Virtual Reality in Classrooms: Addressing Ethical Challenges in Educational Technology

As Virtual Reality (VR) is on the rise in popularity in learning contexts, the corresponding ethical challenges of its use increase in complexity and importance. This theoretical paper discusses the ethical consequences posed by VR use in education, with a special focus on the perspectives of privacy, data security, and psychological consequences on students. The paper will identify resulting risks and suggest necessary guidelines for educators and developers. The paper discusses how to balance innovative educational benefits with the need to protect student welfare, to promote an ethical approach to the use of VR technology in the classroom setting. This paper contributes to the ongoing debate about the responsible use of new technologies in educational settings and presents policy priorities that seek to protect student rights and welfare.