Learning Edition Privacy Statement

1. Scope and acceptance

This Privacy Statement applies to the Learning Edition of the International Spelling Bee Ecosystem and explains how information is handled when learners, parents, guardians, teachers, tutors, schools or spelling coaches use the application.

By using the Learning Edition, users acknowledge the practices described here. A parent, guardian, school or other authorised adult should supervise use by a child where required.

2. Who is responsible for the information

The person or organisation operating the software controls the information entered into it. For home use, this may be the learner’s parent or guardian. For school or tutoring use, it may be the school, tutor or programme operator. The International Spelling Bee Ecosystem publisher provides the software but does not claim ownership of user-created learning records.

3. Information handled by the Learning Edition

Profile and identification information

• Learner name, username or locally assigned profile identifier.
• Profile picture, where a user chooses to add one.
• Grade, class, group or other learning category where entered.
• Language, voice, accessibility and learning preferences.

Learning and performance information

• Word attempts and whether responses were correct, incorrect, unattempted or marked as learnt.
• Practice, test, Speed Round and other session outcomes.
• Scores, success rates, histories, statistics, leaderboards and reports.
• Selected WordBanks, spelling rules, word length filters and study settings.

User-created content and device settings

• Imported or created WordBanks, custom lists, categories and associated word information.
• Exported reports and backup files created at the user’s direction.
• Selected text-to-speech voice, microphone, audio device and volume settings.

4. Why the information is used

• To create and manage learner profiles and WordBanks.
• To deliver learning, practice, testing, flashcard, text-to-speech and Speed Round functions.
• To track progress and present word statistics, session results, reports and leaderboards.
• To help users identify spelling strengths, weaknesses and rules requiring more practice.
• To remember local settings and support backup, export, print and restore actions initiated by the user.
• To diagnose application problems where a user voluntarily provides diagnostic information to support.

5. Storage, internet use and Microsoft services

The Learning Edition is designed to operate primarily as offline Windows desktop software. Learning records, WordBanks and settings are generally stored on the user’s device unless the user deliberately exports, backs up, uploads or shares them through another service.

Installation, licensing, updates, crash reporting or other platform functions provided by Microsoft Store or Windows may involve Microsoft services. Information handled by Microsoft is governed by Microsoft’s own privacy statement and the user’s Microsoft and Windows settings.

6. When information may be shared

The application does not automatically publish learner information. Information may leave the device when a user chooses to export, print, email, upload, back up or otherwise share a report, WordBank or data file. Recipients may include a parent, guardian, teacher, tutor, school or authorised programme administrator.

The publisher may disclose information only where required by applicable law, to protect legal rights or system security, or where the user has specifically requested support and supplied the information voluntarily.

7. Children and educational use

The Learning Edition may be used by children. Parents, guardians and educational organisations should collect only the minimum information necessary, provide age-appropriate notices, supervise use, control access to exported records and obtain any consent required by applicable law or school policy.

Users should avoid entering unnecessary sensitive information. A child should not be asked to provide contact details, identity numbers, health information or other sensitive information merely to use ordinary spelling-learning functions.

8. Retention, deletion and user control

Local information remains on the device until it is deleted through available application controls, removed by the device owner, overwritten, or removed when the application and its data are uninstalled. Exported copies and backups must be deleted separately from the locations where the user saved or shared them.

Users may correct profile information, remove WordBanks, clear learning records where supported, delete exported files and uninstall the application. Schools or tutors should define retention periods appropriate to their educational purpose and legal obligations.

9. Security responsibilities

Reasonable safeguards are used in the design and operation of the software, but no device or storage method can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Users should protect Windows accounts, restrict device access, install trusted updates, maintain secure backups and avoid sharing reports through unsecured channels.

10. Privacy requests and rights

Depending on applicable law, a learner or authorised representative may have rights to request access, correction, deletion, restriction or objection concerning personal information. For information controlled by a school, tutor or programme, the request should first be directed to that organisation. Requests relating directly to the software publisher may be sent using the contact details below.

11. Changes to this statement

This statement may be updated when software features, legal requirements or data practices change. The updated date at the top of this page identifies the current version. Material changes should be communicated through the website, application or relevant distribution channel.

12. Contact