Academic Integrity in a Digital Age

In the previous section we have seen various strategies for protecting personal information within Organizations. We have seen that when we determine the appropriate steps to protect personal information, we need to consider the ways in which we handle this information. In this part we are going to see various Data handling practices when dealing with emerging technologies

Data handling practices

Data handling practices consider how personal information is being collected, processed and stored. An entity should also consider whether it outsources any of its data handling to a third party. If he/she outsources data handling to a third party, there is a need of considering how the third party handles and secures that information.

When outsourcing information, an appropriate steps need to be taken to ensure third parties meet the personnel’s Privacy obligations. These steps may include having specific obligations about the handling of personal information on contracts and mechanisms to ensure that such obligations are being fulfilled. These can be such as regular reporting requirements and conducting inspections of the third party’s facilities. Similarly, it is reasonable for such units that store personal information remotely, such as with cloud computing services may be located overseas; taking consideration for different steps from or additional steps to a unit that stores information on its own facilities.

Technologies are used in teaching and learning, thus a need to have the skills to ensure data are carefully handled (Miron, & Ravid, 2015; Jung & Rader, 2016). The digital nature of learning in higher education institutions makes data more susceptible to various forms of academic dishonesty. Therefore, data privacy has become a major concern and must be taken into consideration, especially when planning for an online education.