Philosophical and ethical concerns in researching online learning groups

There is hype in the use of technology for teaching and learning. Online learning groups have been preferred and advocated for increasing learning. However, developing technology supported teaching and learning require user centered approaches to ensure that the design solutions meet users' needs. Since the research is situated within a practice area of online learning groups, pragmatism and social constructivism will inform this study. In this paper, pragmatism and social constructivism philosophy is discussed. The non-consequentialist philosophical ethical approach and how it relates to this research field is also analyzed. The paper argues that non-consequentialist philosophical ethical approach is the most appropriate in researching online learning groups. This will be done through elaborating on our research methodology aimed at analyzing and supporting online learning groups. This case will guide the discussion in the philosophical and ethical concerns in the area of online learning groups. We conclude that pragmatism, social constructivism and non-consequentialism theoretical lenses can offer possibilities for ethically researching online learning groups.