The guidelines addressed in this code serve as a directive to assist the educator in daily issues of technology usage and to empower educators in the development of a strong sense of social responsibility to live up to the commitment to serve and enhance a respectful and ethical community of learners.

There will be situations in computer and technology use when this code of conduct will not address a specific situation. When this occurs, it may be helpful to consider the following questions in analysis of the ethics involved:

What are the possible ethical choices and the rationale for each choice?

Whose rights might be violated by a particular choice?

Of course, no code of conduct can anticipate all situations. In many cases, informed judgement may be the best guide.

"In our system, state-operated schools may not be enclaves of totalitarianism. School officials do not possess absolute authority over their students. Students in school as well as out of school are 'persons' under our Constitution."

US Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas, Tinker v. Des Moines School District (1969)