Cheating on online exams has become more common as more and more people have access to technology that can help them get away with it.
Students often use text messaging, video chat, or even virtual private networks (VPNs) to gain an unfair advantage. They search for answers or get help from others online.
Besides, many students take screenshots of exam questions and post them in online forums. So it is easy for other students to find the answers.
This kind of cheating is especially difficult to detect because there are often no physical barriers.
Why plagiarism in online exams is not allowed
Online exams can be a great way to test knowledge, but they come with their own set of rules. Plagiarism is one big no-no when it comes to online exams.
Plagiarism in an online exam means either presenting someone else’s work as your own. It can also occur when using another person’s words without giving the appropriate credit or citation. It is not allowed because it undermines the purpose of the exam and compromises its integrity.
If students are caught plagiarizing, they risk getting serious consequences. They include a failing grade, suspension, or even expulsion from school.
Plagiarism is a serious offense and can have long-lasting consequences. It also undermines the trust between students and educators. Why? Because it shows that the student doesn’t respect their own work or the institution’s rules and regulations.
Plagiarizing on an online exam means cheating both yourself and the test administrator. Besides, since exams are often used to measure a person’s knowledge of a subject, plagiarism gives an inaccurate reflection of the individual’s capabilities in that area.
Plagiarism prevention tips for students
1 – Check the Exam Instructions Carefully
Before starting an online exam, students should carefully read all instructions and relevant information about the exam. This will help them understand what is expected of them in terms of academic integrity.
2 – Use Plagiarism Checking Software
To ensure academic integrity, students can also use a reliable plagiarism checker. This tool can detect any potential problems with their work before submitting it for evaluation. Luckily, today it’s easy to find a suitable plagiarism checker for students online and for free. This is a great way to ensure that the work they submit is original and free of any plagiarism.
3 – Cite Sources Accurately
If a student uses sources from outside their own knowledge, it is important that they cite those sources accurately. This way, it’s easier to avoid any plagiarism issues. Be sure to include necessary information such as author, date of publication, title, etc.
4 – Use Quotes Sparingly
Quoting too much can easily lead to plagiarism issues if not done properly. If a student needs to quote something, they should use quotation marks and cite the source correctly.
5 – Rewrite and Paraphrase
Reusing an entire sentence or phrase without proper citation is plagiarism. To avoid this, students should try to rewrite or paraphrase the material they want to use. They must use their own words and style of writing.
6 – Maintain Online Exam Platforms Accountability
Students should familiarize themselves with any rules and regulations on online exam platforms in regards to academic integrity. If there are issues of misconduct, such as plagiarism, it is important that they contact the appropriate authority immediately.
7 – Take Breaks
Online exams can be stressful and it’s easy to make mistakes when rushing through the material. Taking regular breaks between study sessions will help students stay focused, organized, and on track with their studies which in turn will help them avoid any issues of academic integrity.
8 – Seek Help When Necessary
If a student is uncertain or confused about something related to the exam or its expectations for academic integrity, it is important for them to seek help from their instructor or other relevant sources such as online forums. Doing so will prevent any unintentional cases of plagiarism in their work.
9 – Double-Check Before Submitting
Before submitting their work, students should always double check it for any errors or issues related to academic integrity. This will help them avoid any problems and also ensure that their work is up to the standards of their instructor.
10 – Follow Deadlines
To ensure they are able to submit a plagiarism-free exam, students should make sure they follow all deadlines and requirements set by the institution or instructor. Doing so will help them avoid any last minute rush which can lead to unintentional cases of plagiarism.
11 – Understand the Consequences
Lastly, it is important for students to understand that there are consequences for plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct. Understanding this will help them stay vigilant and ensure that they adhere to all requirements for academic integrity when completing online exams.
Conclusion
So if you’re going to take an online exam, make sure you do your own work. That way everyone can stay honest and get the recognition they deserve for their hard work.