B. C. Digital Literacy

Why Care is Needed Beyond B.C.

 

Many cloud based storage solutions such as iCloud, Google Apps for Education, Microsoft Office 365, and Dropbox seem like  good solutions for storing and sharing documents. However, all of these tools have storage held in other countries. This creates a conflict with B.C.’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). Any information stored outside of Canadian borders is subject to the laws of the country it is stored in, therefore giving foreign governments and agencies direct access to materials and information about Canadian students and families.

 

Cloud based storage solutions are also used by the companies themselves as a source of data. Data-mining is used for targeted marketing by first and second party companies, focused advertising and straight-forward gathering of usage statistics.

 

Considerations for Personal Device Use

 

Having a personal device is a tempting tool for teachers. It can be a convenient way of recording, documenting and photographing those memorable moments in classrooms. Personal devices whether Apple, Android, or Microsoft all are linked to cloud based storage outside of Canada. As educators, we need to be aware of the settings if using our personal devices to ensure that any type of sharing or online backup are turned off.

 

Informed Consent

 

Canada’s FOIPPA laws do not prevent teachers from using cloud based storage or tools. Using these tools does however require us to be vigilant with permissions and protocols from the school district and from the parents.

 

British Columbia's FOIPPA Webpage