Privacy Policy

Last Updated: April 14th, 2025

1. Introduction

ConnectedClassroom.org ("we," "us," or "our") provides AI-powered educational tools (the "Intelligence Suite") to empower educators and students through authentic, globally connected learning experiences. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect user data in compliance with FERPA, COPPA, and GDPR.

Our Intelligence Suite includes REAL Connections, CrossLink, UDL Pathways, and EdConnect, tools designed specifically for educational contexts with privacy and security as foundational principles. EdConnect serves as an instructional design assistant that processes educator inputs to generate educational recommendations.

2. Data We Collect

Educators & Institutions:

  • Account Information: Name, email, school/district, role.

  • Usage Data: Tool interactions (e.g., standards searched in REAL Connections, UDL Pathways customizations).

  • Content Inputs: Lesson plans, standards, or educational content submitted for enhancement through our AI tools are processed securely and not retained after session completion.

Students (Under COPPA Compliance):

  • Minimal Data: Only non-personally identifiable information (e.g., grade level, subject) when educators use tools.

  • Student Work: Never collected unless explicitly submitted by educators for Global Media Competition or Global Design Challenge entries (with verifiable parental consent for users under 16).

  • Anonymization: All student-related data is anonymized before any analytical processing.

3. How We Use Data

  • Tool Functionality: To generate personalized educational suggestions (e.g., CrossLink's interdisciplinary connections, EdConnect's instructional recommendations).

  • Improvement: Anonymized, aggregated analytics to enhance AI accuracy and user experience, with no individual user inputs retained for model training without explicit consent.

  • Communications: Optional newsletters and product updates with easy unsubscribe options.

4. AI Technology Usage

  • AI Models: Our tools are built on DeepSeek-V3-0324 with custom educational fine-tuning.

  • AI Processing: Intelligence Suite tools use AI to process user inputs and generate recommendations. All processing occurs in secure, FERPA-compliant environments through Google Scripts and Cloud Infrastructure.

  • No Perpetual Storage: User inputs are not permanently stored as training data for our AI models without explicit consent.

  • Human Review: We employ limited human review processes only for quality assurance, with strict access controls and confidentiality agreements. No automated decision-making; all outputs require educator review.

  • Transparency: Users are always notified when interacting with AI-powered features, and we clearly communicate how AI is used in each tool.

5. Data Protection

  • Encryption: AES-256 encryption for all data in transit and at rest.

  • Data Localization: User data from EdConnect is stored on AWS servers in the USA.  REAL Connections, UDL Pathways, and CrossLink do not store data, but input is run through DeepSeek servers in China

  • Data Minimization: Only essential information is collected for tool functionality.

  • Third-Party Tools: Limited partners (e.g., DeepSeek API) bound by strict confidentiality agreements and regular security audits.

  • Data Retention: User content deleted after 30 days unless retained for competitions (with consent) or explicitly saved by users.

  • Breach Notification: In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify affected users within 72 hours and take immediate remediation steps.

6. User Rights

  • Access/Correction/Deletion: Request via support@connectedclassroom.org.

  • COPPA Compliance: Parents may review, correct, or delete child data at any time.

  • FERPA Compliance: Schools maintain control over all educational records.

  • AI Processing Opt-Out: Users may opt out of AI-enhanced features while maintaining access to core functionality.

  • Algorithmic Decisions: Users may request human review of any AI-generated recommendations.

7. AI Ethics & Transparency

  • Fairness: We regularly audit our AI systems for potential biases in educational recommendations and make adjustments to ensure equitable outcomes.

  • Accountability: We maintain human oversight of all AI-generated content and recommendations.

  • Limitations: We clearly communicate the capabilities and limitations of our AI tools to users.

  • Educational Purpose: Our AI is designed specifically for educational contexts and adheres to pedagogical best practices established by educational research.

  • Bias Mitigation: Regular audits of all tools for cultural/gender representation and inclusive language.

  • User Reporting: Educators may flag biased outputs via ethics@connectedclassroom.org for immediate review.

8. "Schools Choice" Donation Model

ConnectedClassroom.org operates primarily on a donation basis to democratize access to meaningful AI tools and expertise. While we provide transparent information about our services and their costs, we invite users to select an optional donation level that reflects both the value received and their financial resources. Your personal data is never sold, stored, or monetized, regardless of donation status.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify users of significant changes via email. Continued use of our services after such notifications constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:

  • Ethics Reporting: ethics@connectedclassroom.org

  • Support: support@connectedclassroom.org