Code of Professional Ethics in Educational Technology

In addition to my previous post/ assignment on Professional Ethics, part 2 of our Ethics Module was to discuss our personal understanding of Professional Ethics and to locate a real life scenario in our own communities.

I have to admit, it took me a while to pin point a particular ethical issue I’ve observed. Currently, I work in an audio visual department  that provides AV customer service support for the campus constituents, at a private university. Although I’m not directly in the classroom, my department often interfaces with either Educators or Learners. I had a point to draw from, it was just a matter of narrowing my scope. I sat with my supervisor and interviewed him so I could get a better idea of what educational technology support looked like at our university. And to my surprise, I discovered a laundry list of ethical violations against the AECT Code of Professional Ethics. I chose to focus on two particular scenarios, involving our Luddite population – you can read more about here.

This assignment was initially daunting, but it made me realize how important it is to be a professional who is dedicated to their personal development and craft. Having a set of standards, such as the AECT Code of Ethics, enables professionals in the field to adhere and comprehend the parameters of our responsibility to Education.

Finally, I am dare I say, excited about all the possibilities there are at my own workplace to take what is wrong, and to be able to be a part of making it right. I truly look forward to this road I’m on toward becoming a proficient Educational Technologist; a professional dedicated to the field, society, and the learner.