Here's something interesting from the BBC today. I didn't know this was possible. Reminds me of a skit Sid Ceasar used to do about being able to see out of the TV sets into people's homes. Well now they can.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8523807.stm
I wonder if the car rental companies can do something like this?
I read about this. If the allegations are true and the cameras were activated for any reason other than theft or loss of the laptop, everyone at that school district who bears any responsibility for this, or had any idea that it was going on, should lose their jobs and their educational accreditation.
I think most car rental companies have LoJacks or an equivalent system installed in their vehicles.
I'd want more information on the students image from his web cam. IE was it an image he posted on facebook or twitter, as schools and business's check those sites regularly. Once its on the net it's there forever. The article didn't specify were the teacher obtained the image.
According to the lawsuit, the laptops were equipped with webcams that could be operated remotely (which the school district admits). The issue came to light when a student was disciplined for "improper behavior in his home" and the Vice Principal used a photo taken by the webcam as evidence.
If the student took a picture of himself with the webcam, then the school may be within its rights to discipline him (although, I find it disturbing that school authority can discipline a student for "improper behavior at home). On the other hand, if the school activated the web cam and caught him engaging in "improper behavior at home," I think they've opened themselves up to a lot of liability.
One would hope.
If I had a work issued computer of any kind, I would be very cautious of how I used it. Same goes for the families of the 5th graders.
JohnM I agree that if this image was taken by the school w/o the students knowledge they've opened themselves to a major liability loss. On the other hand if it was a self posted image " Improper Behavior" could be just about anything from the innocuous to seriously stupid and dangerous behavior. Remeber that hoo haw in 2003 in Glenbrook were a girls sports team subjected new team members to severe hazing then posted it on you tube. That posting is the only reason they were caught and IMO is one of the reasons why schools regularly check on students behavior outside of the school grounds. Not saying its right , just saying that in some instances the schools are being overly cautious lest they be blamed in the future for not being vigilant enough.
I think these issues have been sorted through because of the Blue Light crime stopper cameras. Some casino got into a problem because they had surveillance cameras in the restrooms. There will be no end to the invasiveness of technology, but I just saw a thing on CH 11 about how some school district was monitoring the use of the student's laptops for homework. Activating the camera remotely and unannounced takes it to a whole new level. What a world....
Quite a few posts from the school district giving their side of the story:
LMSD initial response to invasion of privacy allegation
http://www.lmsd.org/sections/news/default.php?m=0&t=today&p=lmsd_anno&id=1137
Letter from Dr. McGinley to parents/guardians regarding laptop security
http://www.lmsd.org/sections/news/default.php?m=0&t=today&p=lmsd_anno&id=1138
Update from Dr. McGinley regarding high school student laptop security - 2/19/10
http://www.lmsd.org/sections/news/default.php?m=0&t=today&p=lmsd_anno&id=1143
Looks like the FBI is looking into it as well:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/20/AR2010022000679.html
Too much to read here, but oh so good:
http://strydehax.blogspot.com/2010/02/spy-at-harrington-high.html
Wow, the story just gets better and better:
School Spying Scandal Gets Even More Bizarre: Student In Question Was Disciplined For Eating Candy
http://techdirt.com/articles/20100221/2118128243.shtml
Federal judge orders Pa. schools to stop laptop spying
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9160878/Federal_judge_orders_Pa._schools_to_stop_laptop_spying
Looks like Wikipedia has all the links in one place:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blake_J._Robbins_v._Lower_Merion_School_District
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