COVID-19 has a considerable impact on the adoption of Digital Learning platforms by schools and universities. These platforms allow teachers to deliver courses remotely, and students take courses at a distance. E-learning platforms collect, process, and store personal and metadata about participants. These data, in the right hands, help to improve educational facilities. But in the wrong hands, it can ruin the reputation of those involved. This paper has shown that it is necessary to identify which personal data is involved in Digital Learning, look at the security risks associated with Digital Learning, and formulate the required security measures required to mitigate them. Our research has highlighted that, for reliable and effective security, e-learning platform providers must comply with the legislation in force in their country and implement the existing security mechanisms. In addition, teachers and students should be aware of the regulations and privacy policies. The best practice is to protect ourselves before, during and after Online Learning.

Topics
Data management, Metadata, Students, Learning and learning models, Educational facilities, Teaching, Schools, Universities, Coronaviruses, Legislation and regulations
1.
B. B.
Lockee
, “
Online education in the post-COVID era
,”
Nat. Electron.
, vol.
4
, no.
1
, pp.
5
–
6
,
2021
.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-020-00534-0
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
2.
N. S.
Raj
 and
V.
Renumol
, “
A Rule-Based Approach for Adaptive Content Recommendation in a Personalized Learning Environment: An Experimental Analysis
,” in
2019 IEEE Tenth International Conference on Technology for Education (T4E)
,
2019
, pp.
138
–
141
.
https://doi.org/10.1109/T4E.2019.00033
Google Scholar
 
3.
D.
Garg
,
R.
Patel
,
R.
Patel
,
B.
Kaka
,
P.
Goel
, and
B.
Patel
, “
Digital Learning: A New Perception to Learn Beyond the Classroom Boundary
,” in
International Conference on Information and Communication Technology for Intelligent Systems
,
2020
, pp.
517
–
527
.
Google Scholar
 
4.
J. L.
Moore
,
C.
Dickson-Deane
, and
K.
Galyen
, “
e-Learning, online learning, and distance learning environments: Are they the same?
,”
Internet High. Educ.
, vol.
14
, no.
2
, pp.
129
–
135
,
2011
.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2010.10.001
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
5.
G.
Siemens
,
D.
Gasevic
, and
S.
Dawson
, “
A review of the history and current state of distance, blended, and online learning
,”
Prep. Digit. Univ. Athabasca Univ. Bill Melinda Gates Found.
,
2015
.
Google Scholar
 
6.
Z.
Bezovski
 and
S.
Poorani
, “
The evolution of e-learning and new trends
,” in
Information and Knowledge Management
,
2016
, vol.
6
, pp.
50
–
57
.
Google Scholar
 
7.
J. B.
Williams
 and
M.
Goldberg
, “
The evolution of e-learning
,”
Balance Fidel. Mobil. Maint. Momentum
, pp.
725
–
728
,
2005
.
Google Scholar
 
8.
S.
Downes
, “
E-learning 2.0
,”
ELearn
, vol.
2005
, no.
10
, p.
1
,
2005
.
https://doi.org/10.1145/1104966.1104968
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
9.
M.
Dominic
,
S.
Francis
, and
A.
Pilomenraj
, “
E-learning in web 3.0
,”
Int. J. Mod. Educ. Comput. Sci.
, vol.
6
, no.
2
, p.
8
,
2014
.
https://doi.org/10.5815/ijmecs.2014.02.02
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
10.
F.
Hussain
, “
E-Learning 3.0= E-Learning 2.0+ Web 3.0?
.,”
Int. Assoc. Dev. Inf. Soc.
,
2012
.
Google Scholar
 
11.
P.
Miranda
,
P.
Isaias
, and
C. J.
Costa
, “
E-Learning and web generations: Towards Web 3.0 and E-Learning 3.0
,”
Int. Proc. Econ. Dev. Res.
, vol.
81
, p.
92
,
2014
.
Google Scholar
 
12.
N.
Rubens
,
D.
Kaplan
, and
T.
Okamoto
, “
E-Learning 3.0: anyone, anywhere, anytime, and AI
,” in
International conference on web-based learning
,
2012
, pp.
171
–
180
.
Google Scholar
 
13.
J. S.
Barrot
,
I. I.
Llenares
, and
L. S.
del Rosario
, “
Students’ online learning challenges during the pandemic and how they cope with them: The case of the Philippines
,”
Educ. Inf. Technol.
, pp.
1
–
18
,
2021
.
Google Scholar
 
14.
M.
Rohman
,
F.
Baskoro
, and
L.
EndahCahyaNingrum
, “
The Effectiveness and Efficiency of Google Classroom as an Alternative Online Learning Media to Overcome Physical Distancing in Lectures Due to the Covid-19 pandemic: Student Perspectives
,” in
2020 Third International Conference on Vocational Education and Electrical Engineering (ICVEE)
,
2020
, pp.
1
–
6
.
Google Scholar
 
15.
A. P.
Rovai
 and
H. M.
Jordan
, “
Blended learning and sense of community: A comparative analysis with traditional and fully online graduate courses
,”
Int. Rev. Res. Open Distrib. Learn.
, vol.
5
, no.
2
, pp.
1
–
13
,
2004
.
Google Scholar
 
16.
H.
Singh
, “
Building effective blended learning programs
,” in
Challenges and Opportunities for the Global Implementation of E-Learning Frameworks
, IGI Global,
2021
, pp.
15
–
23
.
https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-7607-6.ch002
Google Scholar
 
17.
P.
Dorsah
 and others, “
Synchronous Versus Asynchronous: Pre-Service Teachers’ Performance in Science Formative Assessment Tests
,”
Open Access Libr. J.
, vol.
8
, no.
04
, p.
1
,
2021
.
Google Scholar
 
18.
N. G.
Koroleva
,
A. V.
Vozdvizhenskaya
,
A. K.
Vsevolodova
, and
A. Y.
Vikhareva
, “The Effect of Remote Classroom Attendance on Students’ Course-Satisfaction,” in
Knowledge in the Information Society
,
Springer
,
2020
, pp.
311
–
323
.
Google Scholar
 
19.
J.
Busch
,
P.
Hanna
,
I.
O’Neill
,
N.
Anderson
, and
A.
McGowan
, “
Design, development and analysis of a new approach to synchronous learning through a web-based broadcasting platform
.,” in
Computing Education Practice
,
2017
.
Google Scholar
 
20.
S. M.
Kamunya
,
R. O.
Oboko
,
E. M.
Maina
, and
E. K.
Miriti
, “
A Systematic Review of Gamification Within E-Learning
,”
Handb. Res. Equity Comput. Sci. P-16 Educ.
, pp.
201
–
218
,
2021
.
Google Scholar
 
21.
T. T.
Lee
,
K. T.
Wong
,
N.
Daud
,
I.
Zainol
,
M. I. M.
Damanhuri
, and others, “
Chemistry laboratory management techniques massive open online course: Development and evaluation on students’ perception
,”
Educ. J. Sci. Math. Technol.
, vol.
7
, no.
2
, pp.
50
–
64
,
2020
.
Google Scholar
 
22.
N.
Ahmad
, “
Web Engagement Strategies In Business, Government And Education Sector
,”
Int. J. Softw. Eng. Comput. Syst.
, vol.
7
, no.
1
, pp.
12
–
23
,
2021
.
https://doi.org/10.15282/ijsecs.7.1.2021.2.0078
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
23.
B.
Berendt
,
A.
Littlejohn
, and
M.
Blakemore
, “
AI in education: learner choice and fundamental rights
,”
Learn. Media Technol.
, vol.
45
, no.
3
, pp.
312
–
324
,
2020
.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17439884.2020.1786399
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
24.
R.
Paiva
 and
I. I.
Bittencourt
, “
Helping teachers help their students: A human-ai hybrid approach
,” in
International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education
,
2020
, pp.
448
–
459
.
Google Scholar
 
25.
S.
Coghlan
,
T.
Miller
, and
J.
Paterson
,
“Good proctor or" Big Brother"? AI Ethics and Online Exam Supervision Technologies
,” ArXiv Prepr. ArXiv:201107647,
2020
.
Google Scholar
 
26.
C.
Panigrahi
 and others, “
Use of Artificial Intelligence in education
,”
Manag. Account.
, vol.
55
, pp.
64
–
67
,
2020
.
https://doi.org/10.33516/maj.v55i5.64-67p
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
27.
A.
Scavarelli
,
A.
Arya
, and
R. J.
Teather
, “
Virtual reality and augmented reality in social learning spaces: A literature review
,”
Virtual Real.
, vol.
25
, pp.
257
–
277
,
2021
.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-020-00444-8
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
28.
K.
Nesenbergs
,
V.
Abolins
,
J.
Ormanis
, and
A.
Mednis
, “
Use of Augmented and Virtual Reality in Remote Higher Education: A Systematic Umbrella Review
,”
Educ. Sci.
, vol.
11
, no.
1
, p.
8
,
2021
.
https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11010008
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
29.
K.
Dahdouh
,
A.
Dakkak
,
A.
Dakkak
,
L.
Oughdir
, and
I.
Abdelali
, “
Improving Online Education Using Big Data Technologies
,”
Role Technol Educ
,
2020
.
Google Scholar
 
30.
H.
Waheed
,
S.-U.
Hassan
,
N. R.
Aljohani
,
J.
Hardman
,
S.
Alelyani
, and
R.
Nawaz
, “
Predicting academic performance of students from VLE big data using deep learning models
,”
Comput. Hum. Behav.
, vol.
104
, p.
106189
,
2020
.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.106189
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
31.
M. A.
Khan
 and
K.
Salah
, “
Cloud adoption for e-learning: Survey and future challenges
,”
Educ. Inf. Technol.
, vol.
25
, no.
2
, pp.
1417
–
1438
,
2020
.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-10021-5
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
32.
D.
Otoo-Arthur
 and
T. L.
van Zyl
, “
A Scalable Heterogeneous Big Data Framework for e-Learning Systems
,” in
2020 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computing and Data Communication Systems (icABCD)
,
2020
, pp.
1
–
15
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
33.
T.
Hewa
,
M.
Ylianttila
, and
M.
Liyanage
, “
Survey on blockchain based smart contracts: Applications, opportunities and challenges
,”
J. Netw. Comput. Appl.
, p.
102857
,
2020
.
Google Scholar
 
34.
T. Y.
Lam
 and
B.
Dongol
, “
A blockchain-enabled e-learning platform
,”
Interact. Learn. Environ.
, pp.
1
–
23
,
2020
.
Google Scholar
 
35.
P. A.
Sunarya
,
U.
Rahardja
,
L.
Sunarya
, and
M.
Hardini
, “
The Role Of Blockchain As A Security Support For Student Profiles In Technology Education Systems
,”
InfoTekJar J. Nas. Inform. Dan Teknol. Jar.
, vol.
4
, no.
2
, pp.
13
–
17
,
2020
.
Google Scholar
 
36.
A.
Pfeiffer
,
S.
Bezzina
,
T.
Wernbacher
, and
S.
Kriglstein
, “
Blockchain Technologies for the Validation, Verification, Authentication and Storing of Students’ Data
,” in
European Conference on e-Learning
,
2020
, pp.
421
–
XIX
.
Google Scholar
 
37.
M.
Takev
,
E.
Somova
,
S.
Gaftandzhieva
, and
M. R.
Artacho
, “
System for creation, support and tracking of interactive learning activities
,” in
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
,
2020
,
ol. 878
, p.
012034
.
https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/878/1/012034
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
38.
C.-M.
Chen
 and
W.-F.
Wang
, “
Mining effective learning behaviors in a web-based inquiry science environment
,”
J. Sci. Educ. Technol.
, vol.
29
, pp.
519
–
535
,
2020
.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-020-09833-9
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
39.
C.
De Medio
,
C.
Limongelli
,
F.
Sciarrone
, and
M.
Temperini
, “
MoodleREC: A recommendation system for creating courses using the moodle e-learning platform
,”
Comput. Hum. Behav.
, vol.
104
, p.
106168
,
2020
.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.106168
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
40.
K. S. Erika McCallister Tim
Grance
, “
Guide to Protecting the Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information (PII
),”
Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol.
,
2010
.
Google Scholar
 
41.
B.
Wolford
, “
What is GDPR, the EU’s new data protection law?
,”
GDPR.eu.
Feb.
2019
. [Online]. Available: https://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/
Google Scholar
 
42.
R. H.
Huang
,
Personal Data and Privacy Protection in Online Learning: Guidance for Students, Teachers and Parents
.
Beijing
:
Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University
,
2020
.
Google Scholar
 
43.
Á.
Del Blanco
,
Á.
Serrano
,
M.
Freire
,
I.
Martínez-Ortiz
, and
B.
Fernández-Manjón
, “
E-Learning standards and learning analytics. Can data collection be improved by using standard data models?
,” in
2013 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON)
,
2013
, pp.
1255
–
1261
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
44.
P.
Dráždilová
,
G.
Obadi
,
K.
Slaninová
,
S.
Al-Dubaee
,
J.
Martinovič
, and
V.
Snášel
, “
Computational intelligence methods for data analysis and mining of elearning activities
,” in
Computational intelligence for technology enhanced learning
,
Springer
,
2010
, pp.
195
–
224
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
45.
V. M.
Deshpande
 and
A.
Desai
, “
Smart Secure: A Novel Risk based Maturity Model for Enterprise Risk Management during Global Pandemic
,” in
2021 6th International Conference for Convergence in Technology (I2CT)
,
2021
, pp.
1
–
7
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
46.
E.
Djeki
,
J.
Degila
,
C.
Bondiombouy
, and
M. H.
Alhassan
, “
Security Issues in Digital Learning Spaces
,” in
2021 IEEE International Conference on Computing (ICOCO)
, Nov.
2021
, pp.
71
–
77
. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1109/ICOCO53166.2021.9673575
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
47.
Forcepoint
, “
What is Data Security?
” May
2021
. [Online]. Available: https://www.forcepoint.com/fr/cyber-edu/data-security
48.
IBM
, “
What is data security? Definition, solutions and how to secure data
.” [Online]. Available: https://www.ibm.com/topics/data-security
49.
E.
Djeki
,
J.
Dégila
,
M. H.
Alhassan
, and
C.
Bondiombouy
, “
Analyzing Learners’ Privacy in MOOC and Online Learning Platform
,” in
2022 IEEE International Conference on Computing (ICOCO)
, Nov.
2022
, pp.
358
–
363
. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1109/ICOCO56118.2022.10031923
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
50.
UNCTAD
,
“Data Protection and Privacy Legislation Worldwide.” UNCTAD
, Apr.
2020
. [Online]. Available: https://unctad.org/page/data-protection-and-privacy-legislation-worldwide
51.
OHCHR
, “
OHCHR and privacy in the digital age
.” OHCHR, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.ohchr.org/en/issues/digitalage/pages/digitalageindex.aspx
52.
T. O.
Adekunle
 and
O. O.
Olufunke
, “
ISO/IEC 29100:2011
,”
ISO. ISO
, May 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.iso.org/standard/45123.html
53.
S. M.
Boyne
, “
Data protection in the united states
,”
Am. J. Comp. Law
, vol.
66
, no. suppl_
1
, pp.
299
–
343
,
2018
.
https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcl/avy016
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
54.
I. G.
Cohen
 and
M. M.
Mello
, “
HIPAA and protecting health information in the 21st century
,”
Jama
, vol.
320
, no.
3
, pp.
231
–
232
,
2018
.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.5630
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
PubMed
 
55.
A.
Ghosh
, “
Discerning the impact of disaggregated non-interest income activities on bank risk and profits in the post-Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act era
,”
J. Econ. Bus.
, vol.
108
, p.
105874
,
2020
.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeconbus.2019.105874
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
56.
E. I.
Brooks
 and
A. K.
Moeller
, “
Children’s Perceptions and Concerns of Online Privacy
,” in
Extended Abstracts of the Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play Companion Extended Abstracts
,
2019
, pp.
357
–
362
.
https://doi.org/10.1145/3341215.3356307
Google Scholar
 
57.
O. of the P. C. of
Canada
, “
Questions and Answers regarding the application of PIPEDA, Alberta and British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Acts
,”
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Nov. 2004. [Online]. Available: https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/privacy-laws-in-canada/the-personal-information-protection-and-electronic-documents-act-pipeda/r_o_p/02_05_d_26/
58.
S.
Umeda
, “
Online Privacy Law: Japan
,”
Online Privacy Law: Japan | Law Library of Congress.
Jun.
2012
. [Online]. Available: https://www.loc.gov/law/help/online-privacy-law/2012/japan.php
Google Scholar
 
59.
X.
Wu
, “
Chronology of Practice: Chinese Practice in Public International Law in 2016
,”
Chin. J. Int. Law
, vol.
16
, no.
3
, pp.
547
–
615
,
2017
.
https://doi.org/10.1093/chinesejil/jmx028
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
60.
S.
Mabunda
, “
Cybersecurity in South Africa: Towards Best Practices
,” in
CyberBRICS, Springer
,
2021
, pp.
227
–
270
.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56405-6_6
Google Scholar
 
61.
S. A.
Government
, “
Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013
,”
South African Government.
[Online]. Available: https://www.gov.za/documents/protection-personal-information-act
62.
A.
Akinwunmi
, “
Nigeria - Data Protection Overview
,”
DataGuidance.
Jun.
2021
. [Online]. Available: https://www.dataguidance.com/notes/nigeria-data-protection-overview
Google Scholar
 
63.
J.
Anyanwu
, “
The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation: KPMG NG
,”
KPMG. KPMG, Aug. 2019.
[Online]. Available: https://home.kpmg/ng/en/home/insights/2019/08/the-nigeria-data-protection-regulation.html
64.
A.
Sylla
, “
Data protection in Benin: ALB Article
,”
ALB Legal and Business Issues from Africa.
Global Legal Group. [Online]. Available: https://iclg.com/alb/10175-data-protection-in-benin
65.
E.
Djeki
,
J.
Degila
,
C.
Bondiombouy
, and
M. H.
Alhassan
, “
Preventive Measures for Digital Learning Spaces’ Security Issues
,” in
2022 IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Conference (TEMSCON EUROPE)
, Apr.
2022
, pp.
48
–
55
. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1109/TEMSCONEUROPE54743.2022.9801945
.
Google Scholar
 
66.
S.
Al-Fedaghi
 and
O.
Alsumait
, “
Towards a conceptual foundation for physical security: Case study of an it department
,”
Int. J. Saf. Secur. Eng.
, vol.
9
, no.
2
, pp.
137
–
156
,
2019
.
Google Scholar
 
67.
Red
Hat
, “
What is different about cloud security
,”
Red Hat.
[Online]. Available: https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/security/cloud-security
68.
M. La
Polla
,
F.
Martinelli
, and
D.
Sgandurra
, “
A survey on security for mobile devices
,”
IEEE Commun. Surv. Tutor.
, vol.
15
, no.
1
, pp.
446
–
471
,
2012
.
https://doi.org/10.1109/SURV.2012.013012.00028
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
69.
G.
Delac
,
M.
Silic
, and
J.
Krolo
, “
Emerging security threats for mobile platforms
,” in
2011 Proceedings of the 34th International Convention MIPRO
,
2011
, pp.
1468
–
1473
.
Google Scholar
 
70.
S.
Gaw
 and
E. W.
Felten
, “
Password management strategies for online accounts
,” in
Proceedings of the second symposium on Usable privacy and security
,
2006
, pp.
44
–
55
.
https://doi.org/10.1145/1143120.1143127
Google Scholar
 
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2024 Author(s). Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.
2024
Author(s)
You do not currently have access to this content.