Technology Ethics in the Classroom Classrooms today are relying more and more on technology. Students are using computers for research on projects frequently. Because of this, teachers should teach the ethical use of technology to their students. Teaching ethical uses of technology will help students understand copyright laws and plagiarism. Because the internet is being used more often in the classroom, teachers should start teaching their students the ethical way to use it. Teachers should discuss plagiarism and how to avoid it, and teach the proper way to cite sources that are used for research. One way the University of Delaware does this is to hand out booklets that explain the proper and ethical use of a computer, then the students are given a quiz before they are allowed to use the computers for internet access (Mendels, 2000). Teachers can also teach students the ethical and proper use of computers by only allowing students to use specific websites for research and requiring students to cite all websites used (Faust, slide 7). Teachers can use Johnson’s 3 P’s of technology ethics. The 3 P’s, which are privacy, property, and appropriate use, provide a framework for discussions in the classroom (Johnson, 2002). It is important to take proper measures to ensure internet safety and security in the classroom. Firewalls are a great way for school’s to add security when using the internet. They prevent certain information, files, and programs from going in or out of the school’s computer environment. Firewalls are used to stop students and teachers from downloading free software, giving out certain information, and opening email attachments. Filtering is another great way school’s can make the internet more secure. Filtering restricts access to websites based on keywords or phrases that are considered unacceptable (McGraw-Hill).
In my classroom, I would discuss the proper use of a computer with my students. I would go over proper citation, plagiarism, copyright laws, and the consequences of taking someone’s work. I would also go over Johnson’s 3 P’s of technology ethics because I think it is important for students to understand how to protect their own privacy and property while respecting someone else’s, and it is important for students to understand the appropriate use of technology too. After the discussion, I would pass out a worksheet for my students to do using the knowledge they gained from the discussion, then I would create a list of rules for computer use that the class as a whole will choose to ensure each student understands them. In my classroom, security will be important. I will use filters and firewalls to ensure my students do not give out any information, download something they should not, or go to any websites that are not academically okay to use.
One ethical practice of technology I will implement in my classroom is to not us a computer to harm someone. Using the internet to bully or get payback on others should not be tolerated, especially in the classroom. A second ethical practice I will implement is to not use a computer to steal. Plagiarism is not the only form of stealing. Downloading games, music, and movies without paying for them is a type of stealing that is often overlooked. Students should not be downloading these things in the classroom, and if caught, they should lose all privileges on the computer. A third ethical practice I will implement is to not snoop around in other people's computer files. Students should learn that going through other people’s email and other files is the same as going through someone else’s mail. It is wrong and the consequences when caught can be severe (Johnson, 1999).
Acceptable use agreements are signed statements that describe the privilege of using the computer, and the guidelines and punishments for violating the agreement (McGraw-Hill). In my classroom I will use these agreements to keep my students safe. I will also use these agreements so that my students will understand the rules that have been place on the computers, why those rules are there, and the consequences if those rules are broken. In conclusion, technology ethics should be taught in schools. It is important for students to learn what is ethically right or wrong to do on the internet. Teaching students about plagiarism, the consequences of claiming someone else’s work as their own, and how to cite properly in order to show where you get your information from is important. Internet safety and security is also important in the classroom. Using firewalls and filters can help keep students safe and stop them from being distracted by websites they should not be on. It is important for students to be taught these things in order to keep them safe, and safety is part of a teacher’s job.

References
Faust, Alicia. Teaching Ethical and Legal use of Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved
November 19, 2011 from http://www.slideshare.net/Mrs.Faust/teaching-ethical-and-legal-use-of-technology-in-the-classroom
Johnson, Doug. (1999). Teaching Students Right from Wrong in the Digital Age. Retrieved
November 19, 2011 from http://www.janinelim.com/bc/4thur/ethics.pdf
Johnson, Doug. (2002). Developing Ethical Behaviors in Students. Retrieved November 19, 2011 from http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/developing-ethical-behaviors-in-students.html
McGraw-Hill. Internet Safety and Security: What Teachers Need to Know. Retrieved November
19, 2011 from http://teachingtoday.glencoe.com/howtoarticles/internet-safety-and-security-what-teachers-need-to-know
Mendels, Pamela. (2000). Online Ethics Should Begin in Classroom, Educators Say. Retrieved
November 19, 2011 from http://movies.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/02/cyber/education/16education.html