The Hidden Curriculum in Online Education Based on Systematized Review

Context: The set of learning and experiences gained by learners is not limited to formal and explicit curriculum, and there are inevitably other factors besides the explicit curriculum. These factors are valuable opportunities that can enrich the learning experience and, on the other hand, are threats that challenge the education system if ignored. Objectives: The purpose of this review was to summarize evidence on the hidden curriculum in online education. Data Sources: This study is a systematized review of scientific-research articles in the field of hidden curriculum in online education. For this purpose, databases of Scopus, Ovid, web of science, PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, ERIC, and Science Direct were searched. No restrictions were placed on the year of publication. Results: Out of 487 articles after excluding irrelevant articles, nine articles were included in this study for full-text review. Of the nine studies reviewed, the hidden curriculum in online education has been improved in one study. Individual characteristics of the learning environment (self-esteem, vulnerability, social acceptance, stress) in two studies, learning environment in five studies, interaction in three studies, teaching and evaluation methods in one study, rules and regulations in two studies, and teaching time in one study have been identified as the main factors behind the formation of a hidden curriculum in online education. Conclusions: The hidden curriculum is a reflection of what students receive in the learning environment; so we need to pay attention to this environment. A review of studies in the hidden e-learning curriculum showed that the hidden curriculum is important because it has a strong influence on the learners in many ways. Online education, like traditional education, has latent learning that can affect education.