Ethical Rounds - The Case of The Missing WiFi

Ethical Rounds Presentation

"The Case of The Missing WiFi"

The Case of the Missing WiFi - Part 1

Bakersville Elementary School is a highly respected school in Diamondback, Idaho. They have a very good STEM program and like to integrate technology into their curriculum. Students usually do very well in their programs but they also fail to realize that not all of their students come from the same economic background. Most students come from a middle or high class family, however some students live in areas that are below the poverty line. This is an ongoing issue that some students face and has gone unnoticed. This is the case for students like Theodore. 

Theodore is a fourth grade student at Bakersville Elementary School. He is currently in his second semester and has been doing well all year. He typically completes all of his assignments on time and has received all A’s on his previous report cards. He gets along with his classroom peers and is regarded as a gifted student. He has even won multiple awards throughout the school year. However, his home life is not as bright. He lives with his mom, dad, five siblings, and his grandmother. Their house is small and space is very limited. He shares a room with two of his siblings and because finances are tight, they do not have electronic devices, cable tv, or Wi-Fi. This poses a huge problem for Theodore, as his teacher, Ms. Garcia has assigned a homework project that is due tomorrow and he has no way to complete it. No one in his family is able to take him to the library because it is an hour away and their car is currently not working. Theodore is afraid of the ramifications of not completing the assignment on time. Especially because he does not want to look like a bad student or disappoint his teacher. 

The Case of the Missing WiFi - Part 2

Ms. Garcia has been teaching for 5 years at Bakersville Elementary School. As a younger teacher she has lots of new ideas to bring to the classroom, such as the integration of technology. She believes that all of her students would benefit from using technology in the classroom. She loves giving her students assignments where they get the opportunity to explore new technology. Ms. Garcia has high standards for her students and wants them all to be successful. Her colleagues are often impressed by her technological innovations and would describe her as helpful and caring. However, Ms. Garcia has a tendency to brag about her family’s wealth to others, including her students. Sometimes when she does this, she comes off as prideful and boujee. Those around her find themselves feeling inferior and intimidated. It is no surprise that Ms. Garcia would give out an assignment without considering her students' access to technology. Without a second thought, she gives her students an assignment where they need to complete a coding challenge at home then print out a certificate of completion. She is ignorantly unaware that the assignment will create an issue for some of her students like Theodore.

The Case of the Missing WiFi - Part 3

Theodore is faced with a dilemma. His assignment is due tomorrow and he does not have enough time to find another way to get internet access. Because of this, there is no way he can complete the assignment. Now Theodore has a decision to make. His first option is to tell the teacher that he does not have internet access and will not be able to do the homework assignment. However, he is embarrassed that his family does not have a lot of money so he is not sure if he wants to tell Ms. Garcia. He thinks that if he tells her, she might not be able to help or might not be happy with him. But, he also thinks that she might give him another assignment instead of this one. His second option is to ask a friend to copy their assignment and hope that she does not notice. But he is afraid of doing this because he does not like to cheat, and he also does not want his friends to know his economic situation. Finally, Theodore wonders if he should just not tell anyone and not do the assignment. If he does not do the assignment, he will receive a zero but he has been getting A’s so it should not affect his grade too much.

Open Ended

Name one of the stakeholders in this case?

Stakeholders

• Theodore

• Ms. Garcia

• Bakersville Elementary School

• Theodore's Family

Outcomes

• 1: Tell the teacher that he does not have internet access and that he will not be able to do the assignment

• 2: Ask a friend to copy their assignment

• 3: Not tell anyone and not complete the assignment

Poll

How would you analyze this case?

• Consequentialist POV

• Non-Consequentialist POV

Discussion

Volunteer to defend each point of view

Poll

What would be the best possible solution?

• Tell the teacher

• Copy from a friend

• Say nothing and not do the assignment

Open Ended

Defend your choice!

Poll

This case follows a teacher who comes from money and is very prideful. Do you think the situation would be different if this was not the case?

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

Poll

When considering professionalism in the teaching profession, should teachers be allowed to discuss their private lives, such as wealth with other colleagues and students?

• Yes

• No

• It depends

Let's Discuss

• Theodore attends a school that has a curriculum which heavily utilizes technology. Is it fair that the school does this without considering the different income levels of the students within the school community?

• Should the school make it a point to find out the economic situations of all families so that they can provide the proper materials for learning?

• If so, is the school responsible for providing materials to students who cannot afford them?