Ethical Challenges of Digital Leadership in Secondary Education

Authors

  • Syed Ghazanfer Abbas* PhD Scholar, Faculty of Education, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Arshad Iqbal Assistant Education Officer M-EE Tehsil Murree, MS Education/ Research Scholar, Faculty of Education, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Dr. Noreen Ayaz Department of Education, University of Haripur, KP. Principal, GGHSS, DINGII
  • Hira Batool Faculty of Tafseer & Aloom e Quran, Al-Musatafa Open University Qoom, Iran

Abstract

This study analyzed the ethical challenges faced by digital leadership in secondary education, particularly focusing on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in student assessments, monitoring, and surveillance. The objectives were to explore how school leaders navigate the ethical dilemmas arising from AI implementation and to identify strategies for ensuring fair and equitable technology use in schools. A descriptive research design was adopted, using a survey approach. The sample comprised 150 school leaders (principals, vice-principals, and IT coordinators) from urban and suburban secondary schools. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using statistical tools, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The findings revealed significant ethical concerns regarding privacy breaches (80% of respondents), biases in AI-driven assessments (65%), and the potential misuse of monitoring systems (58%). Correlation analysis showed a strong relationship between the level of AI integration and the frequency of ethical dilemmas faced by school leaders (r=0.78,p<0.05r = 0.78, p < 0.05). Regression analysis highlighted that ethical training and robust policies accounted for 62% of the variance in mitigating these challenges (R2=0.62R^2 = 0.62). Discussions emphasized the need for leadership to prioritize student consent, ensure transparency in AI systems, and provide comprehensive ethical guidelines for technology use. The study concluded that while AI offers transformative potential in secondary education, its implementation must be carefully managed to uphold ethical standards. School leaders play a pivotal role in balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring that AI technologies enhance education without compromising student rights. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of AI-driven technologies on educational equity and stakeholder trust.

Keywords: Ethical challenges, Digital leadership, Artificial intelligence (AI), Secondary Education, Privacy concerns

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Published

2024-12-22

How to Cite

Syed Ghazanfer Abbas*, Arshad Iqbal, Dr. Noreen Ayaz, & Hira Batool. (2024). Ethical Challenges of Digital Leadership in Secondary Education. Journal of Social Signs Review, 2(4), 191–213. Retrieved from https://socialsignsreivew.com/index.php/12/article/view/44

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 4 (2024): Journal of Social Signs Review (OCT-DEC-ISSUE)

Section

Articles