The Ethics of Online Learning

This article highlights the need for academic honesty, responsible use of technology, and safe, ethical behavior online.

As more digital tools become available to students, there's an increasing need to understand their place in an educational environment and the impact these resources have on students' learning.

Below you'll find information on Academic Honesty, Digital Citizenship, and AI Usage.

Academic Honesty

It is important for students to understand the importance of, and adhere to, honest and moral behavior in their academic environment. Below are suggestions students can use to ensure they maintain their integrity while completing assignments.

For more information, view our Elementary Academic Honor Code and Secondary Academic Honor Code.

Digital Citizenship

The term digital citizenship refers to the responsible use of technology while engaging with other people using digital correspondence and online communication. Being a good digital citizen means that students are responsible in their use of technology while interacting with others online.

Our Student Orientation course outlines the following nine themes of digital citizenship.

Digital Access

Digital access refers to the distribution of technology and online resources in a manner that is fair for everyone. You may have access to Internet resources in school or at home or perhaps in both places. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can ask your teacher or school principal about community resources that provide free Internet access, such as your local library. Digital access also includes the element of digital equality, which is the concept that everyone should have access to digital information.

Digital Commerce

Digital commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods online. Its main focus is the technological tools that can provide safe ways for Internet users to buy, sell, and do banking online. This element also includes certain standards for communication that help to make online financial transactions more secure.

Digital Communication and Collaboration

The element of digital communication and collaboration deals with the exchange of information online. Digital communication refers to the sending and receiving of information electronically using devices such as cell phones, computers, laptops, tablets, iPads, electronic watches, television, and more. Digital collaboration is the practice of people working together to communicate information using online technology. The element of digital communication and collaboration focuses on helping online users share their ideas and information effectively and safely.

Digital Etiquette

The element called digital etiquette refers to rules of conduct and effective procedures that deal with interacting with other people in an online space. It is important to be considerate of other people and utilize proper behavior while working with them online. Digital etiquette also includes the aspect of digital awareness, which refers to understanding how your actions online affect other people.

Digital Fluency

Digital fluency refers to the process of becoming educated about the use of technology in the online world. It also refers to the ability to evaluate online information and effectively apply what is learned from this information. Digital fluency also includes digital literacy, which involves the ability to discern good information from bad, such as being able to tell the difference between reliable and non-reliable sources. Another aspect of digital fluency is one's digital footprint, which refers to a person's unique set of traceable actions and communications online.

Digital Health and Welfare

The element of digital health and welfare refers to the aspect of your physical and psychological well-being and safety while spending time in the online world. While technology provides many educational and recreational activities, it is important to learn how to balance the time you spend online with the time you spend with family, friends, and other important people in your life. You should consider how much screen time you engage in and try to protect your eyes from extended periods of viewing screens on digital devices such as your computer, tablet, or cell phone. The aspect of digital health and welfare emphasizes the importance of using digital devices in a healthy manner and not allowing extended Internet usage to interfere with your daily life.

Digital Law

Digital law refers to the aspect of being responsible for your actions online. Just like laws are needed in the real world, they are also needed in the online world to protect people from harm. Online users need protection from things like identity theft, plagiarism, hacking, malware, cyberbullying, and more. You can seek help from your School Resources Officer or from a school official if you feel that someone is trying to harm you during your time online.

Digital Rights and Responsibilities

Digital rights and responsibilities are the requirements, rights, and freedoms that apply to everyone who spends time in the digital world. This element should help you understand that you have both privileges and responsibilities in the digital world. You have certain rights online, such as the right to privacy, and you also have a responsibility to help protect others who spend time with you online. For example, you should inform an adult if you see someone being mistreated online. It is important to do what you can to protect others, both in the real world and in the digital world.

Digital Security and Privacy

The element of digital security and privacy refers to the processes and procedures that protect online users and help them have a safe experience in the digital world. Precautions such as virus protection, passwords, and other login authentications are used to protect online users from dangers such as computer viruses, identity theft, doxing, and more. It is important to be aware of the possibility of online attacks and do what you can to prevent them, whether you are using digital devices in school, in a public place, or at home.

Read our Parenting Good Digital Citizens blog for more information.

AI Usage

Lincoln Learning recognizes the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and its effect on how students learn. Artificial Intelligence tools are man-made programs that exercise problem-solving or decision-making abilities normally associated with humans.

Students must understand how and when to use AI tools appropriately. The primary goal of using AI should be to reinforce a student’s understanding of material, like practicing and reinforcing what is learned in their courses, rather than replace their actual learning or complete assignments for them. Additionally, students should be cautious about sharing personal information with AI tools as this could put their personally identifiable information in the wrong hands.

Also, students need to be aware of these tools’ limitations and drawbacks. For example, not all information will be relevant or accurate, and AI-generated responses can reflect biases.

As parents and guardians, help your students use AI tools in a way that enhances their learning, promotes ethical behavior, and safeguards their wellbeing.