Ethical Behaviour in the E-Classroom

This book covers ethical behaviour in the online classroom. Written for distance education students in higher education worldwide, the book serves as a guide for students in the e-classroom in examining ethical theories and behaviour. A number of salient questions are addressed: What is ethical? What does ethical behaviour consists of in an e-classroom? What are violations of ethics in the e-classroom? Students will have the opportunity to review real-life ethical dilemmas in the online classroom, state their positions by engaging in discussion, and reflect on the repercussions of unethical behaviour. The way students define ethical behaviour can impact how they engage with other online learners: students who view and react differently to the world may learn and respond differently. The book also explores opportunities for applied ethics, definitions of a successful online learner, and critical thinking concepts.- Presents real-life scenarios to allow the reader to understand the reality of ethical issues online- Includes the critical thinking circle, an original design by the author highlighting external and internal factors that influence adult students' ethical decision-making process- Written for the adult student to meet his or her degree goals in the online learning environment

Cassandra J. Smith works in distance education. She has been writing for more than 10 years, and has written online courses, web-based training materials, and worked as a news producer for an affiliate of a major US television network. In 2008 Cassandra wrote a facilitator's guide for online instructors, Who Let this Disaster in My Classroom.

DedicationList of figuresAcknowledgementsAbout the authorIntroduction to ethical behaviour in the e-classroomCourse designObjectivesFormatChapter 1: Assessing behaviourAbstract:Ethics definitionWhat does "good behaviour mean?Ethics and e-classesPlanningCarrying outEvaluatingHow does self-directed learning relate to ethics?Code of ethicsSummaryChapter 2: Ethical theories and e-learningAbstract:Ethical theoriesEthical theories and e-learningEthical theories and moral characterSummaryChapter 3: Processing thoughts: critical thinkingAbstract:Critical thinking definedCritical thinking in e-learningIdentifying and challenging assumptionsCritical thinking and posing questionsHow do inferences and assumptions factor in critical thinking?SummaryChapter 4: Rules of conduct: plagiarismAbstract:Plagiarism definedPlagiarism in e-learningCiting sourcesSummaryChapter 5: Moral dilemmas onlineAbstract:Moral dilemmasSelf-efficacyStudents' unpreparedness issuesOnline excusesSummaryChapter 6: Transformative language: communication in e-learningAbstract:Transformative languageTransforming languageOnline toneEthical dilemmas in communicationConflict resolutionPersonality typesSummaryChapter 7: Ethics boards: discussion responsesAbstract:Discussion interactionDiscussion question basic formatBloom's cognitive taxonomySummaryChapter 8: Adhering to principles: researchingAbstract:ResearchHow to researchHow to writeGrammar tipsWritten assignments - essaysRezaAliceShermanDiscussion nightmares! What role does technology play? by McBride and Smith (April 2009)SummaryChapter 9: Critical thinkingAbstract:Critical thinking and unethical decisionsCase oneCritical thinking and time managementCritical thinking and discussionsCritical thinking and essay developmentCritical thinking and ethicsInternal factorsExternal factorsSummaryChapter 10: Ethical expectations: studentsAbstract:Ethical expectationsLearning with a purposeCommitment to classEthical dispositionMotivationTips for being a successful online studentSummaryClosing remarksReferencesIndex