TEACHING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ETHICS WITH CASE-BASED INSTRUCTION: EFFECTIVENESS AND PRESERVICE TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Non-ethical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage may be minimized by understanding ethical problems related to the ICT. In addition, successful implementation of ICT requires not only developing practical skills about ICT but also gain basic knowledge regarding ICT ethics. However, in Turkey, only few universities offer courses about ICT ethics. Thus, the rationale behind this study is to teach the basic of ICT ethics to preservice teachers with the aim of raising awareness on this underestimated issue. Accordingly, this instrumental case study aims to investigate prospective teachers’ perspectives on ICT ethics and effectiveness of specifically designed course with a case-based instruction to teach the fundamentals of ICT ethics. The data was collected qualitatively before and after the course from 24 prospective teachers selected with convenience sampling. The data was analysed with inductive content analysis and findings indicated prospective teachers, though not having adequate knowledge and awareness, have gained the basics of ICT ethics thanks to the specifically designed course. They favoured the course due to its design and content. This study highlights a need to offer such courses or programs to teach ICT ethics.