Academic Integrity

Abstract

Academic dishonesty is rampant and statistically rising. Academic integrity in online learning programs is of global concern. Individuals who commit academic fraud rationalize their behavior in different ways. Educators must constantly be aware of what students are doing. In the past, too many educators remained oblivious to technologies that students were using to cheat or plagiarize. Promoting academic integrity requires faculty training and then the adherence of that faculty to certain principles and policies. Some schools and institutions have developed honor codes to deter cheating incidents. Most importantly, academic integrity requires a culture of trust and honesty, which can have the strongest influence over morality and ethical behaviors. Academic integrity begins with the individual educator and must permeate the entire organization.