Ethical Dimensions of the Increasing Usage of New Technologies in Virtual Education

Abstract

The interactivity, flexibility, and convenience offered by information and communication technologies have led to an educational paradigm shift from teacher-centered model to learner-centered whereby computers and the internet allow for active involvement of all participants in the learning process. However, the unbridled dynamics in the growth and features of these technologies poses several ethical challenges in their use in administering the essential goal of education, which is to foster a balanced development of the individual through appropriate knowledge acquisition and experience. This chapter examines various ethical conflicts involved in the prevalent usage of new technologies in virtual education. It argues that technology is malleable by nature. Therefore, fomenting mechanisms that promote transmission of socio-cultural and academic values would serve as a viable approach to resolving peculiar challenges constantly emanating from the use of technology in education.