ECP150 - Ethical Considerations for Telecommunicators

Subject Title
Ethical Considerations for Telecommunicators

Subject Description
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of ethical theories, values, morality, and codes of conduct. It introduces the concept of ethical decision-making and examines contemporary ethical issues faced by telecommunicators and law enforcement officials. Students will examine contemporary and historical issues, including those found in communication centres, such as corruption, negativity, bullying, and develop critical thinking skills that will assist them in resolving these situations and any ethical dilemmas that they encounter through the application of case studies, scenarios, and the examination of current events. 

Credit Status
This is a required course in the 911/Emergency Services Communications (ESC) program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Define the significance of personal values systems and how they relate to ethics. 

2. Compare and contrast the major schools of ethical thought and moral reasoning. 

3. Describe the historical development of ethical reasoning and decision-making. 

4. Identify and discuss the six stages of moral development. 

5. Discuss contemporary police, fire, and EMS culture and its impact on ethical behaviour. 

6. Discuss contemporary ethical issues faced by telecommunicators in Canada. 

7. Explain how codes of conduct are applied to telecommunication services.

Essential Employability Skills
    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.