Code of EthicsOnline Learners and Teachers

Ruth A. Camuse

ED 5001 Social and Ethical Issues in Distance Learning

Wilkes University -- May 1, 2010

What is ethics?

Definition of ethics The definition of ethics used for

this code of conduct:

The principles of conduct governing an individual or group <professional ethics>

Ethics. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethics

MacLeod, K . Sovereign [music]. Incomptech Creative Industries. Retrieved from http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?genre=Contemporary

Five Minds for the Future This code of ethics for online

learners and teachers has been organized around the five minds discussed in Howard Gardner’s book:

The Disciplinary Mind The Synthesizing Mind The Creating Mind The Respectful Mind The Ethical Mind

Gardner, H. (2006). Five Minds for the Future. Boston: Harvard Business School Publishing.

Code of Ethics for

Online Learners

The Disciplinary Mind

The Disciplinary Mind Reach for new content and skills

and make them your own.

Participate in online course discussions and other activities on a regular, substantial basis.

Review course requirements; organize and schedule work.

The Disciplinary Mind Be persistent as you read, study,

research, plan, and accomplish work.

Learn and practice new technology skills needed for class assignments and interaction.

The Synthesizin

g Mind

The Synthesizing Mind Consider varying perspectives and

opinions.

Participate in online discussions with thoughtful posts that synthesize information and ideas.

Relate new learning to your own experiences and to other areas of study.

The CreatingMind

The Creating Mind Contribute towards an online class

environment that supports and encourages creativity.

Use the support and ideas of the online community to participate in the creative process.

The Respectful Mind

The Respectful Mind Treat your classmates and the

instructor with courtesy and respect.

Think before you communicate; avoid derogatory, dismissive, or overly critical comments.

Support others in learning by providing feedback, resources, and information.

The Respectful Mind Post questions in the Q&A message

board so that clarifications and solutions can be accessed by your classmates.

By your comments and actions, show your appreciation for contributions of others.

Welcome and value the diversity of learners in your class.

The Ethical Mind

The Ethical Mind Be honest in your representations

of your own background and education.

Submit work that is your own.

Follow applicable copyright laws, and give attribution to the work of others.

The Ethical Mind Be an active, dependable member of

groups.

Do not undermine others.

Strive for excellence.

Code of Conduct for Online Teachers

The Disciplinary Mind

The Disciplinary Mind Establish a strong instructor

presence in your online course.

Communicate expectations and assignments clearly and consistently.

Facilitate online course discussions and other activities on a regular, substantial basis.

The Disciplinary Mind Develop expertise with technology

tools and be ready to provide assistance to students.

Revise course documents and web addresses so they are accurate and current.

Continuously extend your knowledge of the discipline you are teaching.

The Synthesizing Mind

The Synthesizing Mind Provide opportunities for students

to consider different perspectives and opinions.

Contribute to online discussions with thoughtful posts that synthesize information and ideas.

Bring in ideas from multiple areas and disciplines.

The Creatin

gMind

The Creating Mind Demonstrate and encourage

creativity in the online course environment.

Establish an inviting environment in which to learn and create.

Foster student-to-student collaboration and communication.

The Respectful Mind

The Respectful Mind

Treat your students with courtesy and respect.

Think before you communicate; avoid derogatory, dismissive, or overly critical comments.

Facilitate appropriate communication and interaction and provide useful feedback, resources, and guidance.

The Respectful Mind Consider student right to privacy when

designing and implementing activities.

Value and embrace diversity and allow for differing opinions to be offered.

Regularly review the course for accessibility and make needed improvements.

The Respectful Mind

Keep your students safe; deal with issues of inappropriate conduct carefully and on a timely basis.

Request and use feedback from students to adjust the course, meet individual needs, and improve your facilitation skills.

The Ethical Mind

The Ethical Mind Provide an accurate description of

your own background and qualifications.

Model and teach ethical behaviors.

Follow applicable copyright laws, and give attribution to the work of others.

The Ethical Mind Establish and implement an

assessment system designed to fairly measure student achievement.

Know your students well enough to provide recommendations for future education or employment.

Strive for excellence.

ReferencesAcademic Integrity for Students. (2009). Wilkes

University. Online course materials for ED 2001 Social and Ethical Issues in Distance Learning.

Academic Integrity for Instructors (and Institutions). (2009). Wilkes University. Online course materials for ED 2001 Social and Ethical Issues in Distance Learning.

Code of Ethics, Illinois Institute of Technology. (2007). Illinois Institute of Technology , Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions. Retrieved from http://ethics.iit.edu/iitcode/Version_6.2.pdf

Gardner, H. (2006). Five Minds for the Future. Boston: Harvard School of Business Publishing.

ReferencesGuide to Teaching Online Courses. (2002-2006). National

Education Association. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/technology/onlinecourseguide.html

North Amercan Council for Online Learning. (2007). National Standards of Quality for Online Courses. Retrieved from http://www.inacol.org/research/nationalstandards/

Pape, L. & Wicks, M. [co-chairs], iNACOL Quality Standards for Online Programs Committee . (2009). National Standards of Quality for Online Programs. North Amercan Council for Online Learning. Retrieved from http://www.inacol.org/research/nationalstandards/

North American Council for Online Learning. (2008). National Standards of Quality Online Teaching. Retrieved from http://www.inacol.org/research/nationalstandards/

MediaAll clip art obtained from Microsoft Office Clip Art

Gallery and Microsoft Office Online.PowerPoint template used in this presentation obtained

from Microsoft Office Online.MacLeod, K . Sovereign [mp3 sound file]. Incomptech

Creative Industries. Retrieved from http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?genre=ContemporaryCreative Commons License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/