Module 1: Course Introduction

Welcome to the Virginia Tech School of Education Ethics Modules.

Ethics training is important for college students for several reasons:

1. Moral development: College is a critical period in a person's moral development. Ethics training can help students reflect on their values, beliefs, and principles, and guide them in making ethical decisions that align with their personal integrity.
2. Responsible decision-making: College students face numerous challenges and choices, both academically and socially. Ethics training equips them with the tools to analyze complex situations and make responsible decisions, considering the ethical implications of their actions.
3. Preparing for the workforce: As students transition into the professional world, they will encounter ethical dilemmas in their careers. Ethics training helps them understand professional codes of conduct and develop the skills to handle moral challenges in the workplace.
4. Social responsibility: In an increasingly interconnected world, college students are exposed to global issues and social problems. Ethics training fosters a sense of social responsibility and encourages students to contribute positively to society.
5. Avoiding unethical behavior: Lack of awareness or understanding of ethics can lead to unintentional unethical behavior. Ethics training helps students recognize and avoid dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, and other unethical practices.
6. Building trust and integrity: Ethical behavior is crucial for building trust with peers, professors, and future employers. Students who demonstrate ethical conduct are more likely to gain respect and be seen as reliable individuals.
7. Conflict resolution: College life often involves working in teams and dealing with diverse perspectives. Ethics training can help students navigate conflicts and disagreements in a fair and principled manner.
8. Personal growth: Engaging in ethics discussions and training encourages self-reflection, empathy, and emotional intelligence, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.
9. Respect for diversity: Ethics training can promote an appreciation for diverse cultures, beliefs, and viewpoints, fostering an inclusive and respectful campus community.
10. Ethical leadership: As future leaders, college students need to understand the ethical responsibilities that come with leadership roles. Ethics training prepares them to make decisions that consider the greater good and ethical implications of their actions.

By providing college students with a solid foundation in ethics, educational institutions can contribute to the development of responsible, ethical, and well-rounded individuals who can positively impact their communities and the world.

Activity: Think about the above reasons for ethical training and consider the following as you go through the ethics modules: How will you apply these lessons to future situations where ethics play a role? By being honest and introspective, you will gain deeper self-awareness and insights.

This is the first of a series of four modules in the Ethics Training series provided by the School of Education

Here, in Module 1, we set expectations for your completion of this course.

Module 2 covers the Graduate Honor Code

Module 3 covers Citing, Authorship, and Reporting

Module 4 covers Reporting Misconduct

Our Expectations as You Progress Through this Course:

Active Engagement: Students are expected to actively engage with the ethics modules by reading all of the material, clicking any hyperlinks and reading linked material, and completing an assessment at the end of the final module. 

Critical Thinking: Ethics involves exploring complex moral issues and analyzing various perspectives. Students should demonstrate critical thinking skills by critically evaluating ethical concepts, considering the implications of different ethical choices, and applying ethical theories to real-world scenarios. 

Ethical Decision-Making Application: An essential expectation is that students apply what they learn in the ethics modules to their personal lives, academic pursuits, and future careers. This involves demonstrating an understanding of ethical principles and using this knowledge to make sound ethical decisions and solve ethical dilemmas in various contexts.

Assessment: The Final Assessment will be available at the end of Module 4.

AFTER PASSING the Final Assessment, you will receive a Graduate Student Honor Code Completion Confirmation by email. You must retake the assessment until you have passed. Once you pass, please forward your results to your professor.