We learned recently from a member about a program, CircleIn. This program is attached to many of our D2L shells. We have a limited understanding of this app because its existence, let alone the details of the app, were not shared with most instructional faculty. However, the app allows students to participate in private chats and conversations with one another without the knowledge of the instructor. Did you even know this existed? Did you know your classes may have been auto-enrolled?
PSU-AAUP sees that adding this app to our online course shells without our knowledge is a violation of shared governance. As this app may or may not interfere with our curricular decisions, this program should have been cleared through the Faculty Senate. We have shared our concerns with management as well as the Faculty Senate leadership and encourage you to alert your Senator if you share our concerns.
NEWSLETTER, PSU-AAUP, HIGHER ED FACULTY
CircleIn? Curricular Interference?
October 19, 2021 / PSU-AAUP