ETEC 424 01W/02W:
Integrating Technology into the Curriculum
Why Plaigiarism is not in Student’s Best Interest:
Original Discussion Post:
Plagiarism can be defined as using another’s words or ideas
without permission and without citing the source. According to Plagiarism.org,
“the expression of original ideas is considered intellectual property and is
protected by copyright laws,” meaning that not only is plagiarism amoral, but
also illegal. The website goes on to discuss specific examples of plagiarism,
such as giving incorrect citation information or not giving credit at all. The
website also explains that “terms like "copying" and
"borrowing" can disguise the seriousness of the offense,” and that it
is best to accurately cite sources, or in some cases, such as with images,
videos, and music, to avoid using someone else’s content entirely. While most
students understand the seriousness of plagiarism, many do not fully grasp the
effect it can have or the consequences that may follow. However, some students,
such as those at Sacramento State, completely understand the effects of
plagiarism, and a professor created a webpage with student statements on the
topic to hopefully deter others from committing such a crime. According to the
Sacramento State University Library webpage, when asked why students should
avoid plagiarism, the answers seemed to fall into two categories: “1)
plagiarism is stealing from another person and 2) it hurts you.” The students
gave answers such as “Plagiarism prevents you from establishing your own ideas
and opinions on a topic,” and explained how plagiarism is essentially stealing.
Personally, I absolutely agree with both of these sources and the
well-thought-out arguments within. Plagiarism is absolutely wrong. It is detrimental
to the person who is doing the plagiarizing, and is incredibly easy to avoid.
Replies:
1. I absolutely agree with you that plagiarism is equal to
physical theft. Those words and ideas belong to someone else, and you wouldn't
want your hard work to be passed off as someone else's! I also completely agree
that a student who plagiarizes shows a lack of character and laziness. It is
not that hard to simply do the work, think, and form your own opinions!
2. I agree that it is incredibly easy for some students to
recall what they read or saw and simply not remember the source, or believe
that because they knew the information prior to starting the assignment, it
does not need a citation. I also love the fact that you listed some ideas on
how to prevent plagiarism, and listed some consequences for those who
plagiarize and are caught. I believe that too often, students do not understand
that what they're doing is wrong, or why it is wrong. It is important, as you
said, that others' hard work is not discredited, and taking some of the steps
you suggested are a great start to ensure due credit is given!
Sources:
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