Technology+Report



Computer Ethics

As computers become embedded in the workplace and classroom, it is important to follow appropriate computer ethics. According to TechTerms.com (2010) computer ethics is defined as a “set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers.” Three areas of computer ethics, plagiarism, piracy and privacy will be explored as they relate to teachers and technology in the classroom.

Computers, networks and Internet make it easy to share information (intellectual property) in digital form. Information on the Internet is protected by copyright law, which needs to be followed in the classroom. Two major issues that involve copyright are plagiarism and piracy. Teachers have always dealt with plagiarism in the classroom; however, with the use of the Internet, it is more difficult to prove it. Students using the Internet for research do not believe they are doing anything wrong when they copy and paste information found on the Internet into their research papers without giving credit to the author. Our students need to know it is plagiarism if information is from books, articles, newspapers, or the Internet and it is not acceptable.

In Kruger’s article, “Discussing Cyber Ethics with Students is Critical,” he gives examples of piracy being committed by students. For students, downloading of music, videos, software, and video game that they illegally burn to DVDs and distribute to their friends, is the main form of piracy. He (Kruger, 2003) points out that this is not a victimless crime as many people are being affected by their actions. In his article, “Talking to students about cyber-ethics” he give the follow financial statistic: “According to the Business Software Alliance (BSA), in 2001, more than 111,000 jobs and $5.6 billion in wages were lost as a result of software piracy. In total, piracy losses approached $1.8 billion in the United States.” (Kruger, 2003). Mr. Kruger encourages teachers to educate students about the legalities of piracy by showing them the copyright symbol (©) found with music, videos, software and video games and explain its meaning and what the licensing agreement is on software. Unfortunately, students are not the only ones involved in piracy.

Along with students making illegal copies, teachers are also known to break copyright and fair use laws in the interest of education. Their excuse is usually that there is not enough money in the budget to cover the cost of resources for use in the classroom; however, Hall Davidson shares that it is not the lack of budget but a “sign of weakness in the instructional program” (2005). Administrators need to ensure teachers receive professional development regarding copyright and fair use laws to protect the district, campus and teachers from legal suits. Along with illegal sharing of music, videos, and software, students and teachers may be sharing private information about others.

Posting information about students on websites in the form of names, personal information, pictures, and videos, with or without parental permission, exposes students to safety risks. Though the use of classroom websites, wikis, blogs and RSS feeds, which allow posting of media files to share what is happening in the class and highlighting students’ achievements, enhances the instruction, “what happens when the ‘dark side of the Internet’ to sneaks around the corner and into the classroom or home?” (Joseph, 2007). According to Ms. Joseph, these activities open the door for child predators to have access to the students. If these tools are going to be used in the classroom, teachers need to ensure that the sites are protected and parents are aware of safety issues involved.

The appropriate use of intellectual property, (music, games, videos, and software) and protecting our students in an environment where predators can easily hide, are important issues that need to be addressed by the district. The development of a code of computer ethics for faculty and students that outline the district’s policy on these issues would logically be the next step.

Davidson, H. (2005). Copyright primer for administrators. Technology & Learning, 25(11), S2-S8.

Joseph, L. C. (2007). Keeping safe in cyberspace. Multimedia & Internet@Schools, 14(1), 17-20.

Kruger, R. (2003). Discussing cyber ethics with students is critical. Social Studies, 94(4), 188-189.

Kruger, R. (2003). Talking to students about cyber-ethics. Technology and Learning. Retrieved on October 30, 2010. Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/article/13828

TechTerms.com (2005-2010). Retrieved on October 30, 2010. Retrieved from [].