Surveillance in the Virtual Classroom

Introduction

Virtual classrooms have many advantages over traditional classrooms. One notable improvement is that they are able to quickly and clearly generate a record of learning activities. For example, forums and chat rooms can preserve the explanations, instructions and conversations of both students and teachers. Resource folders can maintain a log of materials both uploaded and downloaded. Website traffic can be monitored, and automated online assessment systems can track the progress of individuals and groups. Such technologies provide students, lecturers and educational institutes with an unprecedented level of information regarding the process of learning. Whilst the existence of such data may have numerous benefits, in this chapter I wish to explore some possible detriments. In particular, how such information provides the grounds for a degree of surveillance never before experienced within the classroom.