Ethical Principles in E-Learning; Investigating Key Issues in Instructional Design and Teaching Methods: A Narrative Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Virtual School, Comprehensive Center of Excellence for E_ Learning in Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Background: The expansion of E-learning has brought about new ethical challenges concerning academic integrity, privacy, inclusivity, technological impacts, and power dynamics, necessitating careful examination. This article reviews the literature related to ethical issues in online education to prioritize considerations for instructors and educators.
Methods:  A narrative review of 49 articles on E-learning ethics published during 2005-2022 was conducted. The inclusion criteria focused on full-text English-language publications in the field of higher education published in peer-reviewed academic journals or conference proceedings. Studies without empirical or theoretical analysis were excluded. Manuscripts were retrieved via Google Scholar, ERIC, and Education Source databases utilizing “online learning ethics,” “e-learning ethics,” “academic integrity,” and “learner privacy” keywords. The articles were analyzed using qualitative synthesis. The articles' quality was evaluated using the SANRA checklist.
Results: Among the 273 articles identified, 49 were finally selected for the analysis. The study highlights five main ethical priorities: maintaining academic integrity through comprehensive policies, safeguarding learner privacy via data security mechanisms, enhancing inclusivity through design considerations, evaluating technological impacts, and exercising responsible instructor power.
Conclusion: Actively addressing ethical complexities enhances academic integrity in digital classrooms, but sustainable engagement with the evolution of e-learning requires continuous participation. The findings shed light on the responsibilities of online educators in empowering diverse learners.

Keywords

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Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences
Volume 14, Issue 4 - Serial Number 55
December 2023
Pages 251-262

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 September 2023
  • Revise Date: 22 September 2023
  • Accept Date: 07 October 2023
  • Publish Date: 01 December 2023

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