Abstract
This article presents the findings of a systematic qualitative analysis of research in the ethics of digital trace data use in learning and education. From the resulting analysis of 77 peer-reviewed studies, we (1) map the characteristics of research by study type, academic community, institutional setting, and national context; (2) identify the primary ethical concerns and related responses; and (3) highlight the research gaps. Four areas of focus are identified in this emerging area: (1) privacy, informed consent, and data ownership; (2) validity and integrity; (3) ethical decision making; and (4) governance and accountability. We highlight the lack of evidence particularly for preschool and school-aged children and the disparate communities working in this domain, and we suggest a more cohesive approach, where the wider learning and educational ecosystem is recognized, explicit engagement with ethical theory is central, and mid- to long-term ethical issues are considered alongside immediate concerns.
Highlights
We would like to draw attention here to two broader issues cut across all four thematic themes: transparency and power
From the mapping phase we can see that the two broad academic communities set out at the beginning of the article, that is, those engaged in learning analytics and EDM and those focused on digital education governance, are clearly identifiable in the data
We have carried out a systematic qualitative analysis of the emerging research in the ethics of digital trace data use in learning and education
Summary
We would like to draw attention here to two broader issues cut across all four thematic themes: transparency and power. There are discussions relating to the need for greater transparency in data privacy, access, and ownership (i.e., students knowing what data are being collected and having access to their own data), in data interrogation (having access to and understanding the processes and algorithms to which the data are subjected), and in the activities of corporate and third party actor
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
