At Insight Edgen, clear communication about our tracking technologies is as important as the learning content we deliver. We know the word "tracking" can stir up mixed feelings, especially when it comes to online education where privacy and personalization both matter. This document is designed to explain, in straightforward language, how and why we use tracking technologies on our platform, what your choices are, and how your information is protected. Whether you're a student, an instructor, or a parent, transparency is our goal. Let's dig into how these systems actually work within your learning journey.

Tracking technologies are a core part of how Insight Edgen delivers a flexible, engaging online learning experience. These technologies, including cookies, device IDs, and analytics tools, operate in the background to recognize your browser, remember your preferences, and help us understand how our educational tools are being used. Some tracking technologies are stored on your device, like small data files saved by your browser, while others are session-based and disappear when you log out or close your browser. For example, persistent cookies might keep you logged in on your favorite device, while session cookies ensure your quiz progress isn't lost if you refresh a page.

Certain tracking methods are absolutely essential to make Insight Edgen function as intended. For instance, authentication cookies keep your account secure by maintaining your login status throughout a session. If you're taking a proctored exam or working on a collaborative group project, these technologies verify your identity and ensure the right content is delivered to the right user. Without these foundational systems, features like secure test-taking, real-time grading, and assignment submission simply wouldn't work.

We also use analytics technologies to collect insights about how our platform is used. This data includes metrics such as which lessons are most popular, average time spent on interactive exercises, and how often students return to specific resources. By looking at trends in this data, we can spot areas where students are struggling and update our materials accordingly. For example, if analytics show that a certain math module causes confusion, our curriculum designers receive a prompt to review and clarify that lesson. Instructors may also receive aggregated reports highlighting which concepts need extra attention.

Functional tracking technologies help personalize the user experience beyond just the basics. These systems remember your language preferences, store your place in a course, and let you pick up exactly where you left off, even across different devices. If you prefer dark mode for late-night study sessions, or want your dashboard to highlight specific subjects first, these preferences are saved using functional cookies or local storage. This means you spend less time setting things up and more time learning.

Some of our tracking features are focused on customization and tailored content. For instance, we may use data about your previous course activity to suggest new subjects or skills that match your interests. If you're enrolled in several science courses, the platform might highlight upcoming STEM webinars or recommend advanced modules. These technologies ensure that your learning experience is both relevant and dynamic, helping you discover new topics without wading through unrelated material.

Altogether, the tracking ecosystem on Insight Edgen is carefully balanced. Essential trackers keep the core platform running smoothly, while analytics guide improvements and functional tools adapt the experience to your needs. Each type of technology works in concert with the others: for example, a session cookie keeps your quiz progress intact, while analytics log your completion so we can offer timely feedback. It's a bit like a well-coordinated orchestra—each piece has its role, and together they create a smoother, smarter learning experience.

You have clear rights regarding how your data is collected and used on Insight Edgen. These rights are grounded in frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European users and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for learners in the United States. You have the right to access your data, request corrections, limit processing, or withdraw consent for certain types of tracking whenever you wish. We believe your educational data should always be under your control.

• Managing Browser Settings: Nearly every modern browser gives you the tools to control which tracking technologies are allowed. For example, in Chrome, you can click the three dots in the top right, choose "Settings," then "Privacy and security," and finally "Cookies and other site data" to manage or block cookies. Firefox users can find similar controls under "Preferences" and "Privacy & Security." Safari users on Apple devices should look under "Preferences" and the "Privacy" tab to set cookie controls. Each browser lets you clear existing data and set rules for future visits, though the menus and options may look different depending on your device or version.
• First-Party Preference Centers: Insight Edgen offers its own privacy dashboard where you can review and adjust your consent choices for different categories of trackers. To access this, simply visit the "Privacy" section of your account settings. Here, you'll find toggles for analytics, personalization, and marketing—each with a clear explanation of what enabling or disabling them means for your learning experience. Changes take effect immediately and can be revisited as your preferences evolve.
• Consequences of Disabling Tracking: If you decide to reject certain tracking categories, some features of our educational platform may not work as intended. For example, disabling essential cookies could log you out unexpectedly, prevent quizzes from saving progress, or block access to video lessons that require secure streaming. Turning off analytics won’t affect your ability to learn, but it means we won’t have data to improve struggling modules. Disabling personalization will stop tailored course recommendations and hide your learning history across devices.
• Alternative Privacy Measures: For users who want added control without disrupting essential platform features, browser extensions like privacy-focused ad blockers or incognito modes can provide extra layers of protection. These tools can limit tracking by third parties while still allowing crucial site functions to operate. We recommend combining these tools with our own privacy settings rather than relying on one method alone.
• Making Informed Choices: Balancing privacy and a rich educational experience is a personal decision. We encourage you to review your options and think about which features matter most to you. If you’re unsure, our privacy center offers detailed guides explaining each setting’s impact. Remember, some tracking is necessary for core security and functionality, but you always have a say in how your data is used beyond those essentials.

Insight Edgen retains data collected through tracking technologies according to clearly defined schedules. For instance, authentication cookies and session data are typically deleted automatically when you log out or after 24 hours of inactivity, ensuring your account stays protected. Analytics logs, on the other hand, are anonymized and stored for up to two years to help us analyze long-term trends and improve course offerings. Once this period expires, data is systematically deleted or aggregated in a way that can’t be traced back to individual users.

Security is something we never take for granted. Technical safeguards such as encryption, access controls, and regular vulnerability testing are in place to keep your information safe. Only trained staff with a legitimate educational need can access sensitive data. Organizational protocols, including regular audits and staff training on privacy, help reduce the risk of unauthorized access or accidental exposure.

Sometimes, data collected by our tracking systems is combined with other sources to create a more complete picture of your learning progress. For example, if you participate in a virtual science fair, we may merge attendance data from the event with your course history to offer you tailored feedback or digital badges. Any such integration is governed by our privacy policy and, where required, your explicit consent.

Compliance with regional and international regulations is built into everything we do. Whether you’re covered by GDPR, FERPA, or state-specific rules like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), our systems are designed to honor your rights. We periodically review our processes to ensure they align with evolving legal requirements, and we update our documentation as needed.

Special considerations apply to international users. For example, if you access Insight Edgen from within the European Economic Area, your data may be processed in accordance with EEA-specific protocols. We use approved transfer mechanisms and, where necessary, obtain additional consent for cross-border data transfers. Our support team is always available to answer region-specific questions about how your information is handled.

While cookies are the most familiar tracking tool, Insight Edgen uses a variety of alternative technologies to understand how visitors interact with our platform. These methods are often invisible to users but play a crucial role in supporting educational features and maintaining platform security.

• Web Beacons, Clear GIFs, and Pixels: These tiny image files, often just a single pixel in size, are embedded within emails or on certain pages to detect when a resource has been accessed. For instance, if we send an announcement about a new course module, a pixel lets us know how many students viewed the email, helping us refine our communication without collecting personally identifying information. On the website, beacons can track when you complete a specific lesson or download a resource, giving us a better sense of which materials are popular.
• Local Storage and Session Storage: Beyond cookies, we sometimes use local or session storage in your browser to hold data like your quiz answers, interface preferences, or temporary authentication tokens. Local storage can persist between visits until you manually clear it, while session storage is wiped as soon as you close your browser tab. For example, if you partially complete an assignment and return later, local storage may help you pick up right where you left off.
• Device Recognition: In some cases, we use device recognition methods—such as browser fingerprinting or unique device IDs—to help prevent fraud, secure exams, or maintain consistent access across multiple devices. For example, if you start a test on your tablet and try to continue on another device, our system may prompt you to re-authenticate. Device recognition is also used to enforce time limits or lockdown browsers during high-stakes assessments.
• Server Logs: Each time you visit Insight Edgen, our servers automatically collect log data including your IP address, browser type, access times, and which resources were accessed. These logs are used for troubleshooting technical issues, monitoring system performance, and detecting suspicious activity. For example, if we notice a sudden spike in failed login attempts, server logs help us respond quickly to potential threats.
• User Control Options: You can control or limit many of these technologies through your browser settings, privacy dashboard, or third-party tools. For instance, clearing your browser cache will remove local and session storage data, while privacy extensions may block some web beacons or device fingerprinting scripts. Our account privacy center provides additional settings to disable certain features—though, as mentioned earlier, doing so may affect your learning experience.