Storychasers

I would like to start a conversation about whether StoryChaser project participants should have a code of ethics. If we can be certain of anything in our digital world, we can be sure that the mainstream media is going to jump on any opportunity to amplify and showcase bad / inappropriate / destructive uses of digital technologies by kids to further reinforce the commonly held public perception that all technology is evil and kids shouldn't be on the Internet at all. There are many prospective reasons for creating, supporting and participating in Storychaser projects, but one of the most important is to help encourage and showcase POSITIVE examples of student-created digital stories as well as other uses of new media technologies. One of the LAST things we want is to have the project blow up in our faces, because a student participant posted a school fight video to YouTube or sent something inappropriate as a cell phone multimedia message to others in his/her school.

We can't control anyone's behavior, but we certainly can establish some guidelines for participation in our Storychaser projects. I'm thinking we might establish a code of ethics which all teacher and student participants must agree to and sign (locally) that reads something like this:

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As a member of the Storychasers project and community, I promise to conduct myself in an honorable manner both online and offline in ways which positively enhance the reputation of the Storychasers project, my community, my school, my family, and myself. I understand that my words and actions online and offline represent all of these organizations and groups, in addition to myself. I furthermore resolve and agree not to tolerate others in our Storychaser's community who fail to follow our code of ethics. I will communicate privately and tactfully with my Storychaser school advisor and Storychaser project coordinators if I learn about or become aware of Storychaser project participants who have or are violating this code of ethical conduct.
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As we help students develop their skills as citizens journalists, it is essential we talk about and model ethical behavior. The tools we are using and helping students to use are POWERFUL, and can be used in very visible, constructive as well as destructive ways. I think we need to address these issues in pro-active ways. Topics like integrity and honesty could become Storychaser project themes at some point. Students could interview adults with questions like, "Have you ever been pressured to lie or mislead others in your job? Can you please tell me that story?" Character education is very important inside and outside of school, and the Storychasers project may prove to be an outstanding vehicle and avenue for conversation about ethics and character development.

The "toleration clause" in this code of ethics may be the most difficult and controversial part of it, but I think it is very important. We want, in my view, Storychaser project participants to have an acute sense of pride and ownership in their participation in this project. Their ideas, thoughts, and behavior matters to those of us in the project and outside of it. Everyone needs to understand this responsibility, and take responsibility not only for their own words and actions but also for those of others. If someone becomes aware of another Storychaser project participant publishing media content that is not appropriate, or cyberbullying someone, then that situation NEEDS to be brought to the attention of others. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the event, the person who broke the code of ethics may need to be removed from the StoryChasers community, and/or counseled to change their behavior. These are tough issues, but tough issues are going to come up and we need to be as prepared for them as we can be.

What do you think?