Information Ethics

As children grow, they begin to learn ethical values at home, church, and in our schools. Today, technology plays a major role in our children's lives, and it is up to us as educators, to teach and reinforce those ethical issues that surround technology. "Technology is a powerful tool that influences our lives in countless ways. It offers creative an exciting new methods for educators and students to grow and learn" (Bell, 1998).

Richard W. Severson’s book, The Principles of Information Ethics, offers guidelines for coping with ethical dilemmas involving information technology through the following four-step method:

1. Respect for intellectual property

2. Respect for privacy

3. Fair Representation

4. Non maleficence (or “doing no harm”) (Severson, 1997).

After reflecting on Bells article, I spoke to my librarian about the four Principles of Information Ethics. She stated that all four are important, but the dilemma she continues to encounter deals with the first principle, Respect for Intellectual Property. Although she enforces copyright laws and provides staff and students with guidelines on what is “fair use” and what isn’t, she says that there are still some who forget to cite and give credit to their sources. For example, she has those that teachers that scan pictures from a book and do not give proper credit in their presentation. In addition, the use of the internet has caused more questions about copyright laws, and some students forget to cite sources as part of their research projects and power point presentations.  

To resolve such situations, in the beginning of the year, she provides guidelines to both students and staff on plagiarism and how it violates the school code of conduct and ethical codes. If necessary, she revisits these guidelines throughout the year, or as often as needed. She also emphasized that if we do see a violation, we should point it out.  It is hard, but in the long run, we might avoid a lawsuit.

Today, most schools have adopted an "Acceptable Use Policy" that regulates the use of the Internet and other information technologies and networks in a school. The rules in these policies often apply to both staff and students. I feel that everyone in the school, as well as parents, need to know and understand these policies. As professionals, we also have an obligation to educate our parents about ethical technology use. This can be done through school newsletters and parent meetings.

I conclude with this, ethical instruction needs to be on going, just as the librarian I spoke to revisits the guidelines as often as needed. A single lesson is not enough, and all teachers, librarians, and staff members must integrate ethical instruction into every activity that uses technology.

Works Cited:

Bell, M. (1998). Kiss and Information Ethics. TAET Journal, Spring, 1998.