ERIC Number: EJ1084451
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1547-9714
EISSN: N/A
Using Technology to Support Discussions on Sensitive Topics in the Study of Business Ethics
Fong, Michelle
Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, v14 p243-256 2015
There is a dearth of research into teaching strategies and learning approaches for units involving sensitive topics that can provoke an emotional response in students. In a business ethics unit, attempts to strike a balance between conceptual knowledge and theory and skills training can be challenging because the unit can involve personal, sensitive or controversial topics. When engaging in deep and meaningful face-to-face discussion, students may unknowingly divulge personal opinions that they later regret or become identified with by other students over time. Value-laden topics may also lead to clashes between students if face-to-face discussions are not managed properly. This paper considers the use of technology in blended learning to provide an optimal learning environment for student discussion on sensitive topics via role-play and simulation in a first-year business ethics unit. The Audience Response System (ARS), online discussion boards and blogs, and wikis are assessed for their suitability in supporting online role-play and simulation. Among these online tools, asynchronous online discussion boards and blogs are the ideal tools for supporting student discussion on sensitive topics in online role-play and simulation.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Ethical Instruction, Technology Uses in Education, Blended Learning, Controversial Issues (Course Content), Role Playing, Simulation, Business Administration Education, Audience Response Systems, Group Discussion, Electronic Learning, Collaborative Writing, Electronic Publishing, Electronic Journals, Asynchronous Communication, Computer Mediated Communication
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A