Mobile Learning, Data Protection and Copyright in the EU

Mobile Learning, Data Protection and Copyright in the EU

Mobile Learning, Data Protection and Copyright in the EU

There has been a rapid increase in the use of mobile devices in schools. Numerous projects in various EU countries have conducted research into how mobile devices can be used in class, whether they facilitate the more effective achievement of educational objectives and how teachers can be trained to use smartphones and tablets in their lessons.

However, hardly any consideration has been given to whether the devices and the programs that run on them are being used legally, how content is made available on mobile devices and whether students’ data is processed in compliance with the law.

This policy paper examines the legal implications of mobile learning in Europe, analyses the resulting consequences and formulates initial recommendations on the improvement of the framework. There are some major challenges – not only are the school systems and education laws in the EU Member States very different, the schools in almost all EU countries also have extensive autonomy, which should not be restricted. However, governments do have a range of options available to improve the situation regarding the in-class use of mobile devices.