Video - Ethical Dilemmas in the Application of Digital Technologies in Education

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Video 4. Ethical Dilemmas in the Application of Digital Technologies in Education

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The integration of technology into education has introduced new challenges and responsibilities for both teachers and students in the digital age. Educational ethics demand particular attention. In this video, we highlight aspects of digital education that commonly give rise to ethical dilemmas. Ethics in education are grounded in values such as respect for privacy, academic integrity, transparency, and accountability. Respecting privacy means protecting students' personal data. Academic integrity encompasses plagiarism prevention and unethical conduct. Transparency requires clarity in communication and assessment, whereas accountability involves awareness of the consequences of actions in the digital realm. What do we encounter in the digital educational environment and what options align with ethical principles? For instance, protecting personal data can be achieved through appropriate privacy settings in your LMS. Additionally, plagiarism prevention can be addressed by employing authentication tools and educating students. Finally, the use of grading rubrics facilitates clear communication with students, ensuring that they understand the criteria and expectations n online education. Ethical dilemmas are not exceptions, but are becoming commonplace issues. Typical questions include, should I require students to turn on their cameras? Can I record classes without the consent of all the participants? How can I verify a student's digital presence if they do not participate or speak up? Although these issues are not entirely new, there is no clear consensus or definitive answer. However, their responses should be rooted in ethical principles. An ethical relationship with students is based on respect, clarity, and balance between rights and obligations. While recording lectures can assist students in catching up on missed content, it also raises privacy concerns. If recordings capture names, voices, or images, they become personal data and usually require consent. Legally, this necessitates consent and ethically an informed decision. In practice, it has been observed that students are more likely to consent if they understand what is being recorded, where and why. However, if a student cannot or will not provide consent, an alternative must be provided. Many teachers find it uncomfortable and even frustrating to speak to blank squares" when students' cameras are off. However, mandating that cameras be turned on can make students uncomfortable, infringe on their privacy and create inequality among students. It is important to remember that some students share their rooms, so turning on the camera may expose people who are not part of their learning environment. They might not feel safe or comfortable revealing their surroundings to strangers Instead of enforcing this, it is better to offer alternative ways for inclusion such as chat. Emoji reactions and voice participation in online education presence is not the same as physically sitting in front of a video conferencing platform. Students can be fully engaged through the use of forums, assignments, and reflections. It's crucial to define what being present means in the context of our course and communicate this clearly to students. When students know that their interactions are noticed, valued, and appreciated, even if they're not visual, they're more inclined to participate. It is important to recognize digital presence is multidimensional and should be valued as such. Technological tools for exam monitoring can enhance the security of assessments, but can also undermine trust. When students know they're being recorded by facial recognition software, they may feel more like suspects than participants in an educational activity. Before implementing monitoring tools, consider alternative assessment formats such as projects, problem solving tasks, or open exams. Ethical decision making in digital education requires balancing the integrity of assessment processes with respect for individual rights. Numerous tools and resources support ethically sound procedures. For instance, privacy protection guides in LMS help configure settings correctly while, plagiarism detection and authentication tools assist in upholding academic integrity. We must also remember the importance of ongoing education in this area. So online courses on digital ethics provide additional information and training. Unfortunately, ethical dilemmas and questions cannot be resolved using a script. Each dilemma requires careful reflection. First, consider knowledge such as the GDPR, and then the code of ethics and regulations of your institution. Next, reflect on your own practice: What is ethical and professional? Finally, let us not forget to put ourselves in the students’ shoes. Ask yourself how you would feel in such a situation. By embracing all three points, we can make more informed decisions. Ethics are the foundation of all forms of education, including digital education. Applying ethical values in a digital environment ensures fairness, trust, and quality in education. Both instructors and students share responsibility for upholding high ethical standards.