Upon learning about the recent Shanahan v. IXL Learning, Inc. lawsuit in light of IXL’s potential violation of the Federal Wiretap Act, the Etiwanda School District has joined other districts across the nation that have blocked access to the personalized online learning platform.
The digital platform allows students to rehearse language arts, math, science, and social studies at each student’s specific learning level, avoiding the stereotypical boring worksheet that may not reflect a specific student’s needs.
Upon returning to campus after Winter Break, teachers and students turned to IXL, only to discover a Cisco Umbrella warning: “This site is blocked.”
“IXL has been selling information to third-parties; we do not approve of that,” said vice principal Mrs. Thompson.
While students seldom mourn the loss of educational curriculum, the motivation here is different. Students and staff agree with the decision to ban IXL, since students have important, private information that should be protected.
“We want to keep [students anonymous] and respect their parents’ wishes, which is to keep them safe as well. So student privacy is super important because we want to make sure that all of our students are safe and secure while they’re at school,” said Mrs. Thompson.
The Howl received a similar response from students, though their reaction was hard to distinguish from a general disdain for grammar.
“I was stressed about my grade [before],” said Alexander K. “Now, I’m afraid of IXL accessing my information. If they sell it, it might get out, and people would know about me.”
Day Creek isn’t alone in restricting IXL. Schools across the country have banned the platform due to privacy issues. In October, IXL attempted arbitration, as the company argued that parents had to handle each claim individually. One month later, a federal judge denied IXL’s plea, dismissing their argument altogether.
Despite the risk that IXL has infringed on students’ privacy, teachers recognize the learning loss without access to the program.
“The IXL ban has been hard. It was a great tool for learning, and I know a lot of students use IXL videos for a lesson they don’t understand in class,” said math teacher Ms. Bennett.
Without the program, teachers are left looking for alternative worksheets or websites so students can enhance their skills. Replacements aren’t easy to find.
“My students really benefited from it,” said English teacher Ms Dye. “They picked their own assignments based on their iReady results that needed to be improved upon. I saw real growth. IXL benefited every student, as they were challenging themselves, yet they can’t access it anymore. I’m really sad that it’s gone.
