Ethical Computing Information Wall by Jonathan R Kenny

The 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics

kennyjon — 2024-02-15 22:15:53 UTC

Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.
Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid (without permission).
Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for other humans.

Ethical Computing Commandments Video Aid

kennyjon — 2024-02-15 22:23:48 UTC

Question 1: Rule Violations

kennyjon — 2024-02-15 22:36:09 UTC

I think students most frequently violate rule number 8, which claims "Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output".

Although the use of ChatGPT and other AI related tools creates a bit of grey area, I still think students violate this rule the most. Whether its using other peoples work online, using information without proper citation or credibility, or even using information that does not belong to them to cheat academically.

Question 2: Why These Violations Occur

kennyjon — 2024-02-15 22:42:04 UTC

I think there are a few reasons that these violations occur. The first is pretty simple and obvious - The instant access to the internet allows students to rapidly find answers and research to any question that they may have.

One other reason that I think makes these violations so common among students is the pressure to succeed. Often times, University students are pressured by parents, how much they are spending on education, or pressure from peers to succeed. When a topic or question seems difficult, the internet often comes to the rescue; which opens the door for all types of violations.

Question 3: Reducing or Eliminating Violations

kennyjon — 2024-02-15 22:52:09 UTC

The first step in eliminating violations is educating students on them in the first place. Of course, everyone is aware of what plagiarism is and that it should be avoided, however I was not aware that these 10 commandments existed prior to this assignment.

With that being said, more effort could be made to educate web browsers on how to avoid plagiarizing, and be a responsible internet explorer. This could be done via mandatory ethical workshops, classes, and seminars.

Educators at all levels could also try incorporating more unique assignments, making unethical behavior more difficult to engage in. This is a double positive because it will also encourage creative thinking where internet access does not help students succeed.

Other than these potential solutions, most schools have screeners in place for work submitted online. In addition, educators and professors have clearly outlines rules regarding what is ethical and unethical behavior.