Any deception intending to distort one’s learning accomplishment for grading purposes is known as Academic dishonesty. Currently, for students around the world, distance learning is the only choice available. Schools, colleges and universities invest a great deal of energy into providing a better environment for distance learning and assisting students in adjusting to this new online education system. Academic dishonesty is viewed very negatively in our society. It can occur in different forms such as plagiarism, cheating etc. Cheating is a very old practice, might be as old as education itself. Cheating in exams was a serious offence in ancient times in China. Academic integrity is really important for better education, and no compromise should be made on it.
Keeping up with academic integrity is difficult in remote learning in today’s world. Regardless of whether face-to-face or online, academic dishonesty nullifies evaluation and undermine the learning process. But protecting academic integrity is more complicated in an online system because students intend to cheat when teachers are not watching them. Also, the use of gadgets can increase the risk of academic dishonesty. However, it is not something that can not be prevented. Following are a few ways to deter academic dishonesty in the online education system:
If You Are A Teacher:-
Instil Motivation For Success
Give the different types of assignments to develop a sense of motivation in students. It will make students not use another source for help, such as an online Law coursework writing service. Try to make sure every query and confusion of students is clear, and they do not feel exhausted with their education. Create fun activities in class and keep students always connected with education, and they do not feel bored. When explaining the different topics, try to give real-life or personal experiences. Research shows that students are less likely to cheat when they feel a personal connection to it.
Education For Knowledge Rather Than Grade
Use different techniques in class to let students show their knowledge, for example, quizzes. Do not put pressure on students and allow multiple assignments if the student fails to submit within the deadline. Do not judge students based on class evaluation, and even if students get fewer marks in their test, motivate them to do better next time. It will build self-confidence in students and reduce attempts of academic dishonesty. The purpose of education is to learn, not get good marks. When students understand this, they will not only focus on good marks but also on learning.
Lower The Stakes During The Evaluation
Lower-stake testing is a process that involves mastery-learning quizzes where students continuously take tests and quizzes until they master the particular topic. Take various smaller evaluation tests rather than one enormous evaluation test. It will allow students to balance their test scores if they do not perform well in the previous test. After finishing every topic in class, take a fun quiz or little assessment test to help the student better understand the topic. Lower-stake testing will positively impact students’ academic performance and do not opt for academic dishonesty.
Student’s Self-Efficacy
Permit students to take a low-stakes evaluation test until they mastered the particular topic then go for high-level assessment and descriptive tests. Also, utilize the same assessment format, such as short answers or multiple-choice questions, on low-stakes and high-stake evaluation tests. Remember, every student is different; let every student work at his own pace and do not pressure students about exams or tests.
If You Are A Student:-
Review Syllabus
School and colleges include all the required information about the course of every subject and every expectation for the course that you need to follow in your syllabus. That information will be distinct for different subjects and their course. Ensure you read the syllabus properly and the timetable of all of your classes. Knowing all the syllabus, course, and expectations will help you prevent any code violation. For example, some colleges prevent their students from working together on different assignments.
Furthermore, in distance learning, know what devices you are allowed to use and whatnot. If you have any queries about the course or syllabus, do not shy away from asking your teacher. If you know your course very well, you do not need to violate your academic integrity.
Start Coursework Early
Academic dishonesty happens when students rush to complete their work because they have not studied for a whole year and only open books on the night of their exams. And seeing the whole course they have not prepared for makes students cheat in their exams or tests. That is why beginning your preparation earlier will provide you sufficient time to cover your syllabus and clear your confusion about difficult topics, if you have any. Utilize a planner or calendar and enlist all the important dates like assignment submission, tests, exams and quizzes. Regularly look at your schedule for a whole week, prepare what is coming next, and prioritize them.
Complete Work On Your Own
Academic dishonesty happens when students gain unreasonable academic benefits over other students. It also includes helping other students with tests or exams. With every assignment, exam and test, be certain that you are finishing your own work, except you are asked to work together in a team. You can talk with other students about a syllabus and assist them but do not share your work with them. When you send your work to someone else, you do not have authority over how it is utilized. When in distance learning, make sure to use authentic sources and do not write from unauthentic sites like Wikipedia.
Take Teacher’s Guidance
If you have any confusion and query regarding the syllabus or any course-related topic, make sure to meet your teacher personally and clear your all doubts. When all the doubts and confusion is cleared, students will not choose to sabotage their academic integrity because if you get caught, academic dishonesty has serious consequences which can destroy your whole academic life and even affect you in your career.
Academic integrity is an essential part of education. However, it is tricky to monitor in distance learning. But with few possible safeguards, you can ensure academic integrity in schools and colleges. There will always be few students who opt for easy shortcuts, but those will be less in number than the individuals who take pride in security academic integrity. We are fortunate to live in the age of technology, where we can monitor students efficiently.
