Star Week 5: Quizlet

Hey guys!

I'm Lucía Pujante and this week we were all stars. Each member of the group had to analyze an educational tool using a rubric and a special privacy program.

I chose Quizlet, which is an app that helps users to study anything by using flashcards. Users can create their own flashcards as well as using those created by others, as they are available on the Internet. The app offers different modes for focusing on reviewing, learning, testing and even competing between learners.

For analyzing Quizlet first I will use a rubric to assess different aspects of the app.

Secondly, I analyzed Quizlet by using a Privacy Evaluation program. The program gave an overall score to the app, as well as separate scores for different aspects:



Data collection 50%

Data sharing 75%

Data security 55%

Data rights 70%

Data sold 30%

Data safety 60%

Ads and tracking 50%

Parental consent 80%

School purpose 20%

Now I will explain what these scores mean.

For using Quizlet it is necessary to create an account and to include some personal information, although the collection of data is limited to product requirements and does not include geolocation data. Quizlet does not sell personal information provided by children, however some of the personal information is used by Quizlet and third-party advertising partners for providing more relevant ads, but whenever this happens, users are notified. Quizlet's terms specify that their website and apps use encryption, and that data is protected by generally accepted industry standards. The terms also specify that Quizlet uses third party payment processors to manage payments, and that connections to these processors are also encrypted.

The terms of Quizlet state users can create quizzes and flashcard sets that can be viewed and completed by other people on the Internet. Parents and teachers should be aware information about users' activities they perform on Quizlet may be displayed publicly, although users can control how their data are displayed. Lastly, the terms state Quizlet gives users control over how their personal information is used, including what's made visible to the public, with the ability to control who can view and modify the content users have created on Quizlet and to remove information about previous study sessions.

As for privacy, the terms specify that Quizlet collects names, usernames, passwords, and email addresses from users over the age of 13. For users under the age of 13, the service collects a username, password, and a parent email to obtain consent. Lastly, the terms specify that Quizlet will upon request, provide additional information about how personal information is held or processed by Quizlet.

The terms of Quizlet state the service can be used by people of all ages. For users under the age of 13, the terms specify that Quizlet requires parental consent. In addition, the terms state parents and legal guardians of children under 13 can consent to collection and use of a child's personal information without consenting to the disclosure of that information to third parties. The terms also state that parents can review information in the account of a child under the age of 13 by accessing the account or by contacting Quizlet. Within the application, users retain control over the content they have created and can access, modify, or delete personal information collected by Quizlet. Lastly, the terms state Quizlet is included in PRIVO’s Kids Privacy Assured COPPA Safe Harbor Certification Program.