Information Ethics Awareness among Teachers Regarding Intellectual Property and the Use of Digital Resources

A Case Study of an Educational Complex in Al-Taif

Abstract

This study aimed to diagnose the level of awareness of information ethics among teachers, focusing on intellectual property rights and the responsible use of digital resources. The study adopted a quantitative descriptive methodology, and a 15-item questionnaire was administered to a sample of 33 teachers in a boys' educational complex in Taif, Saudi Arabia, which includes 60 teachers. The results also revealed a good theoretical awareness among the teachers, as 81.8% of them expressed conviction in the importance of adhering to information ethics. However, a clear gap emerged between knowledge and practice, as 27.3% of teachers admitted to copying and distributing copyrighted books. The results also indicated key obstacles faced by teachers, which included time constraints (57.6%), difficulty accessing licensed resources (42.4%), and unclear school policies (39.4%). The study highlighted an urgent need for training, as 84.8% of teachers expressed their need for specialized training courses. The teachers also demonstrated a high spirit of cooperation, with 75.8% of them taking the initiative to advise their colleagues when they notice mistakes in handling digital resources. The study concluded with a set of recommendations, the most important of which are establishing a reliable school platform for licensed educational materials, creating a clear policy guide for using digital resources, activating a peer mentoring system, and organizing internal training programs. These recommendations emphasize the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach that includes school administration, teachers, and supervisory bodies to enhance awareness of information ethics and turn it into a daily practice.