Date of Award

2023

Degree Name

Leadership Studies

College

College of Education and Professional Development

Type of Degree

Ed.D.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Dr. Tom Hisiro, Committee Chairperson

Second Advisor

Dr. Jacob Messer

Third Advisor

Dr. Feon Smith-Branch

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of plagiarism and impersonation in online course assignments. Technological advancements, coupled with lower costs and accessibility, have made online courses and programs a practical option for higher education students. Unfortunately, the increasing online enrollment and advancing technology have allowed an increase in the opportunity for students to commit the act of plagiarism and impersonation in online course assignments, thus potentially compromising the academic integrity of online degree programs. This study examines the various practices and approaches of plagiarism and impersonation made available to students. Utilizing the systemic review of literature, the researcher compiles a list of 20 best practices in combating plagiarism and impersonation in online course assignments. A Delphi method approach is employed, utilizing the expertise of professors who teach in fully online bachelor’s degree programs. The 20 best practices established through the literature review will be narrowed down to ten best practices via an ordinal ranking questionnaire using a two-round format. The questionnaire distribution occurs via e-mails. Researching professors that teach in fully online bachelor’s degree programs is how the researcher will obtain the e-mails. The first-round e-mail consists of the consent form and the original set of 20 best practices. In addition, a link to the Qualtrics ranking survey will be included in the e-mail. The second-round e-mail consists of the updated 15 best practices ranked from the initial e-mail and a link to the ranking survey. After completing the second round, the establishment of the ten best practices for reducing plagiarism and impersonation in online assignments will emerge. To further validate the 10 best practices, the researcher interviews 10 professors that participated in the original Delphi study. The original consent form includes a link for the participants to access if they select to participate in the interview. After verifying the professors’ intent to participate, a consent form will be obtained. The interviews will be conducted and recorded virtually through zoom. The recordings will be deleted once they are transcribed. This study potentially benefits all online degree programs by establishing the ten best practices for reducing plagiarism and impersonation in online assignments.

Subject(s)

Plagiarism – Prevention – Education (Higher).

Plagiarism – Web-based instruction – Prevention.

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