In the Age of Coronavirus Blended Learning Will Be Our New Benchmark
It’s Time to Focus on Cybersecurity and Student Data Privacy Again
Schools had to close abruptly to slow the spread of the coronavirus, districts had to move to a remote learning model in record time to continue instruction. Now that schools have settled into a remote instruction program and are developing instruction plans for the fall, it is time to shift our focus to cybersecurity and data privacy.
The coronavirus pandemic prompted a sudden shift to remote learning in schools across the nation. Some districts have struggled to adapt to remote learning while others were prepared thanks to robust technology programs. Initially the transition to remote learning was viewed as a temporary emergency measure to continue instruction. We now understand remote instruction will be an integral part of a blended learning model for the foreseeable future. Schools will need to adapt instruction to alternate between face-to-face instruction and online instruction as illness may impact attendance for both teachers and students.
How will schools do this?
• By addressing the digital divide and ensuring all students have online access and a device. • Teachers will have to adapt to a new blended model of instruction and embrace a “flipped classroom” approach of student-centered learning. • By modifying assessment criteria and moving away from exam-based grading policies and toward participation and project-based grading policies.
Data Security IT professionals previously focused on network security may now turn their attention to application security. As home devices may not be secured by a firewall or other network security safeguards it is even more crucial to scrutinize the applications that access student data.
Student Privacy and Safety As students work remotely, districts will now work to protect student data privacy more than ever. Students will need protection from cyberbullying and violent threats as they utilize online communication platforms. “Online learning spaces must be secure and closed to unauthorized access—even from parents” under FERPA.
Access this Forbes article to learn more.
Six Ways to Determine if Free Education Apps are Worth the Cost
As everyone rushed to remote instruction educators had to rely more heavily on free online tools to help them deliver digital content to students. Moving forward districts will have to determine if they should continue using these free products and/or if they will pay for products that are no longer free.
Remote Access
Remote classrooms and workspaces make districts more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Monitor district accounts for atypical behavior like “multiple unsuccessful logins; failed multifactor authentication checks; or successful logins from an unapproved location, such as another country.”
Here are 6 ways you can decide if an app stays or goes for your district:
1. Did the educator get approval from your administration to use the app? 2. Is there another application the district has already approved that might work just as well? 3. Does the app integrate with existing district platforms? 4. How does the app handle student data? 5. How long is the free trial? 6. What kind of analytics does the app provide?
Click here to access the full article from District Administration.
Learn more about this decision making process here.
Data Privacy & Security Service, Issue 19
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