A literature review on artificial intelligence and ethics in online learning

Abstract In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been used in online learning to improve teaching and learning, with the aim of providing a more efficient, purposeful, adaptive, ubiquitous, and fair learning experiences. However, and as it has been seen in other contexts, the integration of AI can have unforeseen consequences with detrimental effects which can result in unfair and discriminatory decisions. Therefore it is worth thinking about potential risks that learning environments integrating AI systems might pose. This work explores the intersections between AI, online learning, and ethics in order to understand the ethical concerns surrounding this crossroads. We review the main ethical challenges identified in the literature and distill a set of guidelines to support the ethical design and integration of AI systems in online learning environments. This should help ensure that online learning is how is meant to be: accessible, inclusive, fair, and beneficial to society.