Abstract
Ontario K-12 classrooms increasingly use digital applications and platforms. Consequently, private companies collect more personal information, posing a potential threat to student privacy. Current privacy legislation does not specifically address education technology or its use by children, and current policies and practices do not sufficiently support schools and teachers. Because educational practices and legislative compliance are variable, Ontario schools cannot provide students with consistent personal information protection. 
 This brief considers a privacy pledge, provincial legislation, and a Ministry of Education commission as policy alternatives. In the interest of supporting student privacy, adapting to changing conditions, and providing both clear standards and flexibility to stakeholders, this brief recommends that a Ministry of Education commission be created to review and approve digital applications and platforms for classroom use.
Highlights
Ontario K-12 classrooms increasingly use digital applications and platforms
In 2019, 97% of Ontario elementary schools and 100% of high schools reported communicating with students using technology, including: email, class websites, web applications, and online classrooms (Kapoor, 2019, p.2)
Current policies and practices do not adequately protect student personal information, and it is in the public interest that student privacy is sufficient and consistent
Summary
Ontario K-12 classrooms increasingly use digital applications and platforms. private companies collect more personal information, posing a potential threat to student privacy. Current privacy legislation does not address education technology or its use by children, and current policies and practices do not sufficiently support schools and teachers. Because educational practices and legislative compliance are variable, Ontario schools cannot provide students with consistent personal information protection. This brief considers a privacy pledge, provincial legislation, and a Ministry of Education commission as policy alternatives. In the interest of supporting student privacy, adapting to changing conditions, and providing both clear standards and flexibility to stakeholders, this brief recommends that a Ministry of Education commission be created to review and approve digital applications and platforms for classroom use. The varying sizes of school boards and their respective budgets partially explain inconsistent digital technology practices Another source of variation is the behavior of individual educators. Current policies and practices do not adequately protect student personal information, and it is in the public interest that student privacy is sufficient and consistent
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