I have been ask a lot lately about the work of the Access 4 Learning (A4L) Community in the development of technical blueprints for interoperability that allows data to flow seamless between applications and the growing work of the Special Interest Group the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) working to protect student data access. Are they not in competition with each other?
Not at all. Actually they compliment each other. Even if you envision them at opposite ends of a kids teeter totter, we all should be looking at the center pivot point for the perfect location for allowing for the management, movement and safe keeping of data for our youngest citizens. I agree, and have used the scenario that interoperability can allow for the violation of all US FERPA and EU GDPR laws and privacy can “lock down” with un-intentional consequences for those who need access including teaching practitioners and even parents, the goal is about control over the data for the right person at the right time. The more you look at how openly developed technical standards, like the SIF Specifications, can allow for privacy control the more you learn about the empowerment that data stewards can have in their digital ecosystems.
I will be writing much more talking about this balance and some “effective practice” stories from our global community in the near future but thought I would invite you to a edWebinar, hosted by the Leadership and Innovation community:
Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time
Data Access Is Easier Than Ever: Is That a Good Thing?
Sponsored by the Education Networks of America (ENA) and CatchOn
Besides this webinar, there are multiple opportunities to get linked to your peers in addressing empowerment via both interoperability and data privacy. Come listen in to this free session and ideally you will walk away wanting more information on how the A4L and SDPC Community can support your balancing act!