“Surveillance Education” with Nolan Higdon and Allison Butler
Coming From Left Field podcast published October 17, 2024
Warm Greetings All,
Dr. Nolan Higdon and Dr. Allison Butler are specialists in media literacy and, with their book, Surveillance Education: Navigating the Conspicuous Absence of Privacy in Schools, they focus attention on the pervasive use of digital surveillance technologies in schools that often has a pernicious effect on students.
Both guests are excellent academics. As I indicated in the podcast, a 17-page chapter was followed by eight pages in footnotes. The book reveals how schools and other institutions increasingly harvest personal data and infringe on our privacy rights.
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After I edited the podcast, I checked my FaceBook account. I noticed that Peninsula School District (where both my sons graduated high school) has just implemented a “Staff Expression” Policy, which states:
Employees who use social media platforms are encouraged to remember that the school community may not be able to separate employees as private citizens from their role within the district. Employee expression on social media platforms that interferes with the district's operations or prevents the district from functioning efficiently and effectively may be subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Who monitors teachers' social media? Who determines that expression on social media interferes with the district’s operations? How do teachers navigate their nebulous absence of privacy?
I fear there are many more “Staff Expression” policies to come. Welcome to surveillance education.
Peace to you all,
Pat