School Technology Policies

Note: This article is available in a slightly different format in AASA’s March 2010 newsletter. -christopher

Several weeks ago, a story surfaced with some distressing news. Lower Merion School District, PA, was allegedly viewing students at their homes through school-issued laptops enabled with cameras. It all began innocently enough, with remote “monitoring” software installed on school-issued computers that would allow the school and district to recover stolen laptops. (King, Hardy, & Shiffman, 2010) However, when one computer was monitored without parent or student permission or any reason or provocation, several district employees made mistakes that are easy enough to avoid, but painful to recount. Investigations are currently underway with the FBI and local authorities, and the topic is seen as unusual enough that a YouTube search on “Harriton High School webcam” yields news reports as well as satirical videos made by local residents.

So how can a school district avoid such challenges when distributing student laptops or other technology with embedded cameras? Here are several tips to implement, even if your student laptop distribution program is already in place:

1.      Communicate, communicate, communicate. George Bernard Shaw said that, “The danger in communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” If you plan on (or already have been) distributing camera or video technology to students embedded in laptops or other devices, make sure parents and students understand the function of the camera and the control the district has over that camera. Now, repeat your district’s statement every time you discuss the technology. And by every time, I mean every time.

2.      Rethink your policies. What exactly is in the agreement between your district and the students’ parents? Do the parents understand the ways the district-issued device can and cannot be used? How do you, as an administrator, know that the message has been received? One look at the news articles generated by the Lower Merion School District story, and you understand the difference of opinions and perceptions on technology use at home. This is not uncommon. Attitudes should be based on clear expectations set forth in your policies. (District Administrator, 2008)

3.      Be transparent. If your district has software that allows surveillance through school-issued technology, keep tight reins on who, when, why, and how such surveillance will be used. Parents should also be given contact information if they have questions or concerns. Now that the public is sensitive to laptop cameras in school-issued technology, you should be more ethical than ever. The more honest you can be about such devices, the better. (Fisher & Frey, 2009)

4.      Who is the bully here? From the general public, Lower Merion School District’s use of technology could be considered cyber bullying. Spying on someone using surveillance video is unchartered ground, because the closest concept is wiretapping. Unfortunately, wiretapping is limited to audio recordings (hence the emerging slang, “webcamgate”, to describe such events) and students often feel that they are without rights when such incidents occur. (Mishna, Saini, & Solomon, 2009) However, a school district can protect itself by applying solid policies, a strong communication plan, and a clear focus on protecting students instead of watching their home life covertly.

In my previous article, I discussed http://resources.aasa.org/LeadersEdge/Feb02-10.html. This is a perfect time to put the ideas presented in that article into action. You may also consider pursuing an action like a Kentucky school district that removed tracking software as a precautionary measure. (Sun, 2010) Regardless of your plan of action, employ your best judgment when purchasing and using any kind of surveillance device. Simply because the computer is district-issued does not mean the school has the authority to get a glimpse into students’ personal lives.

References

Fisher, D., & Frey, N. (2009). Power down or charge up? Principal Leadership, 10(4).

King, L., Hardy, D., & Shiffman, J. (2010). L. Merion webcam issue is new legal territory. The Philadelphia Inquirer,. Retrieved from www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20100221_L__Merion_webcam_issue_is_new_legal_territory.html

Mishna, F., Saini, M., & Solomon, S. (2009). Ongoing and online: Children and youth’s perceptions of cyber bullying. Children & Youth Services Review, 31(12), 1222-1228.

Sun, T. P. (2010). Ky. school district removing tracking software. Education Week,. Retrieved from www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/02/23/333401kytrackingsoftware_ap.html

(District Administrator, 2008). When technology views clash. District Administrator, 44(7), 16.