Holistic ethics approach in e-learning: Shared values and norms

The main purpose of this study is to investigate how ethical elements affect different dimensions of e-learning and to find out whether there are any generally accepted or shared values and norms about ethics in e-learning or not. In line with the determined purpose, all the sub-headings of the systems view were used as a checklist to cover all the issues about ethics in e-learning. In the study, a qualitative method research design was used, and the interpretative phenomenology approach was adopted. The data were formed upon the semi-structured interviews held with 13 field experts from different countries who have over 20 years of experience in open and distance education. The interview questions were prepared considering social-constructivism and deontological ethics theories, which form the theoretical framework of the study. A thorough thematic literature analysis was also carried out to find complete answers to the research questions. The data were analyzed using qualitative analysis software MAXQDA. The results and the interpretation of the data revealed a detailed framework on ethics in e-learning under four sub-themes: learning, technology, interaction, and administration of e-learning. The study also formed a categorization of common ethical problems in today's e-learning environments and demonstrated that there are common and shared norms and values on ethics with a checklist on ethics in e-learning.