Engaging Distance Students: Ethical Inquiries

Abstract

We report on an issue related to the distance delivery of Initial Teacher Education, with particular reference to EDIS723, a compulsory course on inquiry learning within the Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (GradDipTchLn). A dilemma is posed by tensions between the need for ethical student research and the nature of inquiry as explored by students, particularly those who study by the Flexible Learning Option (FLO). The nature of inquiry learning and the requirements of EDIS723 are discussed. The ethical approval process carried out by the University of Canterbury Educational Research Human Ethics Committee (ERHEC) is examined, particularly in relation to the ‘blanket approval’ option which may be granted to courses or assignments. The problems posed by the lack of faceto-face interaction with FLO students, together with the online solutions which have been developed are outlined.