In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, schools are on the precipice of a pivotal moment. The push to create a future-ready, tech-savvy generation calls for a critical examination of how technology is utilised, how privacy is protected, and how ethics guide these practices. As Tristan Harris from the Centre for Humane Technology aptly puts it, “Tech culture needs an upgrade.” His call to rethink our approach to technology emphasises the need to move beyond old assumptions, towards a more humane and value-driven integration of technology that truly enhances people’s lives.
The Integrated Vision
The goal for schools today isn’t simply to adopt the latest technology. Instead, it’s to develop a technological vision that simultaneously reflects the school’s aspirations and ethical stance regarding technology use, whilst allowing it to adapt to the evolving technological landscape.
At the heart of this vision lies a reckoning that technology should add value without compromising our moral principles, especially with regards to data privacy. The challenge is to employ technology in a manner that is both effective and ethically sound, reinforcing the core values of the school community.
But how can schools ensure this alignment? The answer is to move technology out of the realm of the Tech Director and their team, and into a shared realm that acknowledges that today, in 2025, we are all technologists.
For schools, the journey toward a more responsible use of technology requires reflection and careful planning. Privacy must be seen not as a secondary concern, but as an integral part of the educational experience. By aligning technological goals with ethical practices and human rights, schools can become models of responsible, privacy-conscious institutions that prepare students for a digital future.
Phases for Change
In order to transition towards a more ethical, value-centered use of technology, schools must consider a three-phase process.
Phase 1: Identifying the Paradigm
The first step is to evaluate the current state of technology in the school, and this includes understanding how privacy is currently handled. Schools must recognise the value of data privacy, a principle that remains central to technological integration. Data isn’t just an abstract tool for statistical purposes: it’s a reflection of personal identity and must be treated as such. Shifting towards a culture of privacy that respects the rights of individuals is crucial as schools move toward a model of shared ownership and accountability.
The issue of data privacy is not just about internal practices but also involves navigating a complex web of international laws. Global regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) place responsibility on educational institutions to protect student data. It’s crucial for schools to stay updated on these laws and ensure their practices comply with them.
Educational institutions can enhance their technological and data privacy practices by following a structured, phased approach. For instance, schools might begin by assessing their current technology infrastructure – evaluating hardware, software, and network systems – to ensure they meet modern security and privacy standards. This can be followed by a review of data privacy policies and practices to identify gaps and align with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, or FERPA. Some schools have conducted internal evaluations or sought guidance from external organisations like the Technology Readiness Council (TRC) to better understand vulnerabilities in areas such as data handling, storage, or third-party vendor agreements.
By applying these principles, schools can collaborate with staff to develop actionable plans that address identified risks, enhance data protection measures, and establish a forward-looking roadmap. This phased approach helps institutions foster a more secure, ethical, and technologically resilient educational environment.
Phase 2: Culture
Once the current paradigm is understood, the next phase focuses on shifting the culture of the school through education. Teachers, staff, students, and parents need to be educated on privacy rights, the ethical use of technology, and the responsibilities that come with digital data. A “Privacy by Design” culture should be cultivated where best practices for privacy are embedded into daily operations and long-term strategies.
The TRC supports schools in fostering a culture of data privacy and ethical technology use through practical, collaborative strategies. Schools can engage stakeholders – teachers, administrators, students, and parents – through workshops to explore the significance of privacy and digital responsibility. For example, some schools have introduced curriculum components focusing on digital citizenship, data ethics, and privacy awareness to instil responsible habits in students from an early age. Additionally, professional development initiatives can help staff stay informed about evolving privacy regulations, technological tools, and data management best practices.
To further reinforce this cultural shift, schools may seek guidance in developing or refining policies that reflect a strong commitment to privacy and ethical technology use. With the TRC’s expertise, these policies can be effectively communicated and integrated into the school community. By taking these steps, schools create an environment where privacy and ethical technology practices are embedded in everyday educational experiences.
“By aligning technological goals with ethical practices and human rights, schools can become models of responsible, privacy-conscious institutions that prepare students for a digital future.”
Phase 3: Executing the Vision through Communication and Training
The final phase focuses on transforming plans into tangible actions through clear communication and ongoing training, with guidance from the TRC. Schools can develop a comprehensive Data Privacy Communication Plan to outline their policies, expectations, and commitments regarding data privacy and technology use. This plan might include regular updates to keep the community informed about changes or new initiatives. Establishing accessible channels for feedback ensures that students, staff, and parents can raise concerns, ask questions, and provide input on technology and privacy matters.
Ongoing training programs can be introduced to equip the school community with the knowledge and skills needed to follow best practices, understand new policies, and adapt to evolving technologies. To measure the success of these efforts, schools may use tools and metrics to monitor and evaluate the impact of their communication and training strategies. With the TRC’s support, schools can continuously refine their approach, fostering a sustainable culture of privacy and ethical technology use as they adapt to the demands of the digital age.
Moving Towards a Future Vision
As schools evolve technologically, a shift towards a shared ownership approach to data privacy is essential. The current paradigm often places responsibility for privacy in a silo, either within the technology department or a designated privacy officer. But the future lies in shared responsibility, where every stakeholder—from faculty to parents to students—takes ownership of data privacy practices. A shared vision of technology use will help guide decisions on platforms, data management, and educational tools, ensuring that technology serves the greater good.
The future of technology in schools will be shaped by ongoing reflection and adaptation. As schools move toward their “dream scenario”, regular review and reassessment will ensure that technology practices remain aligned with the mission of the school and the needs of the community. Data privacy and ethical technology use should never be static: they must evolve with the technological landscape and the needs of the students.
By embracing a more inclusive, transparent, and ethical approach to technology, schools can foster an environment where technology adds value, supports learning, and respects the privacy and autonomy of all students. We are all technologists in this journey, and by working together, we can build a more humane, thoughtful digital future for our schools.
By Jenny-Lee Moore and Wolfgang Soeldner
Jenny-Lee Moore is the Middle Level Leader at United Nations International School, Hanoi. You can connect with her on LinkedIn. Wolfgang Soeldner currently serves as ICT Campus Partner at the International School of Geneva. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
