Academic Integrity And Awareness

There are three (3) discussions available in Module 1.  Each discussion is numbered (1.1, 1.2, 1.3)( as well as named to make it easier for you to follow.  Discussions 1.1 and 1.2 are required for the module.  Discussion 1.3 is the extra credit discussion.   

In addition, the  explains how your discussions will be graded.  The 5 categories you are graded on include: Original Post, Original Thread, Responses to your classmates’ posts, format, and resources.

Conditions:

Each discussion has conditions which must be met in order for the discussion forum to be visible to you.   All information listed as a condition is available in the required course material for this module.  

• Discussion 1.1 Academic Honesty forum. Read the required articles on Academic Dishonesty.  Once these conditions have been met, you may proceed. You will not see your classmates posts UNTIL you have made your first post.
• Discussion 1.2 Case about Plagiarism. Watch the video on 10 Types of Plagiarism, and then the discussion forum will be visible. You will not see your classmates posts UNTIL you have made your first post.
• Discussion 1.3 (Extra Credit) Importance of Critical Thinking forum. Please read the assigned articles on Critical Thinking AND watch the assigned video on Critical Thinking before participating in this forum.

1.1 Academic Honesty 

In order to participate in this discussion, you must have read the required articles for Module 1 on Academic Honesty. 

For this discussion, do you believe cheating is a problem within academia?  Is it a reality of our times (stress, technology, etc.)?  Much ado about nothing?  If you do not get caught, is it still cheating?

* Remember, these are not short answer questions, but are to be used to start a more detailed dialog on the topic.  You should augment your findings with additional resources, thoughtful examination, and your critical thinking skills. 

Below are some topics you may also incorporate into your discussion responses.

• Discuss pressures for cheating in class and how the principles of academic integrity may be helpful to students.  Do you think the pressures are more or less for online classes? (and why)
• Discuss the relationship between Honesty, Ethics, and Fairness (use additional resources to explore and relate these topics). 
• Is it ever okay to cheat?  (explain)

Be sure to follow the APA guidelines for documenting references (including online resources and websites)

When you are ready to post, you may go to the discussion through here 

or you may go directly to the discussions by clicking on Communications / Discussions on the Navigation menu.

1.2 Case for Module 1 

Cindy’s Homework (Case)

Cindy is a student in her last semester. She is proud of her accomplishments, and proudly displays her 3.75 GPA on her resume. The previous summer, Cindy had interned for American Express at their regional headquarters. Her hard work left a positive impression, and she received glowing recommendations and impressive references. There was even the potential of getting into their management program after her graduation. She has begun the tedious task of job hunting. Cindy wanted to find a great fit for her, with lots of long-term potential. She had been on a few interviews already. Two had said once she graduated, they would like to do a second interview. She also knew they would want to see her transcripts since the position she was applying for all required a college degree. Consequently, Cindy knew she could not let the guard down in her studies. She wants to maintain or improve on her GPA, and show her future employers once she is committed to a project she stays with the project to the end. Unfortunately, she is having her most difficult semester!

This semester has been even more intense than the others. The classes are more demanding. Her focus is less in the classroom and more on her future. The job search process has consumed a lot more time than Cindy realized. As if that wasn’t enough, Cindy ended up with the flu two weeks ago, and it put her behind in two classes. It was nearing mid-terms, and all her classes had assignments, exams or papers due. One class in particular had a 5 page research paper on business strategies. Cindy was allowed to narrow the topic within certain parameters. Fortunately, Cindy had taken a class the previous semester, and had written a paper on a topic which would meet the criteria with a few minor tweaks. The professor has a strict plagiarism policy, and she knows all papers must be submitted electronically to be checked for originality. Normally, Cindy would do new research, but given the time crunch, Cindy decided to submit her previous paper. After all, she was the author. Should Cindy have been concerned?

1. Review the video on plagiarism.
2. Find at least 2 additional scholarly resources (no, Wikipedia may not be used), and explore the topic of academic plagiarism.
3. Should Cindy be afraid of submitting her paper because of the plagiarism policy at her school?
4. Is this plagiarism? Why?
5. Is this an ethical situation?  Why? or Why not?

Your response should be thorough and not simply a short answer.  

1.3 Importance of Critical Thinking 

First, read the assigned articles on Critical Thinking.  Next, watch the assigned video on critical thinking.  

For this discussion, what do you believe is the importance of Critical Thinking as a graduate student? for online students?  for a professional ethics course? 

Your initial post needs to include at least 2 additional resources concerning critical thinking.  You may use the online librarian if you need assistance or you may use resources from the Additional Resources section.