teacher: what does gdpr mean for you?

If you’ve opened your inbox anytime over the past month, chances are it’ll have been swamped with emails from various organisations telling you about updates to their data protection policies in line with the GDRP compliance deadline this May.
 
Teachers may be expecting that these changes to data protection won’t really affect them, and will be handled by management and administration teams. This is actually quite far from the case. The new data protection regulations are imposing just as significant developments to the management of data inside the classroom as out, and many teachers may have GDPR training for education on how to comply with the new regulations in daily life.

​Training might include reinforcing the importance of basic security protocols, such as making sure laptops and computers are logged out before leaving the room, not having sensitive pupil data displayed in insecure staffrooms, or the sharing of passwords between employees. Teachers are now also expected to immediately report and act on any suspected breach in data protection, no matter how insignificant they may deem it.
 
Another way GDPR will influence the modern classroom is through the technology and software used by teachers as part of their class structure. To date, there have been few formalities associated with selection and implementation of new software such as apps in the learning environment. This is now all set to change – any new selection of software or IT tech is expected to be formalised, and the decision needs to be backed up with arguments as to its specific use and benefit, the personal data that may be involved, and the potential risks associated.
 
Want to read up more on the impacts of GDPR in the classroom? Head over to TES for the full article on the upcoming changes.