Thursday, April 3, 2003
2:30-4:00 p.m.
Halle Library Room 300

A different way to think about challenges: In Chinese, the word "crisis" is a combination of the symbols for "danger" and "opportunity." In distance learning, the most challenging issues are also the ones that offer the most opportunity.

The danger
A recent survey conducted for the Center for Academic Integrity indicated that 75% of college students admit to some cheating. Other studies show that incidents of cheating and plagiarism are both frequent and increasing. The instant availability ... of information on the Internet has made it easier than ever for students to "cut and paste" their way to a finished essay ...

The opportunity
Technology empowers faculty to detect plagiarism, with such tools as Internet-based detection services, free software developed by professors and search engine techniques. The best solutions for discouraging and preventing cheating and plagiarism, however, are not "high-tech," but proactive. Honor codes make a difference, and pedagogical approaches may be even more effective: teaching students how to cite sources properly, getting involved in all stages of their writing processes, and, perhaps most importantly, carefully and creatively constructing assignments. 

See these links for further information:

• PBS Cheating and Plagiarism Teleconference Web SIte
• John Preston's "Detect and Deflect Plagiarism" Links
• Council of Writing Program Administrators: WPA Statement on Plagiarism (.pdf file)

Updated March 21, 2003