This content is located in CAPS under Social Implications: Legal and Ethical Issues for Grade 10.

Technology touches every aspect of our lives, and with its rapid advancement comes the need for ethical responsibility. Teaching ethics in technology equips Grade 10 learners to navigate the challenges of using technology responsibly and respectfully in their everyday lives and future careers.

Making Ethics in Technology Relevant

1. Ethical Use of Hardware

• Activity: Reuse and Recycling Discussion
  Start by showing pictures or videos of e-waste piles. Discuss why disposing of old devices responsibly is important. Have students brainstorm how they can reuse or recycle old hardware in their homes or communities.
• Classroom Project: Hardware Lifespan
  Assign students to research the lifespan of common devices like smartphones or laptops. They can create posters showing tips to extend hardware life, such as using protective cases or avoiding overheating.

2. Ethical Use of Software

• Role-play Scenarios: Piracy vs Licensing
  Present scenarios such as downloading software illegally versus purchasing or using open-source alternatives. Ask students to role-play the consequences of each action, discussing why using licensed software is ethically and legally important.
• Creative Exercise: Open Source vs Proprietary Software
  Have students research and present examples of open-source software (like LibreOffice) versus proprietary software (like Microsoft Office). They should explain the ethical advantages of open-source solutions.

3. Ethical Use of Computer Management

• Activity: Safe Data Practices
  Provide examples of poor data management, such as leaving passwords visible or not backing up files. Students can list better practices for managing computer systems ethically and securely, such as encrypting sensitive files and regularly updating antivirus software.
• Game-based Learning: Data Breach Awareness
  Set up a classroom game where students “hack” into poorly managed systems (using a prepared list of mock data breaches). This will help them see the importance of strong passwords and ethical use of management systems.

4. Ethical Use of Networks

• Group Research: Network Etiquette and Safety
  Divide the class into groups to explore topics such as avoiding plagiarism in shared networks, respecting privacy (not snooping on others’ files), and safe internet usage. Each group can create a set of “Golden Rules for Ethical Network Use.”
• Simulated Scenarios: Ethical Dilemmas in Networking
  Create ethical dilemmas, such as discovering private data left open on a shared network. Discuss how students should ethically respond to these situations, focusing on integrity and respect for privacy.

Real-World Connections

To make this lesson relatable:

• Discuss real-life examples of ethical failures in technology, such as data leaks or intellectual property theft, and their consequences.
• Highlight South African laws like the POPI Act and its importance in protecting data.
• Explore ethical decision-making frameworks and how they apply to daily technology use.

Conclude by asking students to reflect on their technology use: Are they being ethical in how they handle hardware, software, computer management, and networks? Discuss how making ethical choices strengthens not only their digital reputation but also the broader community.