Unveiling the Risks: Threats of Student Data Collection and AI in Education

Outline

In 2017, The Economist published an article titled, "The world's most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data". While adults and parents can choose when and how to share personally identifiable information (PII), students entering classrooms often lack that autonomy. Educators wield significant power over student PII and must exercise this responsibility with the utmost care to prevent unnecessary data collection and protect student privacy.

Many educators remain unaware of federal laws governing the use of educational technology (EdTech) in schools. Understanding these laws and the associated risks is essential for safeguarding students and protecting educators from legal liabilities. This presentation aims to enhance awareness and knowledge about student data security.

We will begin with a compelling case study from a murder investigation in Berkshire County, showcasing that data alone is powerful enough to solve a murder (5 minutes). This introduction will lead into a discussion on how data is collected through internet and wireless usage, including key terminology related to data collection (15 minutes). Next, we will explore federal and select state laws regulating the use of student and minor data online and in schools (10 minutes). After establishing a foundation on data collection and legal frameworks, we will discuss the unintended consequences of “datafying” children (5 minutes). The second half of the presentation will equip educators with practical tools to safely integrate EdTech into their classrooms without compromising student PII or educational quality (25 minutes).

Audience surveys indicate that educators find the material engaging, report gaining new insights, and believe this knowledge will enhance their safe use of EdTech in their schools.

Supporting research

“The Number of Ed-Tech Tools School Districts Use Has Almost Tripled. That’s a Problem” Education Week, Alyson Klein, August 26, 2022

“Most Tech Companies Profit Off Student Data, Even If They Say Otherwise, Report Finds” Alyson Klein, July 18, 2023

“Big Tech Makes Big Data Out of Your Child: The FERPA Loophole EdTech Exploits to Monetize Student Data” American University Business Law Review (Volume 9 Issue 3), Amy Rhoades, 2020

“Student Privacy in the Digital Age” BYU Education and Law Journal (Volume 2021, Issue 1) Susan G. Archambault, 2021

Jossen, Sam. “The World’s Most Valuable Resource Is No Longer Oil, but Data The Data Economy Demands a New Approach to Antitrust Rules.” The Economist , 2017,

“How Will AI Impact Racial Disparities in Education?” Stanford Law School, law.stanford.edu/2024/06/29/how-will-ai-impact-racial-disparities-in-education/. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.

"Understanding FERPA, CIPA and Other K-12 Student Data Privacy Laws." EdTech: Focus on K-12, 8 Apr. 2022, edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2022/04/understanding-ferpa-cipa-and-other-k-12-student-data-privacy-laws-perfcon. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.

Tursunbayeva, Aida, et al. "Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Student Privacy and Data Protection." ResearchGate, July 2023, www.researchgate.net/publication/372125102_Ethics_of_Artificial_Intelligence_in_Education_Student_Privacy_and_Data_Protection. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.

Pardue, Kevin. "Is AI a Serious Threat to Student Privacy?" Thomas B. Fordham Institute, 23 Aug. 2023, fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/ai-serious-threat-student-privacy. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.

Greene-Santos, Aniya. “Does Ai Have a Bias Problem?” NEA, www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/does-ai-have-bias-problem. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.