ICDE Dusseldorf 2001 1

Ethics in DE & OL:A Brazilian Perspective

Fredric M Litto

President of ABED,Brazilian Distance Education Association

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Introduction

ABED 23-item code of ethics approved August 2000.

Proactive, rather than reactive. Adherents to code have name on ABED

website + publications. ABED is adjudicating forum in disputes

between institutions, students and staff. Requires permanent committee on ethics

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Usefulness of ethics code Serves as in-house policy

document, giving guidelines. Allows partial evaluation of

institutional quality standards. Provides indicators useful in the

protection of interests of students and staff.

Must be revised continually.

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Protection of student interests (1/3) Right to complete information on courses

objectives, criteria for admission, content, criteria of assessment, nature of student work, basic bibliography, calendar of activities, types of student support, requirements for diploma or certificate, official status of certificate/diploma, financial arrangements.

Use only professionals with proven competency and probity.

Pedagogical strategy centered on student.

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Protection of student interests (2/3) Accompaniment of each student. Constant updating of course goals,

content, and pedagogy pedagogical strategy; knowledge

content; adaptation to type of student (special needs, gender, ethnicity); linguistic aspects; choice of media.

Quickest possible turn-around time for corrected student materials.

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Protection of student interests (3/3) Inform students if course is done

experimentally. Offer courses through as wide as

possible array of technologies. Respect right to student’s privacy. Make clear distinction between

merchandizing and real academic content.

Make clear distinction between simulations and authentic material.

Avoid hyperbole or misrepresentation in advertising the DE offering.

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Protection of Academic Staff Interests Legal contracts with authors with rights

and obligations. Protection of freedom of speech of

authors and tutors/instructors/facilitators. Staffing + equipment in adequate

proportion with number and type of students.

Adequate training for content providers. Respect for right of privacy of academic

staff.

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Protection of Institutions

Ensure instrumental research capability to guarantee that all the above makes sense e.g. as regards student preferences,

habits and performance; pedagogical strategies used; media used; and situation of the workplace/labor market.

Respect for intellectual property rights.

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Thank you for your attention.

frmlitto@usp.br