Journal 3-3 Max Bardowell 2-11-08

Honor Codes

Answer to last week’s question: The quote- “Oh what tangled webs we weave/ When first we practice to deceive,” is from the successful Scottish poet Sir Walter Scott, author of Rob Roy, Ivanhoe, and The Lady of the Lake.

The subject of honor is of particular relevance to students, and, with the rise of improved forms of technology and consequently improved forms of cheating, it is becoming a more valuable commodity and character trait to possess. Schools and academic institutions especially find this trait desirable. Thus, they design a majority of their organization around a defined system of rules and guidelines known as an honor code. These codes are integrated into every level of the college, from the student teacher relationship to relationships involving the board of trustees. Most address the more established and primitive forms of dishonor, such as lying, cheating, stealing, and basic forms of plagiarism. They also address the “condoning” of unethical behavior. However, as time has advanced, many have been forced to amend their codes to include unethical behavior involving computer use. They hope to avoid any potential loopholes that could develop in tandem with the increased number of student forays into the world of internet databases and file-sharing.

This is a far more sophisticated form of cheating. With more students able to pull vast numbers of papers from the internet and from their peers, cheating is becoming harder to track and to prove. Yet, technology also opens doors to the intuitive teachers and professors who wish to match the fervor of their deceptive students. With programs like the ones that their students use to share information, teachers can root out suspected plagiarizers. Using advanced algorithms and word comparison programs, teachers now have the ability to stand on an equal footing. This is a major problem, and one that must be addressed if the sanctity of other’s grades is to be maintained.

Question: What are some of the programs used by teachers to root out plagiarism?