1. USING TECHNOLOGY TO RESOLVE REAL-LIFE MORAL DILEMMAS
Vishalache Balakrishnan, PhD
University of Waikato, New Zealand.
University of Malaya, Malaysia.
INTRODUCTION
RESEARCH DESIGN FOR REAL-LIFE MORAL DILEMMA DISCUSSION (Re-LiMDD) ON-LINE
The purpose of this study is to contribute to contemporary debates about alternative ways of resolving moral conflicts on-line among individuals and groups in setting that is both complex and compulsory. This study explores alternatives to resolving real-life moral dilemmas on-line. It seeks to discover what young adolescents and educators describe as moral dilemmas, how they approach them and what they find useful in resolving these moral problems. The research is founded on a modified version of Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), extended to suit the multicultural, multiethnic setting, and here called the Zone of Collaborative Development (ZCD).
Re-LiMDD Process On-Line
Phase
Brief description 1
Approval and recruitment of participants 2
Rapport building with participants 3
Problem formulation participants 4
Procedures
Real-life moral dilemma discussions - within this phase there are reflective cycles at the end of each real-life dilemma discussion. All sessions take place in chat room/fb/group s.
For example: Moral Dilemma 1
Real-life dilemma discussion (Cycle 1)
Reflection/On-line forum
Real-life dilemma discussion (Cycle 2) 5
Reflective cycle: Participants express how the discussion helped them in their own daily lives. (Optional)
ABOUT THE STUDY
This study is based on the modified version of Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), extended to suit a multicultural, multiethnic societal setting; and here called the Zone of Collaborative Development (ZCD). In ZPD, it was suggested that what an individual learn and does in cooperation today; based on the knowledge and experiences of his capable peers can be transferred to his action tomorrow when he does it alone. However, in current situation, ZCD through on line technology provides the opportunity for individuals to learn from each other’s cultures and experiences because of the equality in power sharing implicit in the process of collaboration.
FINDINGS
Types of moral sphere where participants have moral conflicts.
Educational Policies
“Glocal” culture (inclusive of traditional/cont emporary culture and globalisation)
Ethnicity and religion
“Social Contract”
On-Line Participants
Autonomy
Respect
Freedom
Trust
Tolerance
The study suggests that resolving moral issues on-line might better engage participants’ interests, whilst at the same time contributing to inter-cultural tolerance and understanding; in a virtual, safe environment.