Academic Integrity and Student Satisfaction in an Online Environment

Abstract

Universities are experiencing continued growth in the demand for online course offerings. Increasingly, students expect convenience and ready access. In response, institutions are developing policies to support courses that are being designed to maximize learning in an environment that preserves academic integrity. To determine how effectively both goals are being met at one institution, researchers surveyed students in multiple courses over a period of two years. With regard to the level of satisfaction with online learning, students liked the convenience but were not satisfied with the amount and quality of interaction. With regard to student attitudes toward what constitutes acceptable behavior in online learning, results raised concerns about what constitutes academic integrity in the online learning environment.