There are many 3rd party (or cloud based) learning technologies or tools available. These tools include products from textbook publishers only available upon purchase of a textbook, to tools for specific purposes such as Poll Everywhere or MentiMeter. There are collaborative tools such as Flipgrid and social media such as Facebook or Twitter. Some 3rd party tools are available at no cost, but most are subscription based. Some require registration, others allow use of aliases or anonymous use. Personal information shared can range from name and student number, to more detailed information such as address and email. Often students will share personal narrative information on cloud based platforms. There are products that can be integrated within the D2L learning management system, others are used independently. While the range and scope is vast, what is consistent is almost all are housed in the USA.
BC privacy legislation is specific about storage of personal data outside of Canada. Section 30 of the act states:
30.1 A public body must ensure that personal information in its custody or under its control is
stored only in Canada and accessed only in Canada, unless one of the following applies:
(a) if the individual the information is about has identified the information and has consented, in
the prescribed manner, to it being stored in or accessed from, as applicable, another jurisdiction;
(b) if it is stored in or accessed from another jurisdiction for the purpose of disclosure allowed
under this Act;
(c) if it was disclosed under section 33.1 (1) (i.1).
The act does not prohibit these services, but clearly demands meaningful consent and alternative activities should consent not be obtained. The Office of Privacy and Information Commission advises public bodies to complete complete a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) before implementing, adopting or recommending such tools.
The college supports a suite of tools that have been reviewed for compliance with Privacy policy and legislation. For information on the tools the college supports see:
If you are interested in using a product you must first do some initial research to find out:
In addition to the important privacy concerns, there are many other consideration you need to make before adopting any 3rd party tools:
Before adopting a tool, reach out to CETL for advice and direction.