Background:
Read the three web pages for class 12 in Course Documents. Select one of these or one of your own that presents a serious ethical problem for the technology director. A serious ethical problem usually has consequences no matter how you decide to act. In three to five paragraphs, discuss as honestly as you can the ethical problem and the possible consequences.
Selection:
Web pages reviewed:
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878-1054489.html
http://www.nsba.org/site/doc_micro.asp?TRACKID=&CID=1431&DID=34887
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/ethics/ethics_f.html
I selected to discuss the article posted on the techrepublic site, related to an actual tech director’s ethical dilemma. Although this particular article is not the longest or most wrapped in content (like some of the other sites) it does pose a very interesting dilemma and I found that the overall forum for discussion very innovative.
Response:
Ethical Problems & Possible Consequences
The scenario discussed in the forum is honestly frightening from the perspectives of a possible community member, technology director and/or member of the staff. The overall situation and the response from the administration is abominable and chances are this will turn even more so into a very ugly and dirty situation. I applauded the young technology director for sticking to his/her moral bounds and feel deeply that they must continue to pursue this matter further. The scenario addresses a variety of ethical issues that seem to be spawned from an overall school system lacking some degree of moral clarity.
With this particular situation and the way that it has unraveled I really feel that the technology director is obligated to continue to peruse the case both on the ethical and legal nature of what are truly boil down to being crimes. Unfortunately this technology director is being placed in a sticky situation partly because of the administration but also because the technology director is now questioning/second guessing what policies and rights do users of the districts network and email system possess. Even further questioning if in fact the tech director violated any of those rights. At this point the director unfortunately has no other option but to purse the matter to people outside of the district, document everything, and deal with any disciplinary action if it is determined that he/she violated the rights of the users. If in fact the technology director did violate someone’s rights the evidence may be inadmissible so the tech director must work with law enforcement to find acceptable ways of gathering information. There is not other option and this must happen for the greater good and protection of the students.
Reflection on the situation and how it has manifested thus far brings up a very important issue in the world of technology direction. It reinforces the fact that polices must be put into place early to protect all users of the of the computer and network systems. Although in this situation a firm policy may not have saved the technology director the scrutiny that he/she received from the building principal it would have laid firmly the rights all have using the network. Including the technology directors rights that may induce: (because it is the schools network) the right to (protecting confidentiality expect in the cases of misuse) view/investigate anything traveling over the school network including questionable use, materials, or things that may affect the operation of the network. This may be done best by developing an approved Internet use license or terms and conditions of use policy.
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2 comments:
I would applause your great policy suggestions. The technology director should be given the rights to check anything going through school technology, and, any misusage should be warned or charged. The schools should protect their students. I cannot imagine, as a parent, what would an angry with those dirty materials even from the student’s teacher.
I agree with your stand on this subject. I do feel that a firm acceptable use policy would have helped in this situation. Our policy explicitly gives the district the right to scan emails or user files and that all information is the property of the district. This still would not have helped the perception from other staff, but at least the director would feel some level of support.
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