Online Student Privacy in Higher Education: A Systematic Review of the Research

ABSTRACT

This systematic review of research on online student privacy in higher education used a strategic search process to synthesize research on online student privacy based on publications trends, research methods, online spaces studied and the focus of the research. A total of 41 articles were analyzed to explore the existing literature on the topic. Most of the articles utilized undergraduate students as research subjects, and a majority focused on social media as the site of online privacy interest. Few studies considered the impact of faculty on student privacy in online spaces or included online collaboration tools as an area of privacy concern for students. The most common focus of research found among the articles was online privacy behavior. This theme is closely related to the theme of privacy paradox, which was analyzed in previous related systematic reviews. The results of this systematic review have implications for future research in online instruction and student privacy.

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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Funding

Funding information is not applicable/No funding was received.