Ethical scenario time

We're in the midst of this semester's unit on online forums, our examination of the role and usefulness of community-based information. As a precursor to looking at existing online forums, our Computer Literacy 1 students use online webboard software to discuss a rotating selection of six ethical scenarios. As always, there are comments that particularly stand out in one way or another.

Dana's comments on students using MySpace to disparage teachers (and teachers/administrators getting upset about it):

"First amendment rights are only applicable at school when they do not interfere with the smooth operations of the school. I read this on ummm page 2.7 million of the school handbook."

And...

"verdict: real men can handle being dissed on myspace.
real men also have better things to do than diss others on myspace."

Looks like Ethan (commenting on whether or not websites on "anorexic pride" should be blocked at school) has been watching a little too much Law and Order:

"okay wow. whoever made a website showing anorexic pride is just sick. they should be prosecuted for attempted murder (depraved indifference)."

Michelle and Adam on the use of school e-mail for personal issues:

Michelle: Just use the email for school related purposes and not for personal interests and other unrelated stuff.

Adam: I agree. This is not for offensiveness, just for annoying-ness. The school e-mail lists are way overused for stuff that gets an express trip to the trash folder.