Computer ethics:
Definition: Moral guidelines which governs the use of computers, networks and information systems.
Computer ethics for educators:
They will not:
1- use a computer to harm other people
2- interfere with other's computer work
3- look at others' computers files
4- use a computer to steal
5- use a computer to lie
6- copy or use software without paying for it.
7- use other's computer resources without permission
8- use other's work
They will:
1- think of the social impacts of the program he or she creates.
2- use a computer in a way that shows respect and consideration for other people.
Information Privacy- The right of individuals and organizations to deny or restrict the
collection and use of information about them.
Unauthorized collection and use of information includes:
- Electronic profiles
- Federal and state laws
1) Pishing - Email attempting to obtain personal and financial information.
2) Spam:
- An unsolicited e-mail mess or newsgroup posting sent to many recipients or newsgroups at once
- Average user receives more than 1,000 spam email messages each year
- Anti-spam campaigns
- Anti-spam program
3) Employee and Student Monitoring:
- Use of computers to observe, record, view, and review an individual’s use of a computer
- Policies of computer use
- Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Some of the webpage guidelines are as follow:
1) always protect the identity of you and people around you.
2) never list private informations such as telephone numbers, home addresses or email addresses on any webpage.
3) use only first name if necessary, but never in conjunction with other identifying informations such as photograph.
4) avoid linking to webpages which are not updated on regular basis.
5) provide links to site that helps you achieve instructional and curriculum goals.
In order to keep your computer and personal information safe, there are few things that you must remember:
1 Only fill in the required and necessary forms from trusted websites.
2. Do not reply spam or suspected spam mail for any reason.
3. Set up an email account for transactions with merchants instead of using public websites.
4. Kindly Inform merchants, especially online shopping merchants that you do not want them to distribute your personal informations.
5. Install cookie manager in your computer to filter cookies and avoid spam.
6. Remember to turn off all your file and print sharing on your internet connection.
7. Clear all your history files after you browse..
8. Purchase with cash instead of credit or checks.
9. Install a personal firewall or antivirus.
10. Avoid shopping clubs and buyer cards.
Internet Ethics and Objectionable Materials.
1) It is divided into 3 categories which are:
- pornographic material
- racist literature, gambling
- incorrect or inappropriate material
2) Recent government actions towards internet ethics and objectionable materials:
a) Children Internet Protection Act
b) Parental control
- Rating systems such as ICRA
- Filtering software program
c) Educational control:
i) Acceptable Use Policies (AUP)
ii) Curriculum pages
iii) Teacher observation
i) Acceptable Use Policies (AUP):
- Use of network is a privilege, not a right
- Behave as if you are a guest on the Internet
- Rules concerning objectionable sites
- Rules concerning copyright issues
- Outline proper use of equipment
- Online safety and personal information
- Consequences of violating rules
ii) Curriculum pages
- Acts as guides for students
- Sites are pre-evaluated by teachers
- Eliminates typing errors when typing URL(s)
iii) Teacher observation
- Final measure to prevent students from accessing objectionable and inappropriate materials
- Instruct students on use of Back button on the browser
- Understanding of ethical concepts
