Code of Ethics for Members of the Organization

This Code of Ethics for the members of ISTE serves as a guide to the ethical and responsible means of achieving the organization’s mission that states: “to provide leadership and service to improve teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in education.” Our group’s work impacts children and young adults, therefore our actions should be guided by sound principles and high expectations.

ISTE places a high value on legal, ethical and safe use of technology as demonstrated in its technology standards (NETS) for students, teachers and administrators.

These standards include:

• Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology; Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software; and Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity. —Technology Foundation Standards for All Students, Section II.
• Teachers understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK–12 schools and apply those principles in practice. —Educational Technology Standards and Performance Indicators for All Teachers, Section VI.
• Educational leaders understand the social, legal, and ethical issues related to technology and model responsible decision-making related to these issues. —Educational Technology Standards and Performance Indicators for Administrators, Section VI.

This Code is meant to supplement, not supplant, the ethical codes of other professional organizations to which ISTE members may belong, including technology, teacher, administrative, or library associations.

As members of ISTE, we:

1. Use technology to strengthen and improve the educational opportunities and achievement of all students.
2. Use research and best practices to guide our technology planning, acquisition, use, and evaluation.
3. Recognize and teach the ethical components of our technology standards and discuss the cultural and social aspects of technology use on an ongoing basis.
4. Protect students and colleagues from conditions harmful to their emotional and physical well-being when using technology through instruction and supervision.
5. Adhere to and teach the concepts and laws related to intellectual property, intellectual freedom, privacy, confidentiality, a diversity of viewpoints, safety, and appropriate use especially as related to technology.
6. Follow sound professional practices in the evaluation in the selection of instructional materials and equipment.
7. Do not advance our private interests at the expense of our students, colleagues or institutions, nor accept any gifts or services that may impair our professional judgment.
8. Exemplify life-long-learning by continuing to advance our knowledge and skills through professional reading, professional dialogs, unbiased research, and leadership in workshops and conferences.
9. Work to advance ISTE’s mission and goals through our personal volunteer efforts.
10. Strive to exemplify the ethical conduct that we expect of our students, colleagues and leaders.

Adopted at Board meeting held September 24–25, 2005