Privacy

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Privacy considerations for learning tools and technologies

Educational technologies often collect and store personal information. BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) prohibits storing or accessing students’ personal information on servers outside of Canada, without their explicit and informed consent. Personal Information refers to recorded information about an identifiable individual, for example, names, email addresses, and addresses.

 

Before asking students to use technology that stores information outside of Canada:

Inform students where the tool stores and accesses information, and that providing their personal information is not mandatory.

 

Provide alternatives:

  • suggest that students use an alias,
  • or provide an alternative way of completing the coursework.

 

Explain why you have chosen the technology and the benefits they may get by using it.

 

Use the privacy statement included in the course outline template:

Note: This course may use an electronic (online) instructional resource that is located outside of Canada for mandatory graded classwork. You may be required to enter personal information, such as your name and email address, to log in to this resource. This means that your personal information could be stored on servers located outside of Canada and may be accessed by U.S. authorities, subject to federal laws. Where possible, you may log in with an email pseudonym as long as you provide the pseudonym to me so I can identify you when reviewing your classwork. Educational technologies often collect and store personal information. BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) prohibits storing or accessing students’ personal information on servers outside of Canada, without their explicit and informed consent. Personal Information refers to recorded information about an identifiable individual, for example, names, email addresses, and addresses.