In this session, Eaton examines how a systems approach is needed to address contract cheating in its various forms. Using the 4M framework, Eaton demonstrates the role of the individual (micro), the department (meso), the learning organization (macro) and stakeholders beyond the institution (mega). In this session, Eaton shares insights from her…

Ten years ago, the author worked as the Director of Assessments for the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). For temporal context, the author arrived after the first of the infamous test cheating scandals and left just before the incident that spawned a second. Indeed, the author filled a new position created to both manage test security…

Technology-driven shifts have created opportunities to improve efficiency and quality of assessments. Meanwhile, they may have exacerbated underlying socioeconomic issues in relation to educational equity. The increased implementation of technology-based assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic compounds the concern about the digital divide, as…

Background: Academic Integrity Week programming has become popular on postsecondary campuses an educational initiative to promote academic integrity and prevent academic misconduct. Although students are often the primary audience for Academic Integrity Week programming, faculty members are an essential stakeholder group to involve in educational…

Purpose: This report documents research and related materials concerning plagiarism in STEM and engineering programs to inform and guide future work in the field. It provides an overview of the literature up to and including 2019 related to plagiarism in STEM and engineering programs. Methods: Two research questions guided this literature review:…

At present, technology is essential for everyone in their daily lives. The classroom is no exception to this rule. Within the last 15 years, the relationship between technology and education has grown tremendously. This article seeks to examine the impact of modern technology like LMS, 1:1 initiatives, and other computer-assisted teaching methods…

Purpose: The goal of this session is to provide an in-depth account of the history and development of contract cheating in Canada over the past 50+ years. You will also learn about the one and only (failed) attempt at legislation to make ghostwritten essays and exams illegal in Canada. Method: The content of this session is drawn from Eaton's book…

Although educators are using various ways in evaluating students' learning, traditional paper pencil final exams are usually held at the end of the school year to conclude the course. During the school suspension due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this traditional approach is no longer applicable to some schools. In this article, alternative final…

Purpose: The goal of this report is to provide substance for an evidence-informed discussion about the intersection of precarious academic employment and the contract cheating industry. Methods: This is a qualitative report informed by the extant literature. It synthesizes available source material relating to academic staff who also supply…

Purpose: In this study I explore the historical development of academic integrity in Canadian higher education. Theory and method: Framed within the theory of historical agency, applied at a macro rather than an individual level, I analyze a variety of sources to show how the development of student conduct (and its management) in Canada have…

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to provide background information to develop deeper awareness about contract cheating in Canada and generate conversations about possible legislative approaches to address this growing problem. Methods: A qualitative legal analysis of legislation from the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and US (17…

Purpose: This report highlights ways in which race-based data can be used to combat systemic racism in matters relating to academic and non-academic and student misconduct. Methods: Information synthesis of available information relating to race-based data and student conduct. Results: A summary and synthesis of how and why race-based data can be…

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, online exams have become an indispensable part of distance education. Measurement and evaluation, one of the most essential parts of education, has become more controversial with distance education. Contrary to traditional assessment and evaluation, online assessment and assessment is usually carried out…

Purpose: This guide provides insights and direction about how the Integrity Hour informal online community of practice was developed and continues to be facilitated at the University of Calgary. This report describes how Integrity Hour was launched during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic as a means to provide support to those working in higher…

Purpose: The goals of this project are: (1) Identify existing components of academic integrity policies and procedures related to contract cheating; (2) identify gaps in existing academic integrity policies and procedures related to contract cheating; (3) evaluate the policies and procedures against existing standards for post-secondary education…