Researching the ethical dimensions of mobile, ubiquitous, and immersive technology enhanced learning (MUITEL) in informal settings: a thematic review and dialogue

Lally, V., Sharples, M., Tracy, F., Bertram, N. and Masters, S. (2012) Researching the ethical dimensions of mobile, ubiquitous, and immersive technology enhanced learning (MUITEL) in informal settings: a thematic review and dialogue. Interactive Learning Environments, 20(3), pp. 217-238. (doi: 10.1080/10494820.2011.607829)

Abstract

In this paper we examine the ethical dimensions of researching the mobile, ubiquitous and immersive dimensions of technology enhanced learning (MUITEL), with a particular focus on learning in informal settings. We begin with an analysis of the interactions between mobile, ubiquitous and immersive technologies and the wider context of the 'digital economy'. In this analysis we identify social, economic and educational developments that blur boundaries: between the individual and the consumer, between the formal and the informal, between education and other forms of learning. This leads to a complex array of possibilities for learning designs, and an equally complex array of ethical dimensions and challenges. We then examined the recent literature on the ethical dimensions of TEL research, and identify key trends, ethical dilemmas, and issues for researchers investigating MUITEL in informal educational settings. We then used a research dialogue between the authors (as researchers) to illuminate these MUITEL research challenges, and indicate new trends in ethical procedure that may offer ways forward for researchers in this fascinating field. We conclude with an outline, derived from the foregoing analysis, of ways in which ethical guidelines and processes can be developed by researchers, through interacting with participants and other professionals. We conclude that ethical issues need to remain open questions, and be revisited, as part of research practices. Because technologies and relationships develop, ongoing reassessments will always be required in the light of new understandings. We hope that this analysis will inspire and support continued reflection and discussion about how to conduct ethically committed MUITEL research.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Intended as lead article in a Special Issue on Ethics and Popuklar Digital Technologies (Ed J Traxler), for 2011<p></p> This is an Author's Original Manuscript of an article submitted for consideration in the Interactive Learning Environments © Taylor and Francis; Interactive Learning Environments is available online at http://www.tandfonline.com/ http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2011.607829.<p></p>
• Keywords: Mobile ubiquitous immersive technology enhanced learning research ethics
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lally, Professor Victor
• Authors: Lally, V., Sharples, M., Tracy, F., Bertram, N., and Masters, S.
• Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science; L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education; L Education > L Education (General)
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Research Group: Interdisciplinary Sciences, Education, Technologies and Learning
• Journal Name: Interactive Learning Environments
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 1049-4820
• ISSN (Online): 1744-5191
• Published Online: 13 March 2012
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 Taylor and Francis
• First Published: First published in Interactive Learning Environments 2012 20(3):217-238
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
46839	1	Inter-life: Interoperability and transition	Victor Lally	Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC)	ES/F042116/1	Interdisciplinary Science Education Technologies and Learning