportunity for me to increase my awareness about the importance of my learners’ privacy in my practice. Now, I have a better understanding of the circumstances under which institutions can disclose students’ information.