The OEB Plenary Debate

Always one of the highlights at OEB, the annual Plenary Debate is an opportunity for you to discuss one of the most important issues of the day with our expert speakers. The parliamentary-style format encourages a lively exchange of views and allows plenty of time for participation. The motion for debate this year is:

This House believes that educational institutions should be banned from collecting and storing any data on students.

We live in a digital age where data is constantly being collected, processed, and shared. Privacy is essential for protecting human dignity, promoting autonomy, and ensuring a free society. Educational institutions and EdTech companies are no exception, increasingly relying on the collection of data on students—from academic performance to personal information—in order to enhance educational outcomes. But are we truly improving education, or are we sacrificing student privacy in the process?

With the rapid growth of online learning, vast amounts of sensitive data are being stored, often without clear guidelines or oversight. Are the potential risks of privacy breaches, misuse of personal information, and the erosion of student autonomy too high a price to pay for the promise of personalised learning?

Should educational institutions be completely prohibited from collecting any data on students to ensure their privacy and security? Or is there a way to balance the benefits of data-driven education with the protection of individual rights? Can robust regulations and enhanced security measures make data collection safe, or is the only solution an outright ban? In our search to improve education, are we overlooking the long-term consequences for student autonomy and privacy? Join the OEB Plenary Debate to explore these pressing questions and consider what’s truly at stake for the future of education.