Technology+Report



Ethical Dilemmas with Technology Ethical use of information is something that needs to be reinforced in the campus curriculum. Our middle school students need to be aware that if they use, or quote information that they did not create themselves, the person(s) that did need to be given credit for it. “The middle school is the ideal place to focus on cyber ethics,…, because that is where kids begin to develop their awareness of ethical behavior” (Starr, 2003). Students at this age want things to become their own without someone else duplicating it for their own. We as educators need to help them understand that this is exactly how others feel about their creations as well. “As new technologies become increasingly common and integrated into all areas of school instruction and business, an up-to-date education on what is and is not a legal use of resources remains a crucial element of a workable 21st century literacy” (Davidson, 2005). As students use information they obtain from the internet, they need to know and understand how to find and credit the source of the information. Students are using this information in classroom projects and reports. In order to use this ethically, they need to know how to locate the source/owner of the information and give proper credit in their reports reference section. Also, they need to understand the implications of “software piracy” (Kruger, 2003, p. 188). Unlawful downloading or copying of software can negatively effect the creators of the software, the retailer, and the manufacturer. These people do not get the revenue that they deserve for their part in the creation of the software. Students need to be able to determine whether or not the information or software they are using is copyright protected, and how to give credit if it is. They need to understand that if what they are using is copyright protected, and they make and distribute copies, they are breaking the law. Teachers need to understand this as well so that they can model the appropriate behavior in their classrooms. As teachers, we need to be well informed on how to identify source information and whether or not it can be reproduced for the classroom. [|www.PlayItCyberSafe.com] is an excellent resource teachers can use with students to help with cyber ethics training/information. References: Davidson, H. (2005). Copyright Primer for Administrators. //Technology & Learning//, 25 (11), S2. Kruger, R. (2003). Discussing Cyber Ethics with Students is Critical. //The Social Studies//, July/August, 188-189. Starr, L. (2003). Tools for Teaching Cyber Ethics. //Education World//. Retrieved from []