A few classes back we discussed Google in the classroom and the pros and cons that come with using the platform in a classroom experience. Many parents worry that their children spend too much time looking at screens. There is a risk generally that children spend too much time in front of a computer, however the key is the quality of the screen time. So for example, if they are using the screen time to learn and communicate (appropriately) then it could be considered a healthy, good use of screen time and beneficial in an educational way. In classrooms, it is becoming popular to use Google’s education platform called G Suite, which you can find here. G Suite is useful as it allows instructors and students to communicate easily, create classes, distribute work, and stay organized. However, as positive as many teachers, parents and students find it, there are many concerns regarding privacy with the online education tool. A concerning issue with Google (and all adjoining apps etc.) for many parents and people in general is that its data is not under the protection of the Canadian law, so it is accessible to anyone Google wishes to give or sell it to. This concern arises as there is an existing U.S. law, which can force Google to hand over all information to the American Government, something which many people consider unconstitutional and an invasion of their privacy rights.
For this blog and to educate myself on the risks of using google, personally and professionally I read various websites and listened to the recommended (in class) CBC podcast which discusses Google for Education, which I found very informational and interesting to listen to. You can listen to it here.
