The Ethics of Education With Technology

The Ethics of Education With Technology Noah Bauer Concordia University Chicago

The Ethics of Education With Technology

Ethics attaches to our race. Every action has varying results and perceived ethical ramifications. In the following, I will analyze the ethical ramifications of technology in social issues, educational issues, cultural/ Equity Issues, and Legal issues that include ethical dilemmas. Social Issues I have seen firsthand the danger the increased communication can cause on modern civilization, specifically youth. As Juvonen and Gross add quantification to this by their study of 12-17 years, they concluded that 72% had been cyberbullied (qtd. Doering Roblyer). With such a great number of students having been taken up in these attacks it troubles me to know that the technology I will give them only provides a way if increasing it. Technology most often perpetuates already existing ethical issues. For example sexting and cyberporn reflect a growth in easier accesses for a preexisting desire. Though it is true that much of this is unintentional (Doering Roblyer 2013), their still stand a large amount of intentional use. Nearly 40% of children 4-12 have reported using chat rooms on the internet in a sexual way (Drombroski 2007). Though this is not the majority, it is still a surprising amount. In this issue, I agree with the theory put forth in an academically reviewed article written by Stephan Brombrowski, Karen Gischlar, and Theo Durst who conclude, Discussion and education about the internets dangers in a developmentally appropriate fashionwill likely prove to be most effective. To expound upon this conclusion, I would also add that education on the dangers of and promiscuous acts could result in painful circumstances. It is the individual who in reality makes the choices, not the electronics. Therefore, it is the individual that must understand the ramifications of their actions. Educational Issues

The Ethics of Education With Technology

As education grows more personal, technology fills the void that a classroom community would enact. This is unavoidable. With the mounting pressure on educators to supply adequate educational growth so also the pressure mounts for the highest quality and most effective tools to enacted it (Doering Roblyer 2013). The only way I see to avoid this is to understand personal limitations. An educator can teach only to the amount and resources available to them. If the school will not provide a technology, the teacher should continue persevering in educating to the best of his or hers ability. Still, most critical and above all things, the welfare of the students should hold the highest priority. Cultural and Equity Issues I understand that many students have limits in their educational usages. For instance, a survey by Pew Internet reflects that many teachers are hampered by disparities in student accesses to digital technologies (Purcell 2013). In understanding these limitations, it leads me again to act in a similar way as with the previous section. I will attempt to be as productive with what I have and try to allow the students an appropriate amount of time in contact with the appropriate resources to complete their assigned duties. Along with this, I will attempt to give every student equal opportunity to preform to their upmost potential. Falling into concordance with the philosophy presented by Dr. Garland (University of New Hampshire) where she intensifies focus that school is and equal opportunity technological environment for every learner. In order to significantly narrow the digital divide, technology use should be integrated into the entire curriculum all grade levels (Garland 2009). Legal and Ethical Issues

The Ethics of Education With Technology

I agree with the claim made in Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching that the legal and ethical issues that educators face reflect those of the larger society (Doering Roblyer 2013). Man faces no new issue. In hacking, safety issues, plagiarism, downloading illegal software, and the like all reflect mans lust to take what is not theirs. I would precaution these acts just as I would any other incident of theft. I also will take steps to insure the student understands of the danger and ramifications in these actions. If students chose to indulge after full knowledge of their actions I would most like refer them to their parents or a higher authority, just as in any other case of theft. Pledge I confess that I am bound to Law, both of state and of Divine nature. I pledge to follow these ethical outlines to my upmost capability. In all situations, seeking what is good in education, in educating, and in life.

The Ethics of Education With Technology

References Doering, A. H. & Roblyer, M. D. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology Into Teaching. [ebook]. Retrieved from: Amazon.com Dombrowski, S. C., Gischlar, K. L., & Durst, T. (2007). Safeguarding young people from cyber pornography and cyber sexual predation: a major dilemma of the internet. Child Abuse Review, 16(3), 153-170. Garland, V. E. (2009). Emerging Technology Trends and Ethical Practices for the School Principal. Journal Of Educational Technology Systems, 38(1), 39-50 Purcell, K., Heaps A., & Friedrich, L. (28 Feb. 2013). How Teachers Are Using Technology at Home and in Their Classrooms. Retrieved from: http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Teachers-and-technology.aspx. 25 Nov. 2013.