In his blog post Our Schools Aren’t Broken, They’re Hard (2017), Dave Cormier explores the complexities of integrating technology in education. One of the key challenges he raises is the tension between adopting innovative tools and navigating institutional policies, particularly when it comes to managing student data and privacy.
This reminds me of my own experience teaching in K-12 public schools. Our district introduced a new digital learning platform that complied with Canadian data storage regulations, ensuring student information remained within the country. However, despite meeting legal requirements, the platform fell short in terms of usability and functionality. Teachers quickly realized there was a more effective alternative, but because it stored data in the U.S., we couldn’t use it. The frustration was widespread, what was meant to be an improvement ended up hindering efficiency and engagement. I later heard that the initiative was abandoned, and the platform was removed altogether.
This experience raises important ethical and practical questions. Should strict data policies limit access to high-quality learning tools? Can school districts find secure yet flexible ways to evaluate platforms beyond just location-based compliance? Cormier highlights trust as a key factor in successful educational change, and I believe this applies here: educators need to trust that decision-makers prioritize both security and usability.
A more balanced approach might involve risk assessment models that evaluate platforms based on both legal and pedagogical value. Additionally, offering teachers a voice in the selection process could prevent situations where compliance-driven decisions ultimately fail in practice.
As technology continues to evolve, so must our policies. If we don’t find ways to bridge the gap between security and usability, we risk missing out on tools that could truly enhance learning.
Hi Weri,
Thanks for your thoughtful and insightful post. Your bring up a huge issue that impacts technology cases across all contexts. You make the point that “educators need to trust that decision-makers prioritize both security and usability” – and one suggestion you make, offering educators a voice in the selection process seems like a good one. What might need to change for this to take place in your organization? How important do you think it is that institutions protect data and learner privacy? Both CBH, Stephen and Callan also highlighted the need for creating safe learning environments. What kinds of policies do you think would help create a balance between security and usability? Best, Michelle