DONT CHEAT

docx

School

Pennsylvania State University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

200

Subject

Statistics

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by cjs1170

Title: The Ethical and Academic Consequences of Using Course Hero for STAT 200: A Critical Analysis Abstract The increasing availability of online academic resources like Course Hero has transformed the landscape of educational support systems. While these platforms can offer valuable study materials, their misuse, especially in courses like Statistics 200 (STAT 200), poses significant ethical and academic challenges. This paper explores the reasons why using Course Hero for STAT 200 is considered against the rules and why it is detrimental to the educational process. By examining the academic integrity policies, the impact on learning outcomes, and the broader ethical implications, this analysis aims to shed light on the importance of adhering to ethical academic practices. Introduction The rise of online platforms providing course-specific resources has led to widespread discussions about academic integrity and ethical learning practices. Course Hero, a popular study resource platform, offers a wide range of materials, including old exams, homework solutions, and lecture notes. However, its use in academic contexts, such as for STAT 200, often violates university academic integrity policies and undermines the learning process. This paper aims to articulate why utilizing Course Hero in such contexts is both against the rules and educationally counterproductive. Background STAT 200, a foundational course in statistics, is crucial for developing analytical skills and understanding statistical methods. Mastery of these concepts is essential for academic and professional success in numerous fields. Academic integrity policies are designed to ensure that students engage with course materials in an ethical manner, fostering genuine understanding and skill development. The Case Against Using Course Hero for STAT 200 Violation of Academic Integrity  Plagiarism and Dishonesty : Using Course Hero's resources as one's own work, such as submitting solutions found on the platform,

constitutes plagiarism. This behavior is a direct violation of most academic institutions' integrity policies.  Undermining Fairness : Reliance on unauthorized resources like Course Hero compromises the fairness of the grading system, disadvantaging students who adhere to academic integrity principles. Impediments to Learning  Superficial Understanding : Relying on solution manuals and pre- solved assignments prevents deep engagement with the material, leading to a superficial understanding of fundamental concepts.  Lack of Problem-Solving Skills : STAT 200 emphasizes analytical thinking and problem-solving. Using Course Hero circumvents the process of struggling with problems, a key component of learning. Ethical and Professional Implications  Erosion of Trust : Academic dishonesty erodes trust between students and instructors, undermining the educational relationship and the academic community's integrity.  Long-term Consequences : Students who habitually rely on such resources may find themselves ill-prepared for professional challenges, where ethical conduct and independent problem-solving are paramount. Discussion The integrity of the educational process in STAT 200 relies on students engaging authentically with the course material. Using Course Hero to bypass this engagement not only violates academic integrity policies but also deprives students of the opportunity to develop crucial skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the practice raises significant ethical concerns, including fairness, trust, and professional readiness. Conclusion The misuse of Course Hero and similar platforms in courses like STAT 200 is a multifaceted issue, encompassing academic integrity violations, impediments to learning, and broader ethical implications. Upholding academic integrity by refraining from using such resources not only aligns with institutional policies but also supports the foundational goals of education: to foster critical thinking, ethical behavior, and comprehensive understanding. Institutions, educators, and students must work together to promote integrity in academic endeavors, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge remains a principled and rewarding journey.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version