A Learning Support Method to Raise Awareness of the Knowledge-to-Action Gap in Information Ethics

Abstract

If learners cannot form an intention to take an appropriate action regarding the knowledge of information ethics, it cannot be said that the learners acquired working knowledge of ethical principles. It is necessary to conduct a learning activity so that they can realize the difference between behaviors in a realm of learning/training situation and those in real-life situations. In the present study, we propose a learning support method to raise self-awareness of the inconsistency between knowledge and intention in information ethics. On the basis of the proposed method we develop an education program, and conduct the program for first-year university students. The program consists of two phases. In the first phase, students answered paper-and-pencil tests consisting of two tasks: behavior selection task to confirm the knowledge-to-action gap, and behavior evaluation task to ensure factors contributing to the gap. In the second phase, students were shown the graph of experimental results as feedback. As results of quantitative and qualitative analysis on questionnaire for evaluating learning activities, the program allowed students to capture the gap as their own matters and to recognize the activities as learning opportunity on information ethics. In addition, the program enhanced motivation of the participants toward learning information ethical behavior.