The Personalized Learning Data Privacy Minefield

Forbes Magazine tells a cautionary tale currently playing out in the world of educational software programming to personalize learning: 

Already in the works are applications that: 

• Synthesize test results to tailor the students’ next worksheet to match their specific experience (not unlike Facebook newsfeeds and Netflix’s suggested viewing) 
• Time work spent on each question to flag unfocused students
• Track facial expressions on webcam to measure student interest and engagement 

If the collected data is shared, employers could search for candidates with their preferred mix of exam results, teamwork success, and athletic record before evermeeting. 

The extreme? Some organizations are already working on educational plans based on genomics -- from the time a child is born! 

Read the full Forbes article. 

Future First USA is a mission-driven non-profit. We are committed to safeguarding student privacy and alumni data. Although alumni are no longer students, and no longer covered by FERPA, Future First USA respects student and data privacy and will never sell or share student data—ever. And because we understand that advertising and education don’t mix, Future First USA  also does not accept advertising in any form.

Future First USA is a committed signatory partner of the Student Privacy Pledge. Read our complete privacy policy.