Online privacy and security are things that teachers should always be thinking about when using technology in their classrooms. This means adhering to FIPPA guidelines and being mindful about personal social media use as well. 

What is FIPPA

FIPPA is the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act that outlines the access and privacy rights of individuals in relation to the public sector. FIPPA describes individuals rights to access records, as well as how a public body can collect, use, and disclose personal information.

Why does this matter to Teachers?

Teachers must understand the importance of this, as they operate within the public sector and have a responsibility to uphold FIPPA. This ensures the protection of students, families, and colleagues’ privacy concerning personal information online. It is very important as a teacher to be mindful about technology and what the implications can be with each platform that you use. Teachers should always be aware of how and where sensitive data, such as student records, is being stored. Additionally, they should be mindful of how they share this information For example data should not be stored outside of Canada due to the US Patriot Act. 

Social Media

When using social media as a teacher there are two main aspects to be aware of:

  1. Your Contributions to Social Media: As a teacher you can still have a social media presence. Posting personal photographs such as vacation updates is okay and it is unlikely that the school would have “custody” of the photos. In contrast if you post pictures or videos of your classroom it is more likely the school would have “custody” of them.
  2. Using Social Media for Teaching and Learning: Overall, it is not recommended to use social media in your classroom that isn’t an approved platform by the school board. However, there are still ways that you can use social media in your classroom if needed. It is very important to gain necessary consent from students and/or parents when using social media in the classroom, with a clear description of what personal information students will need to use.