Last Text Chapters & The Book

Last Text Chapters as They May Apply to Educational Setting

Chapter 36: Cyber Police
Computer use is highly monitored and restrictive in my educational setting. URL histories, emails, and actual time spent on internet activity are monitored and limited. Sites close automatically after idling for specified time frames. Exchange or download of files is limited. Views, frames and information in general are available on a needs – base only. Violations of institutional policy occur no doubt, but they are confidential and I am not aware of them. It is probable that individuals do cross institutional boundaries, but this does not seem to be common. The environment is very professional.

Chapter 37: Getting Caught
Most institutions have ethical codes of conduct. The attitude that some on line behaviour is OK if not caught is not a part of the institutional environment at all.

Chapter 38: Play by My Rules
Right and wrong is not relative. The world is unable to survive if it is. That cyberspace “has no rules” has more to do with the threat of punishment than it does with behaving responsibly within the greater human community. In my institution, employees agree that they will “play by the employer’s rules” or the person is not employed.

Chapter 39: Making Ethical Decisions
Acceptable behaviour on line may be guided by laws of the land, rules of conduct, religion, and company policies. Carefully considering the outcomes of personal behaviour is important in any environment as well.

Chapter 40: Cyber – Parenting
Parents should be take the initiative and become involved in their children’s internet activity. There are number servers and filters that may help parents shield their children from dangers on the internet. The need for internet involvement of parents in children’s lives is not a part of my institutional concern.

The Book
The Book lends itself to group discussion. It is appropriate in a public setting for use with adolescents. It might be given as a reference to a parent. The book provides questions for discussion. It is easy to read. The book is, however, fairly repetitive. Its language is diminutive. Parents are portrayed as “bad guys” and “stupid guys” versus best friends, confidants, and individuals who have the child’s best interest in mind.