The article, "CyberEthics: The New Frontier," written by Janna J. Baum, focuses on a new dilemma of many students "using poor judgment when using information and communication technology" (54). Th use of new technology has lead may educators to remodel the monitoring of student work. For example, a recent study of 47,000 elementary and middle school students revealed that "48% of juveniles do not consider hacking to be a crime (54). " The Internet has given the general public, of all ages, the opportunity to become lazy in their own thinking. Many members of society are conscientious of their thinking skills and often feel intimidated and claim other people's work as their own.
To help combat plagiarism in the classroom, Baum, has created five steps to help educators teach the "ethical uses of information and communication technologies" (55). Firstly, she suggests to initiate a Cyberethics curriculum. Secondly, ensure you teach Cyberethics in your classroom. Thirdly, use the Internet as a tool to teach Cyberethics in your classroom. Fourthly, create an acceptable use policy with students. Ensure they understand and are fluent with these expectations. Lastly, have students make a pledge to become responsible and honest web users. These outlined steps will help eliminate your future students from inappropriately claiming another person's work as their own.
The responsibility of combating students from plagiarising is the job of both the student and the teacher. As educators we need to ensure our students understand the consequences of their actions. Students need to recognize it is there job to be careful when quoting other people's work.
Questions:
What other things can teachers do to prevent students from falling victim to plagiarism?
Has the Internet "brought about a change in core values of students?"
Resources for Teachers on Educating Students on Cyberethics:
http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/lessonplan1.htm
http://www.cteresource.org/publications/featured/cyberethics/
http://www.cybersmart.org/for/teachers.asp
3 comments:
Students need to be taught that plagiarism is wrong and against the law from early on. Maybe with young students have them think about how they would feel if someone took thier work and handed it in without permission? This would hopefully stimulate thought and make kids think about thier actions. As students get older I would have no problems telling them point blank that what they are doing is wrong and teach them how to properly cite thier sources. The internet is so easy to cut and paste from that adding the website takes no time at all and will prevent problems.
By educating our students we can help prevent students from falling victim to Plagiarism.
p.s. the previous comment was composed by Jennifer Beal
Very well worded Jenn! I agree that students should be informed of the "rules" per say of writing. I like your idea for having students write a poem or story and then put someone else's name to let them know how it feels. I think this would work well!
Post a Comment