This paper presents a brief introduction and background on the subject of computer ethics. It then suggests methods which can be used to incorporate the topic of professional computer ethics into the IS course. Included are specific exercises, readings, and an ethics quiz. Today's complicated society and the ever increasing role of IS in all aspects of our society require the IS professional be prepared to make ethical decisions. These decisions have a much farther reach than the individual IS professional and require the IS professional to be prepared to handle responsibilities which impact on society.
Industry can present the computer professional with some very unique ethical choices.
IS educators, as a whole, may be somewhat negligent in providing the necessary education in computer ethics. Thus, the role of the individual IS faculty member becomes even more important as a result. Teaching computer ethics in the classroom can no longer be considered an optional topic. Society demands that future IS professionals be prepared to analyze the complex problems confronting them and make the proper ethical decisions. It is an obligation of the IS faculty member to help train the student to be prepared for this responsibility.