Friday, February 4, 2011

Student and Family Privacy--To Post or Not to Post

As I work to develop this blog, an important question has been raised about posting photos taken of my students during the day in the classroom.  As technology-using teachers with many opportunities to publish photos of our students, we need to be conscious about their privacy and security, as well as school and district policies about using photographs.  As suggested by the Director of Instruction in my school division, I will gain permission to use photographs and videos on my website by sending home a permission form.  I will make sure to maintain the privacy of those students who do not have permission to appear on my blog and will ensure that I never use a student's full name if their parents give permission.

If you need to get permission to use pictures on your blog or other published site, feel free to make changes and send home the permission slip below.

Dear Parents,
Our class has an exciting opportunity to create a blog documenting our use of technology as a learning tool in the classroom.  We will include photographs and videos taken during the school day on our blog posts.  When using these photos, I will ensure that your child’s identity is kept private by not using his/her last name, school name, or other sensitive information.  As always, I value your opinion and wishes.  Please indicate below that you give permission for your child’s picture to appear on our class blog.  If you have any comments, suggestions, or special wishes regarding this issue, please write them in the space provided or contact me by phone or email. 
Feel free to check out our blog at __________________________
Thanks so much!
 ________________________________________________________________________
I give permission for my child’s photograph or video recording to be posted on the blog (http://www.blogname.com/).
Child’s Name ________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature ____________________________________  Date ______________

Please do not use my child’s photograph or video recording on the (http://www.blogname.com/)
Child’s Name ________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature ____________________________________  Date ______________

Comments, Suggestions, Special Wishes
Posted by Technology Student at 2:22 PM

5 comments:

  1. GeorgeanneFebruary 13, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    This IS a real concern with posting happenings in the classroom. I do have a couple students whose images are not allowed to be used. I try to treat everyone the same when we are doing something that I might post, but I have to spend time to edit them out. This is a major concern as a parent and an educator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. iGriffinFebruary 15, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    It is also possible to have your blog set to private. It can then only be viewable once people gain your approval. May not suit your purposes but it's an option.

    ReplyDelete
  3. DebbieFebruary 15, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    Thank you for coming up with a form. As a parent I appreciate that you are looking out for the student. Good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lincoln WhitakerFebruary 15, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    Katy, this is a great form! Thanks for posting it. I have been video taping, and taking pictures of some of my lessons recently, but I have not posted anything to my blog because I have not sent home release forms yet. This will be a great help. Thank again for posting this.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Thanks for sharing this document on your blog. Is this something that you have shared with others in the district?

    ReplyDelete

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