This chapter explores the pros and cons of anonymity in cyber education and discusses possible ethical and social implications for online learning. It evaluates both sides of the anonymity issue and presents strategies that may help cyber educators and instructional designers safeguard academic integrity. The educational implications include concern for authenticity and academic integrity, and the dynamics found in social presence. This chapter discusses pertinent policy while analyzing anonymity’s potential for limiting and monitoring academic freedom and the social benefits it brings. Strategies are suggested to enhance social presence by planning for interaction through the instructional design process. The far-reaching effects of anonymity within online educational settings and group dynamics have immediate and long term implications for instruction and learning.
TopChapter Objectives
The reader will be able to:
- •
Understand the educational implications of anonymity in cyber education
- •
Understand how the enactment of policies attempt to protect individuals as well as institutions
- •
Identify the main two ways in which academic integrity breaches may occur in online courses.
- •
Evaluate different strategies that may be used to safeguard academic integrity.
TopIntroduction
The topic of anonymity in cyber education presents ethical concerns as well as benefits. The privacy offered by the anonymity of cyberspace can influence a person’s level of isolation. This is a risk that online learners take and which instructional designers must minimize by planning for interactions that increase social presence. Anonymity also brings about the added concerns of academic integrity and authenticity. This chapter will explore ethical and social implications of anonymity in cyber education.
Anonymity affects class discussions, emerging online identities, and interpretations. This brings a new freedom for learners or instructors who do not want to feel categorized, such as those with a physical disability who could be perceived negatively (Lance, 2002). The benefits of anonymity also create challenges. Constructivist learning theories support online instructional modeling strategies that may help enhance social presence and thus reduce the feelings of remoteness.
While some individuals may actually prefer seclusion, most online learners either choose or are required to actively participate in the course. New social norms are developed within the course room as students get to know each other through interactions. These norms require that individuals use new communication skills (Kerka, 1996). Monitoring within the online environment is also a necessary task for instructors and administrators alike. E-learning platforms, such as WebCT, not only let instructors monitor how learners are using the course room, but also offer features for administrators to go behind the scenes and assess the effectiveness of the instructor.
There is a dichotomy in a technological society: on one hand, anonymity is one of the characteristics of technology; on the other hand, evolving technologies are making anonymity increasingly less evident. Misconduct and improper use of the Internet have prompted governments around the globe to seek regulation and control over the anonymity inherent in Web-based communications. The online community, including distance learners, is affected by these policies and/or lack of them.
Anonymity is the capability to act in private. Privacy means the ability to act without being known or isolated from the invasion of others. In years past, choosing not to reveal one’s name or writing with a pseudonym enabled anonymity. Through anonymity, individuals have the freedom to think and express their ideals, even if these ideals may not be in favor politically or socially. It also offers protection from ridicule and retribution. Being unreachable though, has other consequences (Nissenbaum, 1999). Some of these consequences include identity theft, lack of authenticity, and lack of personalization. Anonymity may also exaggerate fear and isolation.