Privacy and data protection in technology-enhanced professional learning

Privacy provision and data protection are basic requirements for professional learning, especially when personalized systems are used that adapt to sensitive learner personal data. In this paper we discuss important topics that need to be investigated before technology-enhanced professional learning is introduced in corporate settings. Although the paper is focused on privacy and personal data protection, specific issues such as digital rights management are also briefly described. As an example of introducing privacy-enhancing technologies into learning environments we give a Smart Space for Learning that has been developed in the context of the ELENA1 project. Future research issues related to privacy and data protection in professional learning, one of the topics of the PROLEARN network of excellence in professional learning, are presented as well.