A handbook for school administrators to conduct a technology ethics audit: Research, development and validation

The purpose of this study was to conduct research, develop and validate a handbook that school administrators could use in conducting a technology ethics audit of their school organization. Educational research and development (R&D) methodology (Borg & Gall, 1989) was used to develop, test, and validate the Handbook for Conducting a Technology Ethics Audit for educational use by school administrators. The methodology began with a review of the literature. Experts in the field of technology ethics were contacted and completed a written questionnaire. The results of the proof of concept were that the experts agreed that school administrators needed a handbook for use in conducting a technology ethics audit in their districts.;The research and planning generated a Handbook for Conducting a Technology Ethics Audit. The handbook was then sent to experts in the field of technology ethics. Six experts completed the preliminary field test evaluation and the suggestions were used to revise the handbook. The revised handbook was then sent for main field testing by district school administrators who provided suggestions and feedback for the final revisions.;Major conclusions of the study were: (1) School administrators need to address technology ethics issues in their district, and need a comprehensive manner for conducting a technology ethics audit. (2) School districts face a wide variety of technology ethics issues. (3) A technology ethics team is needed to address technology ethics issues. (4) Forms are needed (and were created) for surveys, interviews, and walk-through, for use in addressing technology ethics issues by the technology ethics team.;Major implications of the study were (1) Technology ethics issues are complex and are not clearly observed in a right/wrong manner. (2) All school district personnel need an understanding of technology ethics issues. (3) School curriculum should emphasize the ethical use of technology. (4) Parents need to be involved in technology ethics issues. (5) School districts need to have Appropriate Use Policies (AUP's) that address technology ethics issues. (6) Technology ethics issues cannot be addressed only by administration.