My father studied in our home for many years through distance education and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Engineering when he was in his 60’s. He was the first in his family to obtain a college degree. What an inspiration he was to his five children who all went on to obtain postsecondary degrees or certifications. This past summer, my best friend earned a master’s degree through an online graduate school. It was the proudest accomplishment of her life to date, she informed me. I myself have completed several work related trainings which my company offers to employees via the Internet.
With the growth and popularity of online education in recent years diploma mills have capitalized on this learning forum and are getting rich selling diplomas to people without the proper education required. Some, so-called “students”, have pursued the low road to a bogus degree for the purpose of getting ahead quickly. This has created a much needed discussion on academic integrity in public media. However, this discussion should not start and end with online schools. Cheating is not limited to diploma mills or the students of distance learning. I clearly recall kids cheating during exams in grade school and high school. In my traditional brick and mortar university experience, many of my classmates copied homework assignments and some bought and sold test answers and essays. If you really enjoy the low road, you can now purchase a thesis paper on the Web.
Deceptive business practices and cheating are alive and well today just as they always were and will be. Throughout our lives we bump up against our inner barometer of personal integrity which reminds us of whom we are or, better yet, who we hope to become. From childhood into old age, cheating is always an option. So is being an inspiration to your children, role model to your friends, a skilled employee, or an honorable graduate. It’s an individual choice and it is certainly not new to higher education.
Contributing blogger - Jane R.