ETHICAL ISSUES AND THE INTERNET
Essay Assignment
Overview:
Complete a properly formatted multi-page essay on one of the ethical issues below:
Topics
1. Freedom of Expression and Controversial Content on the Internet
While the Internet provides people with an unprecedented opportunity to
exchange information and ideas with others worldwide, it also provides a
platform for the exchange and promotion of hurtful messages and propaganda.
Research and present your opinion as to whether the flow of information on the
Internet should be regulated.
2. Workplace Internet Usage and Privacy Issues
In the summer of 1999, several workers were fired from a large financial
institution for using the company’s network to download pornography. Currently,
the legal right exists for companies to access and view any downloads on their
system including all employee e-mail accounts. Discuss your view on the extent
to which companies should be allowed to access and monitor employee
communication and downloads. Use specific case studies.
3. Intellectual Property Rights of Information on the Internet
Should people be able to exchange copy-written material over the Internet
without compensating the author and/or artist. Comment specifically on the
Napster case.
4. Internet Addiction
Some studies have shown that up to 30% of all on-line users are addicted to the
Internet. Excessive usage of the computer has also been shown to encourage
isolationism among the workplace and society in general. And yet, the Internet
has also allowed us to communicate instantaneously with strangers worldwide.
Discuss whether the Internet has had a more positive or negative affect on
human and societal relationships.
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Choose one of the ethical issues above and compose an intelligent and
articulate essay presenting all sides of the issue.
2.
Back your discussion with specific cases where possible. Cite your
resources!
3.
As this is a formal essay, it must be written in third person.
4.
Your essay should not be more than 3-5 pages in length. Use Times New
Roman, 12 pt. font, double-spaced.
5.
Although this is a formal essay and not a reflection paper, you must still
incorporate Christian gospel values when analyzing the issues.
6.
Follow the school’s required essay format and include a reference page
as the final page.
7.
You must have at least three sources including at least one electronic
source (Internet). Do not have more than two sources from the Internet.
These three sources should be documented as in-text citations and again
on the Reference page.
Evaluation
Learning Skill
Item
Mark
 analyzes critically the facts
pertaining to the issue
Thinking
/20
 incorporates Christian values in
analysis
 correct essay format used i.e. pages
/5
numbered, first page formatted
Application
correctly etc.
/5
 documentation cited correctly
 uses appropriate essay language
Communication
/20
 writing “flows” and is easy to read
 few spelling/grammar errors
/10
 demonstrates an understanding of
/10
Knowledge
the issue and has cited appropriate
facts on the issue
Total
/70
ACHIEVEMENT CHART
Categories
50-59%
60-69%
70-79%
80-100%
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
(Level 4)
-applies few of
the skills involved
in the inquiry
process
-applies some of
the skills involved
in the inquiry
process
-applies most of
the skills involved
in the inquiry
process with
some insight
-uses limited
effectiveness in
critically
discussing the
ethical issue
-uses moderate
effectiveness in
critically
discussing the
ethical issue
- uses technology
with limited
effectiveness
- uses technology
with moderate
effectiveness
-uses
considerable
effectiveness in
critically
discussing the
ethical issue
- uses technology
with considerable
effectiveness
-applies all or
almost all of the
skills involved in
the inquiry
process with
insight
-uses a high
degree of
effectiveness in
critically
discussing the
ethical issue
- uses technology
with a high
degree of
effectiveness
- communicates
information and
ideas with limited
clarity
- communicates
information and
ideas with some
clarity
- uses language
with limited
accuracy and
effectiveness
- uses language
with some
accuracy and
effectiveness
- communicates
information and
ideas with
considerable
clarity
- uses language
with considerable
accuracy and
effectiveness
- demonstrates a
limited command
of essay format
and structure
- demonstrates a
moderate
command of essay
format and
structure
- demonstrates a
considerable
command of essay
format and
structure
Thinking
(20 Marks)
Application
(10 Marks)
Communication
(30 Marks)
- communicates
information and
ideas with a high
degree of clarity
- uses language
with a high
degree of
accuracy and
effectiveness
- demonstrates
extensive
command of essay
format and
structure
Knowledge
(10 Marks)
- demonstrates
limited
understanding of
concepts and
issues
- demonstrates
some
understanding of
concepts and
issues
- demonstrates
considerable
understanding of
concepts and
issues
- demonstrates
thorough
understanding of
concepts and
issues