|
Section Header
Volume/Issue ISSN
1528-5804
Print Version
Swain, C., & Gilmore, E. (2001). Repackaging
for the 21 st Century: Teaching copyright and computer
ethics in teacher education courses. Contemporary Issues in
Technology and Teacher Education [Online Serial] , 1
(4) .
Repackaging for the 21 st Century:
Teaching Copyright and Computer Ethics in Teacher Education
Courses
COLLEEN
SWAIN
University of Florida
ELIZABETH GILMORE
Texas Wesleyan University
ABSTRACT
This article examines the beginning stages of a
curricular revision process on copyright laws, fair use guidelines,
and computer ethics taking place at two geographically disparate
universities. A survey was developed for students in undergraduate
and graduate education courses to determine their initial knowledge
of these issues and the effectiveness of the subsequent curriculum
unit. The survey instrument was divided into categories of
understanding and application of basic copyright laws,
understanding and application of fair use guidelines, ethical
situations involving computers, use of questionable materials, and
appropriate use of networks, passwords, and e-mail. Preinstruction
survey findings suggested that students are uninformed about these
areas and need significant instruction on these topics. After
instruction, students were more aware of the complexity associated
with fair use, had a deeper understanding of copyright, and viewed
various ethical scenarios from a different perspective. Findings
also reflected that students view computer ethics differently than
normal ethics. Results from this first round of curricular
revisions prompted the instructors to create informational
brochures regarding copyright and fair use for students and
faculty, and to begin developing a variety of case studies
involving copyright and fair use.
|
