Ethical Direction

We live in a day and age where doing what is right is not held at the high level it needs to be. Many people using technology choose to misuse and abuse that technology with no thought of the consequences. I believe as teachers it is our responsibility to not only teach our students what is right and wrong when using technology, but we need to be role models and practice what we preach. In the article, "Developing Ethical Direction," by Mike S. Ribble and Gerald D. Bailey, they write about an internal compass that we all possess. This compass when pointed true north directs us to make right choices when using technology. They state that many students have not been taught to use their internal compass enough when using technology. It is often abused and misused. We need to have "Digital Citizenship" and use Acceptable Use Policies (AUP's). The best way we as teachers can help our students is by not only using critical thinking skills and open discussion, but being good communicators of what is right and wrong. We need to talk with our students and have them self reflect on what they are doing and if it's acceptable. Most importantly, we need to model acceptable practices when we use technology. The authors write that it takes maturity to do what's right, and it is a lifelong journey. Though it is our responsiblity as teachers to work with our students to make sure they are making the right choices when using technology, we alone are not responsible. Parents, friends, and basically the entire community is responsible for holding those around them to high ethical standards when using technology.