RCR Course for class

I completed the RCR course entitled: "CITI Physical Sciences and engineering RCR Course For The Unaffiliated Learner". While most of the information presented had little bearing on cyber-ethics, I think a couple of points are very valid.

The first part of the course focuses on reasearch misconduct. The goal is to make the reader understand that if the researcher cannot be trusted, then the research results may be invalid. I can understand how this could be relevant to cyber ethics because if an individual embellishes his findings, his entire collection procedures and his reputation can be tarnished. If this were a criminal case involving specific information removed from an individuals hard drive, the information can be thrown out of court and the accused may walk; this is especially important in a cyber-forensics case. This module also discussed the importance of data storage; the "data must be stored in a safe and secure manner during and after the conclusion of the research project."

I also liked the module that discussed the importance of how "scientists balance the free exchange of some sensitive scientific data and information with the possibility that a terrorist or other threat to national security might use the material."

I think this is a very important point regarding computer security and computer forensics. It has been demonstrated that some scientists believe the value of their work transcends security: they will actively share information and specific data about their projects without regards to the sensitive nature of their work. The data obtained in the research is important, but oftentimes the methods used to obtain the data is as, or more, important than the data itself; this was painfully evident during the Manhattan Project. I believe this can be a key issue regarding cyber ethics in this class: the students taking part in this class should not only refrain from using the tools and skills obtained outside of the controlled environment of the class, but should also not publicly discuss their research or data-gathering methods with individuals not in the class.

In my opinion I don't think there was as much of a focus on ethical issues as it relates to computing environments; the modules appeared to focus on ethics and honesty in more of a lab structure. I would recommend either a different course, or possibly a guest-speaker with specific examples of how individuals did not make good ethical choices regarding some of the tools or information we will be learning about this semester, and the consequences of those choices.