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Ethical use of Technology

The utilization of technology in the classroom is a complex task for both the teacher and
the student. Some students have access to technology even before they step into elementary
school. While some use technology and have access to the internet while under the supervision
of their parents, some connect to the internet with no guidance provided. Even before students
can handle real-life ethical situations on their own, technology brings in ethical issues into their
lives (Akcay, 2008). Navigating the ethical waters of having students use technology and interact
in the digital world, requires that students be taught how to rake care of the technology
equipment. Teachers are obligated to help students explore safe and appropriate sites for research
and learning, that will then be used by the students. Students should have proper “netiquette” to
enhance their privacy and safety as well as that of other net users. High-speed internet has made
the web very accessible and interactive among students. That may pose a danger and risky
situations, thus requiring teachers to protect students from such situations. The teacher goal is to
protect students at all times from cyberbullies and other such situations (Education World, 2019).
Another ethical issue is access to unauthorized content, games, and software. Teachers need to
keep students safe from illegal activities while on the internet.
The integration of all aspects in regard to the use of technology in class helps safeguard
both teachers and students. First, the education of students on appropriate online behavior goes a
long way in teaching them how to e upstanding while using the internet. Secondly, teachers use
edtech software such as NetSupport which enables them to monitor real-time internet use and
searches from students. Thus, they are aware of every activity and can stop suspicious acts from
students. Teachers and other school staff ensure that they untap the potential of artificial

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intelligence (AI). Thus, they are able to use new developments in technology to establish new,
better, and more sophisticated ways of protecting students (Akcay, 2008).
There are rules that ascertain proper netiquette while online. First, it is always important
to remember that the person on the other side of the communication has feelings. The law should
be followed both online and in person. Do not say anything improper. The fourth rule states that
it is always important to send the right information to the people who deserve it or the right
people. Another rule emphasizes on the use of proper vocabulary and grammar as well as
understanding what one is talking about. Proper netiquette requires sharing one’s knowledge and
expertise with others on the platform. According to the seventh rule, one should not continuously
send angry notes or letters to the same person or people. Also, it is important always to respect
other people’s privacy and be nice even when correcting them. These rules are important to
everyone who accesses the internet and interacts with other people online.
A media consent form is a type of documentation used to get permission from a person so
that his or her name, words, or likeness can appear in any form of media (Medical Public Affairs,
2019). It contains the name of the individual in question as well as the specific image or content
that can be used. The recipient is required not to use the image or images in any manner that
could be embarrassing. Additionally, the content provided cannot misrepresent the intention of
the student. The individual who signs the consent form on behalf of a student, for instance, a
parent, caregiver, or guardian is named. The signatures of the student and caregiver or parent are
also included.
Further academic integrity refers to one’s ability to behave morally and be honest in an
academic or school setting. It entails acknowledging other people’s contributions by mentioning
or citing their names whenever one uses information from their research. It is about avoiding

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plagiarism and valuing the intellect of other scholars. Academic integrity is of utmost importance
in the success of a student. It is a practice that gives a learner the opportunity to showcase his or
her abilities, skills, and intellect (McCabe & Pavela, 2000). It shows a student’s willingness to go
through the learning process, make mistakes, and grow with the assistance of his or her
instructors in class. Practices such as cheating during exams or assignments, plagiarism, and
buying assignments are unethical, and they erode academic integrity.
Overall, academic integrity is a reflection of one’s credibility and character. It makes one
take pride in his or her academic accomplishments knowing that one attained the grade that they
deserved. Good grades are achieved through putting in the hard work and the long hours of
study, and this adds value to a person’s degree. Besides, it gives graduates the confidence to
enter the job market and sell their skills because they are competent and believe in themselves.
Evidently, honesty during exams and while competing, school projects is rewarding. Academic
integrity adds value to the education system, produces qualified people to join the job market,
and enhances development within society.

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References

Akcay, B. (2008). The relationship between technology and ethics: From society to
schools. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 9(4), 120-127.
Education World. (2019). Help Kids Become Responsible Digital Citizens | Education World.
Retrieved 6 August 2019, from https://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/responsible-
student-technology-use.shtml
McCabe, D., & Pavela, G. (2000). Some good news about academic integrity. Change: The
Magazine of Higher Learning, 32(5), 32-38.
Medical Public Affairs. (2019). Consent Forms: Photos, Video, Audio & Testimonials. Retrieved
6 August 2019, from https://publicaffairs.med.wustl.edu/items/consent-forms-for-photos-
videos-audio-testimonials/