Moral and Legal Issues for Technology Integration

Public Domain photo from Pixabay

As Pernille Ripp says, going online is like going to the mall. Morality is the internal compass that keeps us doing the right thing.  If our morals tell us that we should treat others with respect, stand up for the underdog, and not steal others' ideas or property, we need to remember that these rules apply online as well as in real life.

© Common Sense Media

Students should be taught that if they wouldn't say mean things to another person's face, they shouldn't post them online either. They should also be careful of what they post about their friends, including photos. They should learn what a digital footprint is and how to leave positive footprints, or put their best foot forward, just as they do when they use manners in the real world.

  

holocausted.edu

Cyberbullying is an issue that is perpetuated when bystanders say nothing, or worse, get caught up in the situation and join in the bullying. Common Sense Media urges bystanders to become upstanders, who stand up for victims. 


Stealing is a moral and a legal issue and using others' words or creative work without permission or acknowledgement is no different than shoplifting.  Also impersonating another or lying about their age to get into places they shouldn't be, also pertains to using sites that are prohibited for under-aged children.

© coolcatteacher.com

Legally, teachers are responsible for the safety of their students in the classroom, on the playground and on the Internet. They should report suspected abuse or bullying including cyber bullying.  Before posting photos or sharing personal information, like students' names online, parent permission should be obtained.  Students should be taught that, just as they wouldn't give personal information to people they don't know, they should not give out information to online entities they do not know. Students should feel comfortable reporting bullying and cyberbullying to their teachers or someone they trust.  If teachers create an open and accepting environment their students will feel safe asking for help. 

.socialtechpop.com

Being a good digital citizen, or Netizen, means being safe and treating others with respect, putting your best footprint forward, and being ethical. We should all "Remember the Human".

                             

    ©  slideshare.net/facilitation

Sources:

Ripp, P. (2010). Why the Internet is like the mall. http://mrspripp.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-internet-is-like-mall.html

Images:

1. Mall image: http://pixabay.com/en/central-embassy-mall-store-498554/
2. Should I share poster:  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/middlehigh_poster
3. Upstanders' logo:  http://www.holocaustedu.org/images/sized/images/uploads/Logo_Image_2-290x141.jpg
4. 5 Steps to Internet Safety:  http://www.coolcatteacher.com/links/free-download-5-steps-internet-safety/
5. Facebook Netiquette Image:  http://www.socialtechpop.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/829-facebook-etiquette.jpg
6. Slideshare presentation:  https://www.slideshare.net/efacilitation