Instructional Technology
Conference 2007
Title: Ethical and Social Issues of Online Courses
Name: Dr. Karen J. Thoms, Professor
Audience Level: All
Audience: Faculty and administrators
Length: 1 hour
Abstract:
Academic institutions are rapidly adding online courses—either new courses blends of traditional face-to-face courses. What issues must institutions, faculty, and students address with online courses? There are a number of ethical and social issues which need to be addressed. This presentation will discuss these issues, plus others: Intellectual property, copyright, the TEACH Act; plagiarism; library services; registration; time limitations; access limitations; language impact; equipment needs; and technology skill requirements. Come prepared to dialogue.
Description:
Academic institutions are rapidly adding online courses. Institutions must address many issues as they expand their online offerings. What issues must institutions, faculty, and students address with these online courses? There are a number of ethical and social issues which need to be addressed and resolved, including the following.
Copyright and Intellectual Property
Copyright and intellectual property must be faced by all institutions, faculty, and students. There’s no question about it. But what are the special needs of the online learner in regard to copyright and intellectual property?
First, the student needs to understand copyright as it related to print materials and what may and may not be used in teaching and learning. Then, the question of intellectual property needs to be addressed—basically, who owns the property and has the responsibility for updating it? The TEACH Act of 2002 addresses many of the questionable issues as they relate to electronic formats. TEACH was enacted to bring the print, non-print, and electronic formats into better alignment.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism haunts us on campuses across the nation and the world. What can be expected of students and faculty relating to plagiarism? What tools are available? Why are these tools necessary?
Library Services
One difficult area relating to online learning has to do with library services that are available to online learners. What are the library services needed by online learners?
Registration Process
Students who decide to register for an online course at an institution are at an advantage if they are already attending that institution. But what about the “newbie” who registers for the first time? What provisions are or need to be in place to help this student actually register?
Time Limitations
What time limitations need to be addressed? Certainly the time zone(s) must be considered. What about the student in Nepal or Anchorage or Munich who enrolls in an online course or program? What other time limitations need addressing?
Access Limitations
Access limitations such as sign-ons and other restrictions can impact whether a student’s experience is successful.
Language Impact
What language differences need to be discussed or addressed during the initial stages of the course? Since we may have limited or no visual access, we need to try a little harder to understand the students from other cultures. What are the differences must be addressed?
Equipment Needs
Meeting equipment needs are paramount to the success of an online course. What about the students who are “borderline” cases who have substandard or minimal equipment and still want to participate in online courses? Does an institution or faculty member have the right to unenroll a student who does not have the appropriate technology for the course?
Technology skill requirements
In an online course, there are many technology skill requirements. What can we require of students as far as computer and software skills? What is necessary for success in the course?
This presentation will address these issues and others which impact online learners.
Session Type: Presentation
Contact information/affiliation:
Dr. Karen J. Thoms, Professor
InforMedia Services—MC-204I
Learning Resources & Technology Services
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498
kthoms@stcloudstate.edu
(320) 308-2110
Equipment: PC computer where I can use a memory stick