745 - 2nd Avenue East, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1L2 | Phone: 403-793-6700 | privacy@grasslands.ab.ca

Microsoft Make Code

Notification for the collection and disclosure of personal information

Dear Parent/Guardian/Independent Student,

Every year, at the beginning of the year, we notify you of the online applications we use as a division. In addition, this year, your child's teacher or school wants to use Microsoft Make Code.

What is Microsoft Make Code?
Microsoft MakeCode helps students learn computer science by turning coding into hands-on, self-paced projects they care about. Instead of only using pen and paper, students use a free online platform to build real games, code devices, and even modify Minecraft, seeing immediate results that make concepts click. Built-in how-to videos, step-by-step tutorials, and skillmaps guide learners through fun, structured activities, making complex ideas easier to understand. This solves the challenge of making coding engaging and accessible at home or in the classroom, giving students a practical way to practice and apply skills through personally meaningful projects.

Why you are receiving this notice:
As a public organization we need to notify you when we intend to collect personal information. In addition, we need to inform you what allows us to collect this information. For Microsoft Make Code, we are collecting personal information under the Alberta Protection of Privacy Act, SA 2024, c P-28.5, s 4(c) and the Alberta Education Act, SA 2012, c E-0.3, s 33(1).

📋 What Personal Information Does Microsoft Make Code Collect?

Based on the information we have, Microsoft Make Code may collect the following personal information about your child:

General Profile Personal Information

  • Platform Usage Analytics
  • Teacher/School Email Address

🎯 How is the personal information used?

Grasslands Public Schools Uses of Collected Personal Information

  • To provide this app as a core learning tool for your child (Education Act, Sec. 33(1)(a))

Microsoft Make Code Uses of Collected Personal Information

  • To provide the basic features of the app and make it work

🔒 How Personal Information is Protected

Based on available documentation, here's what we know about data protection for Microsoft Make Code:

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Security Measures

Partial
Based on available documentation, the most sensitive data appears to be institutional email addresses and account identifiers. The vendor states platform-level SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001/27018, and TLS encryption in transit. However, encryption at rest and incident response details are not stated. The stated protections appear good for the limited data described.
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Data Sharing Practices

Partial
The vendor does not state MakeCode-specific data sharing practices. Documentation mentions cookies across Microsoft websites, but MakeCode uses and partners are not explained.
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Policy Completeness

Good
The documentation does not state where data is stored or list subprocessors. Breach notification procedures and timelines are not explained. Processes for data access and correction are not described, and only a general 90-day deletion after account expiry is mentioned for Online Services. This makes it difficult to fully understand data handling practices.
✓

Parent & Student Rights

Good
In the Alberta context, the documentation does not state clear processes for parents to access or correct personal information. A general 90-day deletion after account expiry is mentioned for Microsoft Online Services, but MakeCode-specific retention and deletion details are not stated.

This assessment is based on the vendor's stated documentation. The school division continues to evaluate these practices.

✅ Your Rights as a Parent

  • To opt out of the use of Microsoft Make Code for your student at any time
  • To request to see the information that is collected by Microsoft Make Code about your child
  • To ask for corrections to personal information in Microsoft Make Code if the information is incorrect
  • To request the deletion of any personal information that is held by Microsoft Make Code
  • To contact us or Microsoft Make Code with any privacy concerns. Contact information is listed below.