Knowing the Unknown: How to Better Understand the Behaviors of a Wide-Ranging Digital Audience

Eva Harvell, Director of Technology, Pascagoula-Gautier School District

Eva Harvell, Director of Technology, Pascagoula-Gautier School District

Eva Harvell has served as the Director of Technology at Pascagoula-Gautier School District since 2015. With over 20 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher, technology integration specialist, and now technology director, Eva brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She holds degrees in Education and Administration and is a published author on educational technology. Her innovative work earned her the Mississippi Educational Computing Association's Administrator of the Year award in 2021.

In today's digital age, technology has become an essential part of education, transforming how we teach, learn, and communicate. As an educator with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed the rapid growth of educational technology and the many challenges it presents.

In this article, I hope to share my thoughts and insights on three key areas:

1. Protecting student privacy and maintaining school/educator reputation

2. Effectively collaborating with your technology department

3. Keeping yourself and your district safe and secure

While I offer these insights as a technology director, it’s important to consult your specific technology department about their policies and procedures for the topics discussed in this article.

“By protecting student privacy, collaborating effectively with our tech departments, and maintaining strong security practices, we can harness the power of technology while minimizing its risks”

Student Privacy and School/Educator Reputation

Social media platforms have become powerful tools for connecting with students, parents, and the community, and for telling a school district story. However, these platforms can present risks if not used thoughtfully. As a technology director, I cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and protecting student privacy on these platforms.

Here are some guidelines every educator should follow:

1. Never post student information or grades on social media.

2. Avoid sharing student photos without proper authorization.

3. Refrain from discussing school or district issues ("dirty laundry").

Remember, what you post online can have significant consequences for both student privacy and the reputation of your school or district.

Effective Collaboration with Your Tech Department

A strong partnership between educators and the technology department is crucial in this tech-enhanced learning environment. As someone who has been in both roles, I can attest to the importance of this partnership. Here are some ways to collaborate more effectively with your district's technology department:

♦ The saying “it’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission” is not a good approach when it comes to technology in education. Always consult your technology department before creating student accounts on a new online platform, connecting new devices, or making significant changes to your tech setup. This can prevent compatibility issues, security risks, and potential student data privacy breaches.

♦ Technicians want to help you and remove obstacles to integrating technology in the classroom. When reporting an issue or submitting a helpdesk ticket, provide as much detail as possible. “My computer isn’t working” is far less helpful than “When I try to open Microsoft Word, I get an error message that says [exact error message].” Don’t feel pressured to use “techie speak” in your ticket; the more information you provide, the better the technician can diagnose and resolve the issue.

♦ When you report an issue, ensure you are using the correct method to submit a ticket. Most technology departments have an online helpdesk ticket system. Be sure to use that system rather than sending an email. The ticket in the system will not get lost in a technician’s inbox and will be resolved much quicker.

Keeping You and the District Safe and Secure

The importance of strong, unique passwords cannot be overstated. As an educator, changing passwords multiple times a year was never my favorite task. However, as a technology director, I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of weak password practices.

Here are some tips to enhance your password security:

1. Avoid Common Passwords: Passwords like "123456", "abc123", and "qwerty" are among the most commonly used and easiest to hack.

2. Create Strong Passwords: Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a passphrase—a string of random words—which can be both strong and memorable.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond your password.

Ransomware attacks on K-12 school districts have become almost an everyday occurrence and can come with a high price tag. In 2020, a ransomware attack on a school district in Baltimore cost an estimated $7.7 million in recovery efforts and lost revenue.

To protect yourself and your district, follow these guidelines:

1. Be Wary of Suspicious Emails: Always verify the sender and be cautious about clicking links or downloading attachments.

2. Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice anything unusual on your computer or in your email, report it to your technology department immediately.

3. Use Approved Software Only: Stick to software and apps that have been vetted by your technology department to reduce the risk of security issues or data breaches.

As educators in the digital age, we have a responsibility to use technology wisely and safely. By protecting student privacy, collaborating effectively with our tech departments, and maintaining strong security practices, we can harness the power of technology while minimizing its risks.

Remember, these guidelines are meant to help and protect you, not to be an obstacle. By following these best practices, you’re not only protecting yourself and your students but also demonstrating responsible digital citizenship.

Continue to be excited about technology and all it can do in the classroom, but remember to take off the rose-colored glasses. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your technology department. We’re here to help you navigate the exciting, ever-changing world of educational technology.