In recent years plagiarism has been a major concern for many educational institutions of all classroom styles. To combat this concern several plagiarism detection software and websites have been developed. Here are some examples of free online plagiarism checkers:
The online classroom has seen even more plagiarism with the use of traditional assessments, like multiple choice and short answer questions, with students using search engines and websites to copy answers. I believe there are two changes to online learning that would not only challenge plagiarism but also create a better learning environment for students:
1. Mastery-based learning and assessments
2. Individualization of instruction
Mastery-based learning and assessments require students to prove they have learned the content material through application instead of rote memorization, as in assessment-based instruction. This type of instruction and assessment would allow for different assessment types, more project-based learning and assessments, and focus on real-life applications. Mastery-based learning and assessments would allow online students to utilize online resources as tools, as they are meant to be, instead of sources for plagiarism.
Also, by individualizing instruction students would not be expected to all have the same product of mastery to prove they understand the course material. This would help prevent students from plagiarizing from outside resources and from each other. As an online teacher I have seen my role move from a traditional instructor/lecturer to more of a tutor/mentor, leading to more small group or one-on-one tutoring. This new instructor role would also allow for students to receive more individualized instruction.
In the future I hope to use my experiences in online education and instructional design to create learning environments for my students that center around mastery-based learning and individualized instruction.
Thank you.
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