Technology+Report

Technology Report

“As computers become a larger part of the curriculum, educators

everywhere are being asked to take a stand for cyber ethics, the right

and wrong of computer and internet use.” (Kruger, 2003) The issue of

copyright is of upmost importance in the education world today. In a

recent survey, it was found that “one third of all adult internet users

admit to downloading commercial software without paying for all of

the copies they made. Nearly two-thirds of youth and parents agree

that the children know more about the Internet than their parents do.”

(Kruger, 2003) It has fallen upon educators to instruct the students in

the way of copyright and cyber ethics. Ideally, the students will pass

their knowledge on to their parents. It is never too early to start this

process. Elementary school students are already learning the

consequences to their actions and are beginning to understand abstract

concepts. This is the perfect time to introduce the importance of

copyright and cyber ethics. “An understanding of copyright law gives

teachers, librarians, administrators, and others a great deal of power.”

(Davidson, 2005) It is then our responsibility to pass this knowledge on

to the students we teach.

Here are five steps to apply copyright guidelines. First the school or

district must create and implement a code of ethics and a set of

procedures. Next, the policy should be reviewed by all stakeholders.

An appointment manager needs to be assigned to conduct audits and

keep track of licenses and registration materials. All stakeholders must

be taught legal and ethical protocol for technology use. Lastly,

stakeholders should be praised for following these steps.

Here are additional resources of Information for Copyright and Ethics. The United States Copyright Office [|www.copyright.gov] and Cyberethics for Kids [|www.cybercrime.gov/rules/kidinternet.htm].

Davidson, H. (2005). Copyright Primer for Administrators. //Technology & Learning//, 25 (11), S2-S8.
 * Bibliography **

Kruger, R. (2003). Discussing Cyber Ethics with Students is Critical. //Social Studies//, 94(4) 188-189.

Stroder, R. S. (2006). What Every School Should Know About Intellectual Property. //Education Digest//, 71(6), 35-41.