As a Resource Teacher Vision (RTV)
we are responsible for trialling and writing applications for assistive
technology's which are funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE). We work in
partnership with whānau/family, school and learner.
In this example the funded technology is for low vision learners (LVL) for the purpose of access to the curriculum and homework. The device/s transfer from one school to another with the learner and are upgraded as necessary. The learner does not own the equipment and the school that they are at becomes responsible for it. There is high trust required from stakeholders. Cybersafe policy seem lacking in addressing this unique situation.
Ethical issues that come to mind:
In this example the funded technology is for low vision learners (LVL) for the purpose of access to the curriculum and homework. The device/s transfer from one school to another with the learner and are upgraded as necessary. The learner does not own the equipment and the school that they are at becomes responsible for it. There is high trust required from stakeholders. Cybersafe policy seem lacking in addressing this unique situation.
Ethical issues that come to mind:
Account ownership: The age of the student and who creates the account and password. Netsafe guidelines (2015) recommend
consideration to ensuring that learners are above the minimal age and
logons/passwords are not shared.
Previously the Ministry of Education (MOE) have created usernames for a device but in recent times have stopped this. Now for trial purposes the device has come to the RTV to set up.
Who should make the account?
Previously the Ministry of Education (MOE) have created usernames for a device but in recent times have stopped this. Now for trial purposes the device has come to the RTV to set up.
Who should make the account?
Parents? who may or
may not be experienced in such technologies but who can legally create an iTune account for
their child.
School? Who are responsible
for the device.
RTV? Who did the
application and give post trial support for the use of the device as approved
by MOE.
Is the password shared and to whom?
Is the password shared and to whom?
Sharing happens. Passwords have
been used in the past to download non approved apps as well as approved apps.
They have also been changed without notification and forgotten. Restrictions
have gone onto devices and passwords lost.
Learners rely heavily upon adults
to do the right thing. There is high trust needed on both sides.
Now looking forward, and analysing the issues in terms of the steps
outlined by Hall (2001)
What is the problem?
A LVL with individual learning needs requires a specialist device to access the curriculum and for homework. The device does not belong to the LVL but requires a username and password for the sole use of the learner.
Who are the main stakeholders? LVL, ,School, RTV, whānau/family, MOE (remembering they have funded the device)
Which stakeholders should be given priorities?
LVL,whānau/family, school followed
by other stakeholders.
What restrictions are there to my actions?
Age restrictions for accounts,
and sharing passwords.
What course of action is
possible?
The device is set up with
username and password by the school (or by parent, RTV, MOE) for the LVL for its
intended purpose. The password is only held by the account holder who will do
all updates or password is held by selected stakeholders for ease of support.
Username will be updated when the
LVL moves school.
A moral dilemma is created when setting up an account and knowingly providing false information in breach of terms and conditions and sharing a password.
A moral dilemma is created when setting up an account and knowingly providing false information in breach of terms and conditions and sharing a password.
Which course of action should I
follow?
The immediate hunch would be to
follow the terms and conditions and have the parent create an account and
password for the minor. However this is not always possible or desirable.
Otherwise I think the school should create an account and password and monitor the device in partnership with RTV and whānau.
Otherwise I think the school should create an account and password and monitor the device in partnership with RTV and whānau.
Should we all have access to the
passwords? Does it matter? Netsafe (2015) says “Yes”. I think this needs
further discussion as all cyber policy I have read say “don’t share passwords”
How to implement the course of action
How to implement the course of action
Establish rules through IEP in
partnership with learner, whanau, RTV and school.
What does this incident teach about ethical decision making?
It is never as simple as first
looks. Technology is evolving fast and at times you need to use best judgement.
Policies and procedures need to be regularly updated and take into
consideration individual needs.
References
Hall,A (2001) What ought I to do, all things considered? An approach to the exploration of ethical problems by teachers.
Family Sharing & Apple ID for a child. (2016) https://support.apple.com/en-ie/HT201084
Family Sharing & Apple ID for a child. (2016) https://support.apple.com/en-ie/HT201084
You face an interesting dilemma, Janet. I think the MOE has not kept the device set-up appropriate for its use. There should be the facility to have multiple passwords, each with an assigned level of authority. Do you have a pathway for communication with the Ministry? Has this been discussed with someone there?
ReplyDeleteI was thinking along the same lines Julie. If the MoE own the device, I think they should set the login/password and this is shared to the senior teacher(s) working with that LVL student. The student needs to appreciate that they don't own the machine, and therefore have an ethical obligation to use it for the correct purpose.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there is an option for a remote, random history check on devices? If students knew the owner had the potential to search the history/block sites etc, whether this would prevent inappropriate use?
This is an interesting one, we as a centre often have these discussions. I was a believer that the MOE should set up because it goes through all schools with the learner but then the issues come in regards to keeping the device updated. Who is the holder of that password for a young person under the age of 13? Ultimately the child is at school and the school is responsible for the device.... oh and the user does know the device can be looked at and needs to be used appropriately for educational purposes... but yes, when you start to think about it ethical dilemmas all around. So long as open evolving discussions are held I think that generally all goes very well and it is so important that these learners have the devices. The impact is massive on these learners in a positive way. Thanks for your comments Tracey.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. Our school have iPads that all share the same apple account. Only a few staff have access to that account. I say staff because our EO is one of them. Last year we had an iPad for a boy with autism. His teacher aide had control over the iPad. He only used it during school hours, didn't take it home. This was also connected to the same apple account. I don't know whether we, the school, are being too controlling or if we are just protecting ourselves. Interesting topic!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Waitangi Chelsey. I like your comment at the end when you say "are we being too controlling or just protecting ourselves"? Sometimes a school has been so "safe" that inadvertently they have taken away an ability for equitable access. The learners I work with have specialist apps and are all part of a mainstream class. Their device is set to their individual needs and if they should leave the school the usable device goes with them.... and hopefully with all those specialist apps :)
ReplyDeleteAlso interesting that all your school devices are on the same account. Does that mean they have the same password? Are restrictions put on the devices across the school or do individual teachers choose how the device is used?