Courses designed to equip K-12 educators with a framework to navigate ethical decision-making in today’s digital education landscape

Social media is a main form of communication and is reshaping the world as we know it, including today’s K-12 classrooms. Educators have the opportunity to use social media in the classroom to enhance student experiences and expand the walls of today’s classrooms. However, these opportunities also present challenges in the form of vulnerabilities and new scenarios that can be difficult for today’s teachers to navigate. In fact, four-in-five (82 percent) educators worry about conflicts that can occur from using social media with students and parents.*

Recognizing the need for additional tools and training to navigate the dynamics of today’s digital education landscape, University of Phoenix® College of Education collaborated with Frederick S. Lane, a leader in the field of cyberethics, to introduce Continuing Teacher Education courses to help inform educators about how to make ethical decisions in the digital age where the role of technology can create and heighten ethical dilemmas K-12 teachers face. Lane is an author and nationally-recognized professional speaker on the legal and cultural implications of emerging technology and its effects in contemporary culture.

Courses include ‘Cyberethics for Educators,’ in which participants study the risk factors for digital and ethical misconduct both inside and outside the classroom, and ‘K-12 Cybertraps: Strategies for Teaching Digital Citizenship,’ which offers participants an understanding of how students are using technology today and the legal and professional risks that can arise.

“Teachers have always navigated ethical dilemmas in the classroom, but there is a whole new playing field with new rules,” said Pamela Roggeman, Ed.D., academic dean for University of Phoenix College of Education. “These courses build on the work of the Model Code of Ethics for Educators and will provide educators with the tools and resources needed to confront the challenges presented by technology to not only make their own smart ethical decisions, but prepare their students to do the same.”

The courses build off of the University’s work to support the development of the Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE). The MCEE was created by a task force of practicing educators representing a number of professional educational organizations that was convened by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). University of Phoenix, Educational Testing Service (ETS), and the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY) provided financial support for the project.

These new course offerings are part of a larger Continuing Teacher Education framework designed to provide engaging and relevant academic content that helps teachers navigate current classroom dynamics.

“The invention and evolution of digital technology provides today’s educators with unparalleled opportunities for student learning and engagement,” said Frederick Lane. “However, that very same technology poses significant personal and professional risks for educators who are not thoughtful and careful about how they use it. These courses are designed to provide every educator with the information he or she needs to understand those risks, and a framework for making ethical decisions about how technology should be used.”

For more information about Continuing Teacher Education (CTE) courses offered by University of Phoenix® College of Education, visit phoenix.edu.

*According to a 2015 University of Phoenix College of Education survey. The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix between April 14 and 27, 2015. Respondents included 1,002 U.S. residents employed full-time as teachers in grades K-12 who have at least an undergraduate degree. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Tanya Burden at Tanya.burden@apollo.edu.

About University of Phoenix® College of Education

University of Phoenix College of Education has been educating teachers and school administrators for more than 30 years. The College of Education provides bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for individuals who want to become teachers or current educators and administrators seeking advanced degrees to strengthen their professional knowledge. With education programs available throughout most of the U.S., the College of Education has a distinct grasp of the national education picture and priorities for teacher preparation. Faculty members on average bring more than 17 years of professional experience to the classroom. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/education.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

University of PhoenixAmanda Barchilon, 602-557-8641Amanda.Barchilon@apollo.edu

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