Ethical Issues in Blended

Learning
 INTRODUCTIO
N
Blended learning, which combines traditional face-to-face instruction with
online learning, presents several ethical challenges. These challenges can be
grouped into various categories such as intellectual property rights, privacy
and confidentiality, accessibility, and appropriate use of technology. Below
is a summary of the key ethical issues in blended learning.
 Intellectual Property Rights

Copyright Infringement:
With the digitization of educational materials, there is an
increased risk of copyright infringement. Teachers and
students may share materials online without proper
attribution or permission, exacerbating intellectual
property issues​​.
 Intellectual Property Rights

Moral and Economic Rights:

Academic authors are concerned with protecting their
moral rights (being acknowledged as the creator) and
economic rights (receiving compensation for their work).
The ease of copying and distributing digital content
makes it harder to control and protect these rights​
 Privacy and Confidentiality
ANONYMITY AND TRUST:
The internet offers both
anonymity and visibility, which
can lead to ethical dilemmas.
Students might engage in
behavior online that they
wouldn’t consider in a face-to-
face setting. Ensuring a
respectful and safe online
environment is crucial​​.
PERSISTENT NATURE OF ONLINE COMMENTS:
Comments made online are
MESSAGE CONFIDENTIALITY:
persistent and can be seen by
a wide audience. A
thoughtless remark can lead
to significant negative
Online communications, consequences, including
such as forum posts and
misunderstandings and
emails, should be treated as escalated conflicts​
confidential. Using students'
messages in course
assignments or research
without consent can infringe
on their privacy​
 Accessibility and Digital Divide
Access to Technology:
Not all students have equal access to
technology. Some may lack the necessary
hardware, software, or internet
connectivity, which can hinder their ability
to participate fully in blended learning.
This digital divide can exacerbate existing
inequalities
Support for Disabled Students:
Blended learning can be both an
opportunity and a barrier for disabled
students. Institutions must ensure that
online learning platforms are accessible to
all students, including those with
disabilities​
Appropriate Use of Health and Safety
Technology Extended use of computers and digital
devices can have health implications,
such as eye strain or repetitive strain
injuries. Institutions should provide
guidance on safe use practices to avoid
Netiquette and Online Conduct these issues​
Clear guidelines for appropriate online
behavior (netiquette) are essential.
These guidelines should cover issues
like respectful communication,
appropriate content sharing, and the use
of institution’s networks and resources
for educational purposes only
 CONCLUSIONS

By addressing these ethical issues proactively,

institutions can create a more equitable, respectful, and
effective blended learning environment. Ensuring proper
training, clear policies, and ongoing support for both
students and staff are key steps in managing these ethical
challenges.
Terima
Kasih