The effects of Dishonesty in Higher Education

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Affects of Academic Dishonesty in Higher Education

Introduction

Plagiarism is a temptation virtually to every student, but the results are damaging in more ways than one, whether the infraction be intentional or accidental. "Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work" (Plagarism, 2009). Many students are unaware of what true plagiarism consists of and how easily it can occur. This paper will examine the Affects of Academic Dishonesty in Higher Education.

The Temptation to Cheat

"The internet is a wonderful thing with the power to change lives - but there will always be a downside" (J. Underwood, 2005). With the availability of the Internet, cell phones, blackberries, and pagers these devices have become the tool toward a better grade. Internet search provide a vast expanse of topics for research. The opportunity intentionally or unintentionally to plagiarize is abundant. In Academia, instructor's have computer programs to assist them in making the determination of infractions such as non-cited sources, paraphrasing without proper citation, and copied full text, yet this is not does not curb the trend of misuse of sources.
With Technological advances, cheating and plagiarism have taken own a life of their own. Students can use cell phones to instant message questions and answers as well as storing notes on handheld devices such as calculators, or small net books. Other devices are camera phones, text messaging, PDA's that are also being used. Students create notes known as" crib sheets" in handheld devices for access during testing sessions (J.D. Heyman, 2005).
Technology has provided both the student and the instructor tools to detect ...