Abstract:
From a global perspective, Sweden standouts as having amongst the highest levels of access to digital technology in schools. It is standard for each student to have a tablet or laptop with access to digital platforms central to classroom practices. This evidences a growing reliance on multinational EdTech platforms that inevitably, and often unknowingly, datafy students by default.
Over the past few years, great focus has been placed on implementing the European General Data Protection Regulation in Swedish schools. It emphasises informed and clear consent for data processing. However, addressing data-related risks is often hindered by hidden and opaque data flows that are not easily accessible or understandable for children, teachers, and educational staff. As a way to make data flows more visible, It is crucial to find ways to open data flows and make them visible for critical engagement. The InfraReveal tool was developed to give children and teachers access to data flows by facilitating observation and analysis of materialised data exchange patterns. InfraReveal uses a packet tracing technique to collect the source and destination addresses of the data packets exchanged between digital devices and digital service providers, thus visualises data flows in real-time. Workshops with children generate real-time data that InfraReveal uses to make invisible data visible and data flows accessible, providing a basis for meaningful discussion and critical examination of ‘their own’ data. This empowers children by raising their awareness of risks and fostering knowledge for democratic participation.
Over the past few years, great focus has been placed on implementing the European General Data Protection Regulation in Swedish schools. It emphasises informed and clear consent for data processing. However, addressing data-related risks is often hindered by hidden and opaque data flows that are not easily accessible or understandable for children, teachers, and educational staff. As a way to make data flows more visible, It is crucial to find ways to open data flows and make them visible for critical engagement. The InfraReveal tool was developed to give children and teachers access to data flows by facilitating observation and analysis of materialised data exchange patterns. InfraReveal uses a packet tracing technique to collect the source and destination addresses of the data packets exchanged between digital devices and digital service providers, thus visualises data flows in real-time. Workshops with children generate real-time data that InfraReveal uses to make invisible data visible and data flows accessible, providing a basis for meaningful discussion and critical examination of ‘their own’ data. This empowers children by raising their awareness of risks and fostering knowledge for democratic participation.