Remote Learning Resources



Below is a link to a document produced by RIC One, the 12 Regional Information Centers working together: Data Protection & Continuity of Learning. The purpose of this document is to answer questions related to student data privacy and security as teachers, students and school leaders continue to work remotely.


Data Protection & Continuity of Learning

During these unprecedented times of isolation and uncertainty, we would like to work with districts to help them understand how Education Law 2-d and Part 121 of the Commissioner's Regulations apply to providing instruction using online tools with.

Considerations

Data privacy and security obligations related to third-party contractors must be addressed by the district entering into a compliant agreement with vendors to whom they are providing protected Personally Identifiable Information (PII).


Third Party Contractors Ed Law 2-d Guidance

All major video conference solutions have similar features, which include two-way video, text chat, telephone call-in capabilities, and screen sharing support. Each solution differs in the way accounts are managed and created and how video conferences are scheduled. Click below to find information related to how districts can procure these technologies. Erie 1 BOCES, Erie 2 BOCES, and Capital Region BOCES have or are in the process of partnering with the vendor community to negotiate contracts.

Web Conferencing

Districts need to procure these products through their local BOCES/RIC or a sister BOCES/RIC that participates in the Contract Consortium(s) and supports the product.


BOCES Instructional Technology Contracts
BOCES Distance Learning Contracts

When working remotely, staff will face a number of data security and privacy challenges. Many will be similar to those faced while working in the district, such as phishing emails and registering for online software. However, some additional challenges, such as virus protection and system updates, need to be considered as well.

Data Protection Reminders - Remote Work

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, school districts have leveraged online conferencing platforms to stay connected. Officials are raising concerns about security due to several reports of uninvited visitors crashing meetings. While educators continue the transition to digital learning, this site is a live document designed to assist school districts with best practices for providing secure online conferencing.


Online Conferencing Guidance

As we transition to a new world of working from home, remote instruction, and digital learning, it is important to keep in mind best practices around data privacy and security. Below we have collated helpful resources that you may share with your school communities. We will continue to add relevant resources as they become available.



Remote Learning Privacy and Security Best Practices and Tips:
  • U.S. Department of Education- FERPA and Virtual Learning during COVID-19
  • U.S. Dept of Education- FERPA and Virtual Learning Related Resources
  • Best Practices for Ensuring Data Privacy in a Remote Learning Environment
  • FTC- Online security tips for working from home
  • Remote working- Security tips for working from home
  • Malwarebytes- Security tips for working from home (WFH)
  • NIST- Preventing Eavesdropping and Protecting Privacy on Virtual Meetings
  • Center for Internet Security- 5 Network Security Remedies for Telework
  • Remote Learning and Cyber Threats
  • U.S. Department of Education - Evidence-based resources and guidance about teaching and learning in a remote environment
  • U.S. Department of Education - Evidence-based resources and guidance about teaching and learning in a remote environment - FAQ

  • Reminders on Public Wi-Fi:
  • Norton- Public Wi-Fi security: Why public Wi-Fi is vulnerable to attack
  • Kaspersky- How to Avoid Public Wi-Fi Security Risks
  • FTC- Tips for Using Public Wi-Fi Networks

  • Coronavirus Privacy Resource:
  • StaySafeOnline- COVID-19 Security Resource Library
  • FERPA Sherpa - COVID19 Resources

  • Data Privacy Reminders:
  • Common Sense Education- Protect Your Students' Data Privacy
  • The Educator's Guide to Student Data Privacy

  • Partnership Community Advisory from the FBI:
  • Public Service Announcement - Rise in Fraud Schemes Related to the Coronavirus
  • School Closings Due to COVID-19 Present Potential for Increased Risk of Child Exploitation
  • FBI Urges Vigilance During COVID-19 Pandemic

  • COPPA Guidance for Ed Tech Companies and Schools during the Coronavirus

    © 2024 RIC One all rights reserved
    Having accessibility issues? Please click here