Cyberethics Education in Open and Distance Learning How Technology Shapes Responsible Digital Citizenship Among Generation Z Students Section Articles

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Published May 30, 2026
https://doi.org/10.46362/chevra.v1i1.133
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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): CHEVRA: Indonesian Journal of Economic, Science, and Humanities

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Aderinola Ololade Dunmade
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7745-0494

Abstract

In the digital era, cyberethics education has become essential for fostering responsible digital citizenship. This study examines the role of technology in enhancing cyberethics education and shaping responsible online behaviours among Generation Z students enrolled in open and distance learning (ODL). Using the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, a qualitative descriptive design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six purposively sampled Gen Z students at the University of Ilorin Centre for Open and Distance Learning, Nigeria. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that while participants are digital natives, their understanding and application of cyberethics vary considerably. Digital educational platforms emerged as significant influences on ethical behaviour. Technology holds strong potential for cyberethics education when integrated meaningfully into curricula and designed to promote ethical conduct. The study recommends revising technology education policies to embed cyberethics more effectively and implementing professional development programmes to equip educators with TPACK-aligned competencies. This study contributes empirically to the scarce literature on cyberethics in open and distance learning contexts within sub-Saharan Africa, extending the TPACK framework to cyberethics pedagogy. It also provides actionable, evidence-based recommendations for policy revision and educator training to bridge the gap between digital nativeness and ethical competence.

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How to Cite
Dunmade, A. O. (2026). Cyberethics Education in Open and Distance Learning: How Technology Shapes Responsible Digital Citizenship Among Generation Z Students. CHEVRA: Indonesian Journal of Economic, Science, and Humanities, 1(1), 29–44. https://doi.org/10.46362/chevra.v1i1.133

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