FAQ Category: Privacy Concerns

Is the Board implementing any increased online security measures to prevent unauthorized access to the systems that can expose students to hackers that provide access into the classroom setting?

The Board uses Google Workspace for Education which provides Google Meet. This platform uses end to end encryption, the latest security updates and protocols. In addition, Google Meet is only available to YCDSB account holders who are in the same class. The teacher is notified when students join their classes. Finally, we have implemented instructional … Continue reading “Is the Board implementing any increased online security measures to prevent unauthorized access to the systems that can expose students to hackers that provide access into the classroom setting?”

What can parents/guardians do if they do not agree with the video and/or audio of their child being shared?

Parents/guardians have the right to inform the school (teacher, principal, and school secretary) that they do not want any video or audio of their child being shared. Parents can also advise their teacher to make arrangements to ensure that their child is not viewed/heard or otherwise included in the synchronous classroom Google Meet. This could … Continue reading “What can parents/guardians do if they do not agree with the video and/or audio of their child being shared?”

What might this new model look like in a Kindergarten class? How is that going to work? Do they sit there at a desk and watch them while the other kids play? Read a book, etc? Where will the camera be placed? How will my kids be expected to remain engaged in learning while watching other children in a classroom setting? Is the expectation that they are to remain online the entire day?

Remote learners in Kindergarten will be provided the opportunity to engage in synchronous learning for 180 minutes per day. This will include both opportunities to work with their face to face peers in whole group learning activities, as well as small group instruction. The camera will be facing the teacher and not the in-class students. … Continue reading “What might this new model look like in a Kindergarten class? How is that going to work? Do they sit there at a desk and watch them while the other kids play? Read a book, etc? Where will the camera be placed? How will my kids be expected to remain engaged in learning while watching other children in a classroom setting? Is the expectation that they are to remain online the entire day?”

Can lessons be recorded?

As outlined in our Notice to All Learners, Google Meet, synchronous learning is not to be recorded by students or staff.

Do parents need to sign consent forms?

Elementary classroom teachers will send home parent consent forms for privacy. These are the Annual Student Information forms that are sent home at the start of each school year.

We do not feel comfortable with cameras in the classroom exposing our children to privacy issues with other parents at home able to listen and see the room. The ability to hear conversations, see specific interactions surrounding individual learning and/or behavioural needs that are no one’s business. How will you ensure privacy?

The cameras will be facing the teacher and not the class. There may be a parent with a remote student at home, especially if the child is younger and needs assistance with the technology. When a teacher needs to redirect a child, the teacher can mute the computer so no one can hear. When a … Continue reading “We do not feel comfortable with cameras in the classroom exposing our children to privacy issues with other parents at home able to listen and see the room. The ability to hear conversations, see specific interactions surrounding individual learning and/or behavioural needs that are no one’s business. How will you ensure privacy?”

Will teachers be mandated to have their cameras on to provide a stronger connection with learners or are teachers going to be permitted to have audio only live streams?

Teachers will use a variety of strategies to provide a stronger connection with learners. Teachers will use a mix of audio and video as determined by their lesson, throughout the day. When a teacher is presenting the screen for a lesson, remote students will see the lesson on the computer and hear the teacher’s voice. … Continue reading “Will teachers be mandated to have their cameras on to provide a stronger connection with learners or are teachers going to be permitted to have audio only live streams?”

How can remote students protect their privacy if they want to show their faces?

Students can blur their background to protect their living space in Google Meet if they wish. Students may also mute their microphones when they are not speaking during the Google Meet. The Teacher will end a Google Meet prior to the start of recess and lunch. Remote students are encouraged to remove any personal and/or … Continue reading “How can remote students protect their privacy if they want to show their faces?”

Will my child’s privacy be maintained in the new elementary learning model?

Students enrolled in in-person face-to-face are not recorded without prior notice provided to parents/guardians. Only remote learners see each other and the teacher. At most, in-person face-to-face students will be heard by their classmates, just as if they were present in the classroom together. Teachers will be presenting their lesson on their computer and they … Continue reading “Will my child’s privacy be maintained in the new elementary learning model?”