#INeLearn Archive
The #INeLearn hashtag is used for both asynchronous sharing and synchronous conversations. Include #INeLearn in your tweets if you want to share resources or questions with Indiana educators and school leaders. Asynchronously, the #INeLearn hashtag provides educators across the state of Indiana a central space for sharing. On Thursday evenings beginning at 8 CST/9 EST when you use the #INeLearn hashtag, you are joining a live conversation--the #INeLearn Twitter Chat. For one hour, we interact in real time having a virtual discussion.
Thursday June 2, 2016
Welcome to tonight's chat! I'm Diana Gill, Instructional Technology Coach at
AND…I’m Keshia Seitz, Director of Innovative Learning
Glad you are leading the way on tonight's topic
Tonight's topic: How can we ensure that we are complying with COPPA and keeping our kids safe?
Tech Integration Coordinator at MSD of Steuben County.
It might be a quiet one tonight. Lots of Ts on summer break.
Q1 is on its way, but in the meantime, take a second to introduce yourself!
Greg from northwest Indiana here. Checking in from Chicago so may be in and out. PE teacher and k-5 tech coach
Last day for Ss was today. everyone else?
Nick Williams from BCSC in Columbus
Michelle checking in for Chat on COPPA. I'm expecting a valuable discussion for the next hour!
We have been out for a week! It's been amazing so far. https://t.co/LQm1HmeRPC
Last day for Ss was today. everyone else?
Steve in Valpo, making cookies w/my youngest for teacher gifts (tomorrow=his last day), but one eye on chat. As always.
Q1: COPPA is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, but what does that mean?
Library Media Specialist from Indy. Impt topic tonight .
Yummy! Cookies sound delicious! Thanks for checking in with us.
R1. Protecting rights for children under 13.
Hi ! Kate from Carmel. Super excited for this chat, but I'll be popping in and out...
The Brit and bonus daughter!! I've never seen them before. :-)
John from Evansville joining in from Alabama - hi all!
Hello! Chris Tucker, assistant principal at Western Boone HS
R1: Responsibility for both sides. Ts and Ss need to be aware of what is posted and all that is out there.
glad to have you join us tonight!
Hi, Kate! Glad you are as excited as we are! Very important topic!
R1: Ultimately, COPPA is about respecting the rights of children and parents.
R1: not really sure. Guessing that we are responsible for not only protecting emails, identities and data
R1 COPPA is about protecting privacy. It's ensuring that Ss information is not used as a commodity
R1: 2 of 2 but also teaching kids to protect themselves
Jumping in late... Darrin Lett, Alabama Educator excited to learn with . Thanks for invite
R1: Working with parents to protect that information. COPPA requires parent edu and involvement.
R1: In a nutshell, parents have control over students' online lives until the inexplicably magical age of 13
Jen wells from NE Indiana
Q2: How do you (or should you) educate your districts and Ts about COPPA?
Welcome and way to represent !
Hi, Darrin! We're so glad to have you tonight!
R1 Pt 2 Children generally don't read the fine print like all us responsible adults. ;) It keeps entities from taking advantage.
it's like something you know but don't really KNOW
yes and many don't realize the legalities until that magical age.
It's not cheating! It's being resourceful!
yep, and it's amazing how many sites are geared for older than 13 kids too.
R2: unfortunately, I don't think I have even been told anything about our compliance plan
R2: I'll be honest- we are just starting. Especially now since we roll out 1:1 with ms next year.
A2: District policies adopted reflect and inform Ts on actions according to COPPA... Then, provide training on adopted policies.
R2: make sure Ts, parents, and Ss KNOW and understand their rights to privacy. And how to protect themselves
Everyone needs to make an effort to educate themselves and those around them. It isn't going to affect only one person.
Follow Up: Why is COPPA so critical for us as educators?
R2: In the process of this... Lots of newsletters, discussion as whole staff, content vetted through someone to check legal docs.
We inform technology team members to spread the word.
I think that happens a lot. I don't feel educated enough and I am our go to person.
R2: As often as they'll listen to me! I offer to read the ToS for Ts so they don't have to. It helps.
Everyone needs to understand the why as well so it is shared. It can't be the evil tech dept "blocking things."
R2: We had a more coordinated effort through Media Specialists to cover all Ss in 5-8, but still didn't hit everyone
Yes! Ts email me with sites to check out and I'll read the fine print!
I totally agree. How do we get T's engaged to learn about this topic?
Q3: Share some practical ways that your district ensures that you are COPPA compliant.
Absolutely! It helps to start teaching the Ss about digital responsibility too.
A2: Our media specialist covers grades 7-12 at the HS, but we are hiring a tech coach and rotation teachers for the elem.
as the leader of tech, how can we spread the word so ppl will listen?
I am a parent here and is very good about educating us.
R2: Came up introducing Andrew Luck Book Club; kids to read Maniac Magee, respond via FB, twitter or instagram, but many under 13
What role do T's play in teaching about this? Or is it just up to the Media Specialist?
R3: we are using a red light, green light, yellow light system.
R3) One way is to block sites below the high school level that state they don't protect children under 13.
Do you have librarians in elementary?
I think it's important that we don't confuse privacy with filtering and "blocking" sites. These are two different issues
I try to handle 7-12 also but some teachers refuse to use me. Too many things to cover
The movement at many schools is to move a paraprofessional into media specialist spot
Interesting, . Can you explain how that works?
right there. Many sites have fine print about regulations. Even things like Edmodo are geared for older kids.
Which is doing an extreme disservice to students. They shoudl have access to a trained professional. https://t.co/4ntxvlWxD7
The movement at many schools is to move a paraprofessional into media specialist spot
We're 1:1, so we expect our Ts to cover this as well when using the tech. I guess it's just easier to track through the library.
Tech team investigates tools. We have a master list that Ts are asked to check b4 using. Red light- no one under 13, etc.
Q4: Who is responsible for reading the terms of use? How do you make a decision about the safety of a tool when it isn't clear?
That's crazy! That's why you're there!
R4: I reach out to my peeps!
Many districts are doing it. Here in NE IN most schools only have media spec of record. Full time para
A4: Ts & School is ultimately responsible... When in doubt find another resource. Sad, but necessary.
Q4: homeroom teachers read a three sentence to our students and expect them to sign it.
R4: It is my duty. When the TOS is not clear, I ask for feedback from . If still unclear, better safe than sorry.
R4: ummmm... What? No thank you. I prefer to click yes and ask questions later. Jk! (Not really, but I'm learning!!)
Ts are responsible for communicating tools. Tech dept. does the reading and evaluating.
Ts are responsible for communicating tools. Tech dept. does the reading and evaluating.
agreed. I am very pushy about going in. Some refuse. I have shared a lot of lessons w/them about privacy.
I have to push back a bit on expecting Ts to teach COPPA/ToS to Ss. Is this realistic? My ? is part of the bigger concern
very true. Like I said earlier,many sites geared for older. Move on if you find them.
R4: so for real, we should all read it. More eyes, more protection!
We had a quiz on Canvas all students had to complete and get a 100% on.
I think anyone using the tools is responsible for checking.
I agree. I have Ts request items. Then I check it. They merely need to be aware.
As a T, I was guilty of this.This was mostly bc I didn't understand why this was important.Know better, do better.
Same. Service leadership.
I don't think enough Ts know and understand COPPA.
amazing how helpful a Twitter PLN can be. I also reached out on here and got great answers.
one district up here has an approved binder and teachers fill out a doc to use sites.
Q5: How would you respond to a T that is using cool tools in their classroom, but is violating COPPA by doing so?
LOL, . I'll confess. I totally scroll through the User Agreements. And I was doing it looong before apps
- Can instruction of COPPA compliance come in the form of online content provided for Ss and families?
I stand behind you on that. I'd also add administrators and parents.
I Ctrl F for "13" "age" and "18" I know does this, too.
Agree, But I think they should. Regardless of a list, T's will get excited and use a tool w/o checking it out.
me too,but I a trying to check the more now.
We ostracize them and make them feel ashamed! Just kidding. Show them the docs. Suggest a similar tool that's legal.
Hey, ! Just got back from an ice cream shop run with the family, but happy to talk such an important topic w/you tonight!
. don't get me wrong, I don't condone not knowing. But I also hate to see passing the buck
R5: Kindly, but firmly let them know. It helps to come armed with alternatives!
That's the best response. Have seen a great page which lists types of tools & age requirements, but can't find now.
Yummy! Thanks for joining us!
Yes. and "parent" "minor"
Reading TOS is more than age verification. Look at data use, retention, tracking, etc. Protect their data.
R5: Search for alternative tools to meet the same instructional goals and offer guidance on COPPA's importance
I think a few districts do a generic compliance form and trust Ts and tech staff to regulate safety/privacy.
but who is held accountable when things go really wrong?
I think it is a shared responsibility. Bad analogy, but we do sexual harassment yearly...why not COPPA/CIPA?
That depends upon the TOS and Privacy Policy of the site. It usually spells out who is responsible.
recently, someone said to me "But all schools are in violation." My response- but we know better so we have to try.
Follow-Up: In other words, how can address this issue without discouraging tech-loving T’s?
Q6: How do you approach COPPA compliance specific to Ss under the age of 13?
We should be proactive and provide resource with tools that do not need to be restricted.
there aren't many out there though!
I think it goes back to a tech coordinator, in some regards. They are usually looking into most activity at schools
R6: Maybe it should be part of digital citizenship with students? Explain why they shouldn't have a social media account under 13
R6: we considered using only GAFE suite of tools for awhile to address this.
Encourage our techiest Ts to become COPPA allies. Let them help educate other Ts, ask them to read TOS before using
I'd hate to see info privacy become fodder for more awkward videos ;) I'd say make a part of culture
R6) Educate teachers, get compliance forms for parents if the tool is a must for the classroom.
what about class accounts?
. reading TOS shouldn't be a discouraging practice. We're supposed to make informed decisions. Edtech included.
I like that. COPPA allies. Get others to spread the message.
I hate that conversation a lot with JH kids. They so don't get it.
Good point! It does need to be more engrained in the culture.
Follow up: How effective are blanket permission slips in keeping us compliant?
Love this! If Ss are aware of why it's important and the law, they can help self monitor!
That's a tricky q. I'm not opposed to it as long as the T does the posting. Ss submit posts to T first.
Another good answer. I'm sure many Ss & Ps don't know the why behind some of the age restrictions.
I thought about that too, like epals, quia, etc.
R6: create a culture around it. Why it is important. Teach responsibility to Ts, Ss, and parents.
I believe they have to be specific to the site?
Yes. This was sort of a loaded question bc I feel strongly against them!
This seems like a slippery slope to me. As I understand the law, Ps need a chance to evaluate each tool. https://t.co/YQVGEMlKtX
Follow up: How effective are blanket permission slips in keeping us compliant?
Q7: We can’t really talk about COPPA without thinking of CIPA. What is your district's perspective on filtering?
I don't know how effective they are, but I also don't know another way to efficiently handle it. Tough Q
Right. With individual forms we get into collecting multiple forms per S, possibly for the same tool.
This brings up the discussion of what constitutes a must. I agree w/ you, but how/who justifies need? https://t.co/xPSpJlDaK1
R6) Educate teachers, get compliance forms for parents if the tool is a must for the classroom.
I love class accounts. T guidance 4good decisions, teachable moments 4 those posts not quite appropriate
imagine all the forms parents could have to sign. Organizing nightmare!
we asked Ts to create a list of all sites parents can sign off on. No adding at random.
A7: District filters any sites that don't have a direct educational purpose... Ts can petition for site use with show of cause.
Can we withhold access to those that don't sign? Is that fair?
Courts have said that Schools are responsible, not P's. Kids are not able to agree to a contract and S's are w/ T's, not P's.
This is a great practice! We do much the same thing. https://t.co/A9oMs9Wi9C
we asked Ts to create a list of all sites parents can sign off on. No adding at random.
Filters aren't perfect. And, even when there is an ed. purpose, TOS can still violate COPPA/CIPA.
R7 Filtering is a must, but it shouldn't hamper educational inquiry/learning. For 13+, less restrictive filter if possible
Is it amendable throughout the year? Technology changes so quickly.
and think of how much planning time lost from forms not in.
R7: We take filtering very seriously, but recognize that there is no perfect filter. is an essential piece.
Guess it will be the fastest 15 mins of the week. Kevin from Indy Pike
. As does our district on K-6 grade levels... Tech department reserves the right to add sites as needed. https://t.co/Bg99H9np6l
This is a great practice! We do much the same thing. https://t.co/A9oMs9Wi9C
we asked Ts to create a list of all sites parents can sign off on. No adding at random.
I encourage Ts to find an alternative before going through all of this.
Crazy thought...what if a blanket form covered tools that helped Ts and Ss meet district's vision for learning?
I have to go console the girl. She just learned no matter how hard you play the game of life, you end up losing/getting screwed
We were thinking at semester and end of year.
That's a good compromise. Something to consider for sure! :)
The good news, this convo can continue in this Summer's Book Club! Our selection cover COPPA and CIPA as part of
Yup, we make it part of the acceptable use policy.
Absolutely! With so many tools available, search for one that doesn't need a permission slip!
R7: I think you have to do a blanket statement in AUP that says sites may be added throughout the year. Parent can opt out
WU: How do we continue to find a balance between keeping our students safe and providing them with access to grow and explore?
We have so many filters that prevent kids from so much. I think the restrictions are preventing exploration of info. 1
signing out... Have a nice night!
Never deviate from policy, but work to find a way to make engaging Ss. Where there's a will, there's a way.
We have to trust educators and students to explore and if something is inappropriate, we have to be diligent to inform and
If it isn't legal, it isn't worth using. There are so many options for learning and expressing it. Find another way.
Instruct our students, parents, other teachers of those sites. Remember the blocks are for a very small % of kids
Ive been trying to catch up w/everyone's convos-clearly a complex & critical topic. My pup with dementia was a bit too distracting
WU Be aware of laws, offer opportunities to learn tech tools in safe environment, ieTodaysMeet B4 Twitter for younger Ss, etc
So glad you said this! Did anyone see 's TedTalk on the 95%? It's a must see https://t.co/hss9sXzaxB
Instruct our students, parents, other teachers of those sites. Remember the blocks are for a very small % of kids
Great topic and chat! thanks for being an awesome partner!
We are so afraid of what ifs. I'm a believer in why not
Thank you both, for taking on this challenging topic!
