I don't know if our school tracks data. But, there is a very limited set of tools on the device given to the students. Very few apps, little access to the web, etc. So, there isn't much to track that isn't related to school.

Students shouldn't be using school laptops for anything they want to be private.

Anonymous wrote:Does your school use web filter or data tracking tools on your kids’ school laptops? I understand the need for a web filter to block access to certain types of sites. But private school admins using a third party tool to monitor and analyze student web data - is that really necessary? What are your thoughts?

I think it’s totally necessary and have no problem at all. I prefer that inappropriate sites are blocked and would want to know if my kid is trying to access sites they shouldn’t be. In some cases it maybe unintentional so it’s great if the sites are blocked.

What are your concerns with this?

Our school implemented the Senso monitoring system last year; it was great. When students know that a teacher or monitor elsewhere may literally be looking over their shoulder at their browser, time wasted on nonacademic sites goes away down, and redirecting the student is as simple as a private message that only they see.

If needed, Senso can shut down their computer remotely too.

All that was spelled out at the beginning on the year so students knew the rules and their role.

Does the school own the devices? Our school utilizes bring your own device and tracking only happens at the network level when students are on the school network.

Anonymous wrote:How about home use of the device, which isn’t on the school’s network?

It’s still the school’s device. If you have a company laptop, they can track everything you do as well.

I have no issue with this. It’s not a personal device, and schools (and companies) typically have guidelines or regulations around what is appropriate vs inappropriate use. They are going to reserve the right to track what people are doing on school/company devices even on their own time. Buy your own device if you want your kid to be able to move totally freely on their internet.

Also, what is your kid doing that you are concerned that the school is tracking them?

How about home use of the device, which isn’t on the school’s network?

Anonymous wrote:The device and network belong to the school. It is their choice to do what they want.

This.

The device and network belong to the school. It is their choice to do what they want.

Does your school use web filter or data tracking tools on your kids’ school laptops? I understand the need for a web filter to block access to certain types of sites. But private school admins using a third party tool to monitor and analyze student web data - is that really necessary? What are your thoughts?