Ethics+and+Learning+Technology

=Fact : Children explore where they are not supposed to. As educators we have a responsibility to teach our students that what they do in the virtual world can affect them in the real world!=


 * Risk vs. Reward**

Every facet of a child's life is a balance of protecting them from danger while allowing them to go out and experience things that life has to offer. Potential dangers and risks lie in wait around every corner as a child navigates through life. Do we not let kids play outside because they might wander into the street? Do we not let them ride a bike because they might fall? Do we not let them go swimming because they may drown? If we denied children access to something simply due to a possible danger or risk, we would essentially deny them the right to life, as every aspect of life carries a degree of risk. So why would we allow them to swim with the risk of drowning, but not let them go near the internet or use innovative technology to learn?

Every potentially risky activity requires guidance and direction. Arguably, students who are of the age in question here engage in daily activities that could potentially hurt them or even end their life; while adults don't think twice when they engage in these same activities. To simply deny a student the opportunity to explore innovative technologies to advance and expand their learning would seem absurd when put this way. Proper instruction and guidance is key.

Students need to be taught some key internet safety guidelines in order to successfully access the internet for learning
 * Information on line, in email, or other electronic venues is rarely if ever truly private and thus nothing should ever be entered that you would not want a third party to see.
 * Do not use suggestive or inappropriate screen names
 * You have to take measures to be safe with your personal and financial information. Examples: check the securities certificates and use better known sites. Virtual account numbers can protect your credit card numbers.
 * How to create a strong password.
 * How to avoid unsafe websites, downloads, and emails.
 * Teach how to tell when a page is secure.
 * Virtual friends should be enjoyed as virtual friends, as you never really know who is on the other end. ie don't share your real world contact information
 * Online bullying is still bullying.
 * How to compose an effective Tweet, threaded discussion post, e-mail, blog entry, etc.
 * How to interact professionally with online colleagues, avoiding flaming, spamming, and use of sarcasm/humor without indicators (such as emoticons)
 * In certain instances, a student should inform their teacher or adult of an online occurrence:
 * 1) If someone asks you for too much personal information
 * 2) If someone you met online asks you to meet them in person
 * 3) If something makes you feel uncomfortable, or just doesn't seem "right"
 * When in doubt ask for assistance from a trusted adult


 * Digital Cheating and Plagiarism**

If we want to strike a balance between protecting our students and affording them the opportunity to create and learn with innovative technology, we must create an environment that encourages ethical behavior on the Internet. The following issues related to digital cheating and plagiarism must be addressed:

1. Defining Digital Cheating and Plagiarism - Since the advent of the Internet, cheating and plagiarism has become increasingly easy, and students do not seem to have a clear understanding of what digital cheating and plagiarism encompasses. Our first step as educators is to teach students what these concepts mean. Schools should clearly define both "digital cheating" and "digital plagiarism" and make this information readily available to all students and parents. Teachers in all disciplines must take the time to define and discuss these concepts with their students.

2. Establishing Clear, Specific and Consistent Rules and Consequences - In addition to defining digital cheating and digital plagiarism, schools must establish clear, specific, and consistent rules and consequences. Perhaps the best way to create these rules and consequences is to form a committee consisting of administrators, teachers, students and parents. It is also imperative that these rules and consequences are enforced.

3. Teaching Students How to Cite and Document Digital Sources - Teachers in all disciplines must model in their own work, and directly teach students about the concept of intellectual property. Students must be explicitly taught when the documentation of digital sources is necessary, as well as how to properly cite and document digital sources. We are responsible for giving our students the tools needed to avoid plagiarism.

We have a responsibility as educators to make sure that our students enter their young adult lives as college students or members of our economy with technology skills that will prepare them for their future. Technology is a very prevalent piece of this future and educators need to take advantage of whatever resources are approved by their districts in order to meet the demands of 21st century learners and way of life.