Authenticity, Originality, and Beating the Cheats

The chapter argues that ensuring academic integrity is vital to higher education, but it can be challenging to implement effectively. Academic staff may struggle due to unclear policies and a lack of support for the related administrative workload. Additionally, faculty members must balance their personal and institutional obligations, which can lead to inconsistent application of policy. However, a holistic approach that considers various aspects of academic integrity is necessary to develop a comprehensive solution. This approach involves creating a learning community, developing authentic and meaningful assessment, and adopting the best verification and authentication technologies. By prioritizing student engagement and building relationships of trust, virtual universities can foster a culture of academic integrity that benefits both students and faculty.