Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative study was to inquire about the measures taken to safeguard students' privacy in California's higher education institutions, as perceived by technology leaders.Methodology. This study offers a review of the literature as well as a development of the conceptual framework and research questions. To identify key strategies in safeguarding students' privacy vis-à-vis the use of technology in educational institutions, top executive technology leaders from various Californian accredited higher education institutions were interviewed. The interviews relied on the dynamic narrative approach (DNA), which allows for a written contribution of the participants in an individual, as well as a group participation, setting. To ensure validity, an expert panel reviewed the interview questions prior to the interview process. To ensure reliability, two reviewers provided their input in the data analysis process, and interrater reliability was applied.Findings. The study identified 11 considerations in regard to privacy laws and technology safety measures. Five themes were identified in regard to the measures implemented to protect students' data, 3 themes pertaining to the changes in reinforcing students' data protection in the near future, and 3 themes related to the legal ramifications expected in higher education regarding students' privacy data.Conclusions. The results of this study confirm the gap found in the literature regarding students' privacy with the implementation of technology in all aspects of education. The study reveals the importance of collaboration and discussions among faculty, staff and administration at higher education institutions to keep students' information safe while embracing the digital age.Recommendations. This study shed light on the urgent need to protect students' information with regard to the use of technology at educational institutions. Further research could focus on K-12 institutions or study data privacy in businesses and non-educational organizations. Based on the literature review and the interviews, everyone's input on the topic is important to help establish high quality and workable practices that safeguard students' information and stay compliant with the current laws.