In many educational setting, we make accounts on websites in order to use those specific resources. This is often done by educators as well as by students. As a future teacher it is valuable to be aware of the privacy and security aspects that we face for ourselves as well as for our students. When we go to a website to make an account, we so often click that we read the terms of service without even glancing over them. However, as a teacher, it is important for us to read them as well as model that for our students. If I ask my students to sign up for wix or weebly in order to make an website portfolio for their artwork, it is important for me to read the privacy policy thoroughly, as well as show the students where they can find it, and ask them to read it as well. This models the behavior which is significant for students who live in a world where they sign up for accounts all the time. It begins to teach students that they shouldn't necessarily use click the box and move on, they should think about what clicking that box means. As a teacher there are certain things I have to look out for when asking my students to create accounts. This includes age limitations. That is something I have to look out for before having my students create an account anywhere online.
Another aspect of privacy and security is through making accounts private. When we don't want an account to be visible by the public, it is safe and smart to make that account private. This keeps information that is shared on that page private. This is a smart thing to model for students. If there is an Instagram account for the art that is made in that class, it is a good idea to keep that page private. Then I am modeling to students safe ways to connect through social media.
A big part of the art world is sharing what we make with other artists and the general public. A big part of this is through social media and online websites. In order to embed privacy and security practices into my classroom, I would have my students make a website of their portfolio. I would first have them read the privacy policy and terms of service of the program they are using. I would also have students think about what should and shouldn't we put online when it comes to personal information. Should we have our address, our phone number? What are the best ways to stay safe online? I think these are important questions for students to think about, and therefore work to incorporate or not incorporate into their website. This would then help students to think about their privacy and security in other areas of their digital life. Therefore teaching them overall digital citizenship.
Resources for the Future:
Website Creators for students to make artist portfolios:
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