Promoting academic integrity for improving quality education in India

-Chaitali Moitra, Regional Director of South Asia at Turnitin The spectrum of online learning in India is widening rapidly as disruption to education opens up new possibilities and the sector attracts significant investment from government and business to support learners and meet emerging workforce needs.  It also presents an array of benefits such as increased understanding of technical concepts through virtual learning models and flexible time management. However, the growing adoption of online learning was not without its fair share of scepticism, particularly on whether it can live up to its potential as set out by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Among the toughest challenges faced by the online and hybrid education approach is determining the authenticity of student work, grading methods and learning outcomes in a dynamic environment. In this regard, the role of academic integrity as an ethics code to safeguard quality education by reducing unethical practices such as contract cheating and plagiarism is of paramount importance for educators. A much-needed uplift with academic integrity When students are under-prepared for examinations or face immense pressure to achieve high grades, some can resort to shortcuts to pass their exams, which results in inaccurate learning outcomes. With every student’s learning requirement being unique, it is crucial to work towards creating a meaningful and scaffolded learning framework, empowered by a culture of academic integrity. In time, India’s education system may also be in a position to offer more personalised learning as it integrates AI technologies. The following components are key to promoting this culture and equipping students with the skills and confidence to produce original work to put them on the path of academic progress and successful professional careers. Further, they can help educator’s bridge essential learning gaps thereby anticipating potential acts of misconduct, and support more effective and meaningful grading through  the provision of high-quality feedback. Developing an institution-wide policy or code An effective way to embed academic integrity deep within an institution’s culture is by outlining a shared definition of what it entails and how it impacts learners, and implement it as a policy or an honour code. Promoting it in the online or physical classroom and across the larger institution on an ongoing basis will ensure consistency of the message, which will gradually trigger a shift in student attitudes to the viability of cheating and to take ownership of their own learning.    Educators and administrators should articulate clear steps for students, to drive home the message that the integrity demonstrated by them while learning and producing work creates a solid benchmark of values and ethics towards their future professional lives. It not only amplifies personal success but also encourages them to act responsibly and ethically in society. A shared and applied understanding of the importance of academic integrity reduces the prevalence of dishonesty and plagiarism. A student-centric approach backed by best-in-class analytical tools Since students are at the heart of every academic integrity practice, it is important to consider their inputs and involve them when formulating an…