Ethics in an Academic Environment ¨C Using Technology to Cheat
Ethics in an Academic Environment ¨C Using Technology to Cheat
One of the more pressing issues that are being discussed in the academic environment, whether traditional or online are ethics in regard to cheating. In years past, cheating was confined to writing notes in the palm of the hand. Now, in this day and age of modern technology, cheating has advanced to include use of the computer, Internet, cellular telephone, and the calculator. Even though these methods are readily available to anyone, using any one of these methods is ethically unacceptable in all academic environments.
Students in the academic environment have used cheating for years. However, recently cheating has increased and is continuing to do so. According to Olt, M. (2002) she stated,
Recent studies are indicative that academic dishonesty is on the rise. For example, McMurtry (2001) cites a 1998 survey from Who¡¯s Who Among American High School Students which reported that out of 3,123 students, 80 percent of them ¡®admitted to cheating on an exam, a 10-point increase since the question was first asked 15 years ago (Bushweller 1999) ( 2).
These statistics clearly point out the frequency of cheating in schools today.
There are four common methods students are using to cheat. These methods are: a computer, in the form of a lap top or desk top; Internet; cellular telephone; and the calculator. A computer is ¡°an electronic device for the storage and processing of information¡± (Computer Hardware Micro-scope, 2004). Many classrooms are equipped with computers and the computers are equipped with various programs. Some of these programs enable the students to write cheat notes such as Microso ...