Ethics in ICT issue

There are so much that computers and computer network can do and there are people claimed
that doing the wrong things better with technology. For example, the ability to send unsolicited
commercial messages to millions of Internet email users (spamming), intellectual property in digital format can now be duplicated with incredible ease, etc. Therefore, new technological capabilities also may require new ethical considerations. As the examples mentioned were not possible before there was computer and the Internet.

As the scope of information technology ethics is very broad, here I will discuss about digital plagiarism only.

The scenario:
Student X locates a story in a magazine, recopies it in his own writing, and submits it to the teacher as his own work. Student Y uses the copy and paste command to place large parts of an electronic encyclopedia article into an assigned paper. She turns the paper in as her own work.

This scenario shows that when students start using technology, especially information technologies that consist of computers and computer networks, they start operating in a new world. Their behaviors are then not easily judged to be right or wrong. However, in my opinion, this scenario has indicate digital tools such as the Internet make it easy for students to access the work of others, they also make it relatively easy for non-original work to be detected. Hence, with this scenario, the statement of doing the wrong things better with technology is now proved right.

Now, plagiarism is easier than ever, thanks to the computer. People will need to understand when and how to cite sources in both prints and electronic formats. Some plagiarism is of course deliberate, but much of it stems from a lack of understanding of what and when to cite. Hence, library media specialists and teachers are playing important roles in repeating instruction as a part of each project requiring research. On the other hand, parents, when proofing their children’s writing, should be asking if proper credit has been given for other’s work.

As known, if technologies properly used, it can assist school transformation. The computer can help the students effectively use information. Software can improve the accuracy and value of student assessments. Productivity programs can encourage active, student-centered learning. Finally, to enhance the name of cyber ethics or ethic in ICT, ethical instruction needs to be on going. All teachers, librarians, and staff members must integrate ethical instruction into every activity that uses technology. Hopefully, these can helps in reducing cyber crimes.