« How to write in the age of distraction | Main | How we make websites (for the BBC) »

Comments

It may be of interest to note that Mr Shai Reshef's main enterprise, cramster.com, appears to be a website designed at least in part to enable students to get help with their homework, including the collection and publication of solutions to the even numbered questions from textbooks that already come packaged with complete worked solutions for their odd numbered problems. Since the even-numbered questions are often used for assignments I think it is reasonable to interpret the publication of their solutions as facilitation of cheating.

Having been challenged by Seb on this, I would have to agree that of course homework of all kinds is by its nature done on the "honour system", and most instructors encourage students to work to some extent cooperatively. But there is a difference between struggling together to solve a problem or discuss an issue, and just copying a prepared answer or essay. Facilitating the latter undermines both the learning and evaluative value of the exercise and so I do think it can fairly be referred to as cheating.

If technology is enabling students to source answers to static, reprinted questions, and assuming that the evolution of technology and its applications cannot be stopped, then isn't the problem with the method of teaching rather then the technology (or the facilitators of said technology)?

I have no interest in defending any particular "method of teaching", nor in blaming technology (or its facilitators) for its abuse. But the site in question does more than help students to learn and cooperate (which is admirable if the cooperation is directed towards enhancing their learning). Unfortunately it (the site by its design and advertising, not the technology per se) also encourages students to cooperate in a less than productive manner - and seeks to profit from that counter-productive activity. Yes, the solutions to any published exercise are going to be somewhere, and for any exercise, published or not, someone can be found to provide a solution. But purchasing and submitting the work of someone else as one's own is still, I hope, generally regarded as cheating. And I hope we all agree that encouraging students to cheat is not the best way to give voice to a difference of opinion regarding paedagogy.

The comments to this entry are closed.