Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics
1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's files.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write or the system you design.
10. Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration of and respect for your fellow humans.
Copyright: Computer Ethics Institute Author: Dr. Ramon C. Barquin
Understanding appropriate behavior with technology is as important as understanding how to use the technology. As teachers we must be as involved with our students as we would with our own children. Technology creates anxiety in many people, especially the threats of danger that come with using the internet. As a parent I focus a lot on the websites that my children are using. But as they continue to use the internet in school and at home, I need to help teach them the importance of how they share and use information.
The "Commandments" are great guidelines to use in the classroom. I believe they provide the boundaries for acceptable behavior and help students understand how to ethically use technology. The temptation of technology, mainly the internet, is the isolation of the user. Students may feel alone as they use technology, but that perception isn't always true. Below is a great strategy on incorporating technology in the classrom from Education World.
•Draw parallels between the real world and the electronic world. Make direct comparisons between what students do on the Internet and how they behave in their daily lives.
•Involve students in constructive activities. Ask them to develop ten rules for a classroom acceptable use policy, for example.
•Post a written acceptable use policy in your classroom, and include the consequences for violating it.
•Reinforce proper behavior. Treat offenses as mistakes rather than "crimes," especially in the beginning.
•Assign students to work with technology buddies, other students who have already worked with technology and will set a good example. Peers can help sell a point that students might not accept from adults. In addition, kids who are working together are less likely to get off task.
•Take advantage of every teachable moment. You can't overstate the issue.
•Don't model inappropriate behavior.
•Instill a sense of responsibility, point out the real costs of misusing technology, and express a belief in students' ability to handle technology properly. Students will live up to or down to your expectations.
As teachers, we can't assume that students are being taught or know how to use technology properly. It is important that we get involved and provide clear expectations from the beginning. Incorporating technology into our classrooms is critical to providing the opportunities for students, and teaching them ethics along the way is part of that process.
Ben, nice post!
ReplyDeleteVery easy to follow, and to the point.
"Ask them to develop ten rules for a classroom acceptable use policy, for example." That exact thought came to my mind earlier this week, in getting my students and our children involved in brainstorming AUP's; posting it where it can easily be seen. This would encourage them to take ownership and responsibility for their actions, I'd hope.
And always, pray for them to have discernment.
I totally agree that our students don't know how to use technology properly until they are taught to use it. However, I sometimes find that it is difficult to do when we have some "role models" who don't know how to model those 10 commandments that you posted...
ReplyDeleteJayne Kreifels
Rule #9 really jumped out at me in the "commandments." I think sometimes students and people who create certain technologies really don't think through the consequences of creating or saying something online.
ReplyDeleteIt called to mind an article I read not very long ago about an individual that created a first person shooter game based on the Columbine massacre. This is a pretty clear example of someone who didn't think through the social consequences of creating a game such as this. It is true that freedom of speech extends to video games but it is also important to consider the ramifications of creating a potentially damaging piece of technology. Students need to be made aware that just because they can create a certain technology or program doesn't mean that they should.
I also think that it's a fantastic idea to give students ownership of an AUP in the classroom. Being involved in the formation of the rules gives them a chance to think about why the rules are made and what their purpose is. Nice post Ben!
Great blog this will be very helpful to teach students what appropriate computer/technology use is supposed to look like. When I was researching the NETS standards they actually have in those standards something about teaching students the proper way to use this technology. It is very important that students adhear to these "commandments" becuase technology can be used to harm and manipulate people. It is a very powerful tool that sad to say can be used for both good and evil.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I love the commandments. I would love for those commandments to be posted on their computer when they are on the internet, especially social media websites. Those commandments would hopefully make the students think twice before posting some of what they want to on those sites or doing some dishonest things. We all did dishonest things when we were younger but the internet makes the mistakes much more bigger.
ReplyDeleteMike Koch