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ICDE Dusseldorf 2001 1
Ethics in DE & OL:A Brazilian Perspective
Fredric M Litto
President of ABED,Brazilian Distance Education Association
ICDE Dusseldorf 2001
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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
ICDE Dusseldorf 2001
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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.
ICDE Dusseldorf 2001
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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.
ICDE Dusseldorf 2001
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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.
ICDE Dusseldorf 2001
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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.
ICDE Dusseldorf 2001
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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.
