WGU D773 Task 1: Ethical Decisions (Latest
Updated)
Introduction
In my chosen scenario, I am a high school history teacher who found an online
platform offering premade lessons and simulations that requires school approval
because it collects student names, grades, and identification information. This
immediately raises ethical concerns for me, especially since digital technologies
can become normalized through convenience and rapid adoption even when
ethical safeguards have not yet caught up (Western Governors University [WGU],
2024). According to WGU, such technological changes can cause conceptual
disruption, challenging assumptions about privacy and classroom boundaries
when external systems collect sensitive student information (WGU, 2024).
A. Identify and Describe Ethical Dilemmas
A1. One Ethical Dilemma With Two Opposing Options
The ethical dilemma is whether to use the platform without school approval for
instructional benefit even though it collects sensitive student information, or to
wait for approval to ensure privacy protections are in place (WGU, 2024).
Option 1: Use it immediately for convenience and improved instruction. However,
WGU notes that disruptive technologies are often adopted incrementally before
ethical implications, such as privacy and accountability, are fully addressed (WGU,
2024).
Option 2: Wait for school approval. This supports responsible adoption by
ensuring transparency, risk management, and appropriate boundaries before
student data is shared (WGU, 2024).
, A2. How the Ethical Dilemma Affects Stakeholders
Students: Students are directly affected because the platform collects their
personal and academic data. WGU explains that digital technologies often blur
public and private boundaries and can normalize data-driven participation over
time (WGU, 2024). If student data is exposed or misused, it could cause harm.
Parents/Guardians: Families expect schools to protect student privacy and
maintain a safe learning environment. Bypassing approval could violate trust,
especially because digital systems can encourage convenience at the expense of
ethical considerations (WGU, 2024).
Teacher (me): Users of digital tools must be cautious about what data they input,
avoid exposing confidential information, recognize possible bias, and critically
evaluate outputs (WGU, 2024). Using an unapproved tool would conflict with
these professional responsibilities.
School/District: Schools are accountable for ensuring fairness, transparency, and
privacy protections when integrating new technologies. WGU states that
governance structures are necessary to balance innovation with public safety and
prevent misuse (WGU, 2024). If I adopt the tool independently, the school cannot
ensure compliance or oversight.
B. Apply an Ethical Framework to the Identified Dilemma
B1. Ethical Framework Applied: Deontology
Using a deontological approach, I focus on duties rather than convenience. My
responsibility is to protect student privacy, follow required school procedures, and
avoid foreseeable harm (WGU, 2024). Therefore, I choose Option 2: wait for
school approval.
This aligns with WGU’s expectations for responsible digital and AI use, always
respecting privacy, being aware of bias, evaluating accuracy and relevance, and
Updated)
Introduction
In my chosen scenario, I am a high school history teacher who found an online
platform offering premade lessons and simulations that requires school approval
because it collects student names, grades, and identification information. This
immediately raises ethical concerns for me, especially since digital technologies
can become normalized through convenience and rapid adoption even when
ethical safeguards have not yet caught up (Western Governors University [WGU],
2024). According to WGU, such technological changes can cause conceptual
disruption, challenging assumptions about privacy and classroom boundaries
when external systems collect sensitive student information (WGU, 2024).
A. Identify and Describe Ethical Dilemmas
A1. One Ethical Dilemma With Two Opposing Options
The ethical dilemma is whether to use the platform without school approval for
instructional benefit even though it collects sensitive student information, or to
wait for approval to ensure privacy protections are in place (WGU, 2024).
Option 1: Use it immediately for convenience and improved instruction. However,
WGU notes that disruptive technologies are often adopted incrementally before
ethical implications, such as privacy and accountability, are fully addressed (WGU,
2024).
Option 2: Wait for school approval. This supports responsible adoption by
ensuring transparency, risk management, and appropriate boundaries before
student data is shared (WGU, 2024).
, A2. How the Ethical Dilemma Affects Stakeholders
Students: Students are directly affected because the platform collects their
personal and academic data. WGU explains that digital technologies often blur
public and private boundaries and can normalize data-driven participation over
time (WGU, 2024). If student data is exposed or misused, it could cause harm.
Parents/Guardians: Families expect schools to protect student privacy and
maintain a safe learning environment. Bypassing approval could violate trust,
especially because digital systems can encourage convenience at the expense of
ethical considerations (WGU, 2024).
Teacher (me): Users of digital tools must be cautious about what data they input,
avoid exposing confidential information, recognize possible bias, and critically
evaluate outputs (WGU, 2024). Using an unapproved tool would conflict with
these professional responsibilities.
School/District: Schools are accountable for ensuring fairness, transparency, and
privacy protections when integrating new technologies. WGU states that
governance structures are necessary to balance innovation with public safety and
prevent misuse (WGU, 2024). If I adopt the tool independently, the school cannot
ensure compliance or oversight.
B. Apply an Ethical Framework to the Identified Dilemma
B1. Ethical Framework Applied: Deontology
Using a deontological approach, I focus on duties rather than convenience. My
responsibility is to protect student privacy, follow required school procedures, and
avoid foreseeable harm (WGU, 2024). Therefore, I choose Option 2: wait for
school approval.
This aligns with WGU’s expectations for responsible digital and AI use, always
respecting privacy, being aware of bias, evaluating accuracy and relevance, and
