Ethics and Digital Learning

Code of Ethics (Education Council)

CODE OF ETHICS PROCESS (Education)

'The standard you are willing to walk past is the standard set.'
A Ministry for Primary Industries Officer ,  2017

The quote above amply suggests the attitude, and ethical values people are willing to live by at home or/ and the workplace.  Whenever a blind eye is turned, a compromise is delivered, a wink, nod, or wry smile...these actions set the standard, not the legal standard necessarily, but nevertheless, a standard.

Professional Behaviour
A high standard of professional behaviour is expected in education, and educators are expected to perform that standard. Our moral obligations are set by our personal convictions and decisions are made based on these personal ethics we carry around with us day to day. These ethics may or may not be of a high standard, however, our ethics are to be based on the professional ethics outlined by the ministry of education, and the organisation/school we work in.

Whether educators like it or not, teachers serve as role models (Education Council),  and with this vocation comes the responsibility of behaving appropriately (according to community's standards) on and off the job. Educators,then, are expected to develop a keen awareness and sensitivity to a variety of dilemmas and circumstances that may be encountered daily with students, families and the community.

The Code of Conduct published this year by the Education Council states 'as teachers, we respect our trusted position in society and recognise the influence we have on learners, their understanding of the world and the future wellbeing of our society.'

These are the values that underpin our code...

• WHAKAMANA: empowering all learners to reach their highest potential by providing high-quality teaching and leadership. 

• MANAAKITANGA: creating a welcoming, caring and creative learning environment that treats everyone with respect and dignity. 

• PONO: showing integrity by acting in ways that are fair, honest, ethical and just.

• WHANAUNGATANGA: engaging in positive and collaborative relationships with our learners, their families and whanau, our colleagues and the wider community. 

What is social media? (Education Council)

The Code applies to all certificated teachers and those who have been granted a Limited Authority to Teach, in every role and teaching context. It is a set of aspirations for professional behaviour and not a list of punitive rules. We believe that it reflects the expectations society puts on our profession. The Code will replace the Code of Ethics from 30 June 2017. As it says in section 387 (6) of the Education Act, it’s binding on all teachers. (Education Council, 2017)

What does this mean for me and my practice?

Research!!??

As part of the Inquiry process, research is important. There have been a couple of times where I have been with a student (different students/ different schools and different years) in the classroom where we were researching information about a topic and inappropriate images have flashed onto the screen.

At first we did not even realise what we were looking at until...'OMG...what the heck'. I immediately turned the screen off and didn't use the computer for the rest of the day. At first opportunity (same day!) the incident was reported and it was recorded in my Teacher's planning book with date. The Deputy Principal and I then closed the ad.

It was interesting because the school actually had edsafe software that blocked ads.  I was also surprised that I only needed to record and date the incident into my Teacher Planner.

I do also check websites etc prior to learners doing research activities in the classroom but advertisements are difficult to monitor.  

with permission

I have found using Blendspace and Edpuzzle helpful in this regard. I prepare what is appropriate for research and students can go straight to the prepared lessons. However I have also noticed that other youtube clips become available and unless students are highly monitored there is opportunity for students to go onto other youtube videos.

I guess the important thing is to be vigilant, constantly rove to check students are on appropriate sites, report ANY incidence of inappropriate behaviour or incidents that occur, record and date any incidents and any students present at the time.

References

Our Code, Our Standards (June 2017). Retrieved from  https://educationcouncil.org.nz/sites/default/files/Our%20Code%20Our%20Standards%20web%20booklet%20FINAL.pdf

Code of Ethics. Retrieved from

https://educationcouncil.org.nz/content/conduct-competence-overview

Conduct and Competence Overview Image retrieved from https://educationcouncil.org.nz/content/conduct-competence-overview

Quote heard at MPI graduation for first stripe officers