In this episode of the Rural Voice, we are discussing student data privacy and best practices in technology for protecting student data. We explore the importance of protecting student data, why rural schools particularly should be focused on data protection, and ways that teachers and administrators should be thinking about data protection. We discuss the free resources provided by CoSN that teachers and administrators can use to protect data in rural schools. We also explore some of the common mistakes made by users and how school systems can protect themselves from hacking and phishing attacks. This is a great episode for anyone concerned with protecting student information in their role in education. About our Guest Linnette Attai is Project Director for CoSN’s Privacy and Trusted Learning Environment initiatives. As founder of the global privacy consulting firm PlayWell, LLC, Linnette provides strategic advice, training, policy development, and related guidance to a wide range of organizations. She is the author of an FTC-approved COPPA safe harbor program, and serves as virtual chief privacy officer and GDPR data protection officer to select clients. Linnette is a recognized expert in the youth and education sectors and speaks nationally on data privacy. She is a TEDx speaker and author of three books for school districts on protecting student data privacy. https://www.cosn.org/edtech-topics/student-data-privacy/ Social Media LinkedIn Twitter/X: Linnette Attai: @PlayWell_LLC CoSN: @CoSN and @CoSNTLE Privacy Survey Information: We are excited to announce the launch of our nationwide survey focused on understanding student data privacy needs in U.S. school districts. Insights of K12 district technology leaders are crucial, and we would greatly value your participation! Why participate? 1. Influence Future Resources: Your feedback will shape the development of new tools and resources. 2. Anonymity Assured: Participation is anonymous, and you can choose whether to share your name and district. 3. Impact: Contribute to a comprehensive report that will benefit school districts nationwide. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here. Your perspective will help us make meaningful strides in student data privacy. Feel free to share this survey far and wide with other districts. You don't need to be a CoSN member to participate.