How will/digital media impact ethics on education and students?
Answers
Children learn about ethics in school from their first day of kindergarten. The teacher tells them the rules and the reasons for rules. They learn not to cheat or hurt each other. However, the advent of technology in the classroom adds complexity to classroom ethics.
Many students begin playing with a device before entering elementary school. Every student's experience with using the technology and the internet differs. Some parents may forbid online interactions unless the child has permission. Some may not allow children to connect to the internet without a parent around.
Technology brings ethical issues to the forefront long before students learn how to handle real-life situations from an ethical standpoint. Children do not have much preparation for cyberbullying and copyright issues. Teachers not only contend with students bringing devices to school but also their various skill levels in using them and the internet.
Christopher McGilvery, an Angelo State University lecturer, recommends one approach that can help teachers demonstrate and guide students in learning how to use technology ethically. He offers the acronym TECH SMART as an option for helping students navigate the ethical waters of their digital world.