FERPA requires strict guidelines for institutions to release student data and this has become especially relevant in the online learning platforms. I found it interesting that in a general school setting students can choose not to disclose any personal identifying information, however in an online platform that is not the case.
There was an E-sign and security act that allowed institutions to be able to accept online forms of signatures.
I was unaware that other government programs supersede the FERPA act.
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires financial institutions to explain their information-sharing practices to their customers and to safeguard sensitive data.
This section highlighted some of the nuances in information and how specific or broad that can be.
The Solomon Amendment is new, and rather interesting to me. Apparently the military can retrieve certain information about students 17 and over.
I work with several higher Ed institutions, and I learned not just how they are affected by FERPA but how other laws, policies, and acts can affect FERPA and overall student privacy (or lack thereof).
FERPA protects student privacy and controls who can access their records. I’ll follow these rules to keep student information safe and share it only when allowed.
In the module "FERPA Challenges to Consider" I learned how other regulations could affect FERPA, for example HIPAA and Solomon Amendment. Also, it show examples of how FERPA applies to software vendors or how to handle technology topics under FERPA, for example, when publishing video from a class with students presentations.
Students may not remain anonymous for online discussion boards.
In this module I learned about how advancing technologies have changed the way FERPA is adhered to and other laws that affect FERPA application.
Online courses have added to the protection of FERPA and it’s important to be aware how this can have an impact on student records and privacy and how to stay compliant.
I have had students record my lessons w/o my permission. Always make sure you give them permission to record your lectures ect.
Smatt
This section clarifies differences between HIPAA and FERPA, and clarifies tools and procedures, such as electronic signature.
I was not aware until now that a military recruiter can request certain information from the age of 17 and older.
There are a lot of challenges to consider when it comes to FERPA. FERPA includes student housing, software providers, and vendors if student information is included. There are other laws that need to be considered which affect decisions about FERPA law like HIPPA law, The Soloman Amendment, The USA Patriot Act, The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Online education students are protected under FERPA and students may not be anonymous while completing online work. Staff and students must be careful when posting information online. Youtube is a public website that should never be utilized for staff or student posts otherwise FERPA laws may be violated.
This segment was intriguing. I have been in education for a while, receiving FERPA training regularly. This acknowledged, I do not remember discussions of the USA Patriot Act, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Solomon Amendment, or Selvis. I anticipate referring back to this FERPA training. I have a heightened awareness to not share anything unless I know it is legal to do so.
This module again reiterates the importance of protecting student information and maintaining confidentiality. It also high lighted other acts such as HIPPA and the Solomon act that are directley related to FERPA. It was very interesting to see what information an institution is permitted to list publicly.
This module was extremely helpful in helping to identify and safeguard protected information in the educational setting.
