Educating about Data Privacy: A Study of College Student Perceptions and Experiences
Abstract: Tensions around data collection and management are of increasing importance in this digital era. From in-home digital assistants, to wearable health gadgets, to shopping and purchasing behavior online, questions about data collection and privacy abound. Examining students’ descriptions of how they know about privacy risks and protections allows educators to imagine effective approaches for teaching about data privacy. Based on qualitative reports from students on a large public University campus (N = 267), this research interpretively considers means for reaching students with messages about privacy and related protections. Themes presented suggest students learn the most from direct experience with theft, fraud, or other privacy violations, but also show that instruction is effective via special events and classroom teachings. We conclude by exploring the role that teacher educators can play as they endorse, use, as well as teach with or about information technology.