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If My Classmates Are Going to Cheat on an Online Exam, Why Can’t I? If My Classmates Are Going to Cheat on an Online Exam, Why Can’t I?
(about 1 hour later)
Because of efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19, the large university I attend has, like many others, transitioned to online instruction for the foreseeable future. In-person classes are not prohibited, but the administration has strongly recommended against them. Because we are on the quarter system, our final exams are scheduled for next week, immediately before our spring break. This means that professors must choose from a number of less-than-ideal options for administering exams.Because of efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19, the large university I attend has, like many others, transitioned to online instruction for the foreseeable future. In-person classes are not prohibited, but the administration has strongly recommended against them. Because we are on the quarter system, our final exams are scheduled for next week, immediately before our spring break. This means that professors must choose from a number of less-than-ideal options for administering exams.
Some have given students the choice of an optional final, or canceled them altogether, basing their grade entirely on past work. Others have chosen to use an online service that monitors students while they take their tests in order to ensure that they do not cheat. The downside of this service is that it requires access to a computer with a webcam, a reliable internet connection and access to a quiet, empty room. Those requirements pose a challenge for many college students, particularly those with fewer resources — and more roommates.Some have given students the choice of an optional final, or canceled them altogether, basing their grade entirely on past work. Others have chosen to use an online service that monitors students while they take their tests in order to ensure that they do not cheat. The downside of this service is that it requires access to a computer with a webcam, a reliable internet connection and access to a quiet, empty room. Those requirements pose a challenge for many college students, particularly those with fewer resources — and more roommates.
In consideration of this, another popular option is to require an online exam with a request for academic honesty as the only safeguard against cheating. Based on conversations I’ve had with and heard among classmates, I think it is fair to assume that the vast majority of students will take advantage of the resources now available to them (i.e., notes, friends, the internet) in order to succeed. This will result in a much higher average performance than an in-person exam would, putting anyone who does not cheat at a disadvantage as any grading on a curve would hurt him or her.In consideration of this, another popular option is to require an online exam with a request for academic honesty as the only safeguard against cheating. Based on conversations I’ve had with and heard among classmates, I think it is fair to assume that the vast majority of students will take advantage of the resources now available to them (i.e., notes, friends, the internet) in order to succeed. This will result in a much higher average performance than an in-person exam would, putting anyone who does not cheat at a disadvantage as any grading on a curve would hurt him or her.
While I know that it is dishonest to cheat and I value my integrity, I also want to maintain a high G.P.A., and it seems that those goals are in conflict with each other. I plan to take my exam for an uncurved class in accordance with academic-honesty policies, but would it be entirely unacceptable to consult my friends or notes minimally during a curved class’s final? DelaneyWhile I know that it is dishonest to cheat and I value my integrity, I also want to maintain a high G.P.A., and it seems that those goals are in conflict with each other. I plan to take my exam for an uncurved class in accordance with academic-honesty policies, but would it be entirely unacceptable to consult my friends or notes minimally during a curved class’s final? Delaney
It’s a familiar protest: “But everyone else is doing it!” You won’t be surprised that the Ethicist takes a dim view of this argument. Cheating, being a form of dishonesty, is wrong even when rampant.It’s a familiar protest: “But everyone else is doing it!” You won’t be surprised that the Ethicist takes a dim view of this argument. Cheating, being a form of dishonesty, is wrong even when rampant.
But beyond the poor choices your classmates are making, I’m concerned about the poor choices your professors are making. A setup that encourages cheating and penalizes honesty is a badly designed one. Students should not be led unnecessarily into temptation.But beyond the poor choices your classmates are making, I’m concerned about the poor choices your professors are making. A setup that encourages cheating and penalizes honesty is a badly designed one. Students should not be led unnecessarily into temptation.
Why not tell your instructors, in both the curved and uncurved classes, that it makes sense to have an open-book exam? Doing this might require changing the test. But given the circumstances you describe, it may be the only responsible option.Why not tell your instructors, in both the curved and uncurved classes, that it makes sense to have an open-book exam? Doing this might require changing the test. But given the circumstances you describe, it may be the only responsible option.
If a professor insists on ignoring these realities, however, you should still do the honest thing. Ethics is always, in part, about what kind of person you ought to be. Even though your integrity could cost you on the curve, it has distinct advantages when it comes to looking yourself in the eye.If a professor insists on ignoring these realities, however, you should still do the honest thing. Ethics is always, in part, about what kind of person you ought to be. Even though your integrity could cost you on the curve, it has distinct advantages when it comes to looking yourself in the eye.
I’m the executive director of a small nonprofit whose employees can easily work remotely. In implementing our remote-work plan, I shared with the staff that the office isn’t 100 percent off limits: I will stop by a couple of times a week to get the mail; another person will be by from time to time to water his plants; we may need to pick up a document here and there. All of that is fine and doesn’t contradict our attempt to do the social distancing public-health officials are recommending.I’m the executive director of a small nonprofit whose employees can easily work remotely. In implementing our remote-work plan, I shared with the staff that the office isn’t 100 percent off limits: I will stop by a couple of times a week to get the mail; another person will be by from time to time to water his plants; we may need to pick up a document here and there. All of that is fine and doesn’t contradict our attempt to do the social distancing public-health officials are recommending.
But for me, working at home is very unappealing. I live in a very small house with a spouse who will also most likely be home, no private space to set up for my work and a dog that is a big barker, which will interrupt the many phone meetings I will need to conduct.But for me, working at home is very unappealing. I live in a very small house with a spouse who will also most likely be home, no private space to set up for my work and a dog that is a big barker, which will interrupt the many phone meetings I will need to conduct.
From an ethical perspective, may I work from the office alone, while everyone else works remotely? If I do so, do I need to be explicit with our team and offer it to others?From an ethical perspective, may I work from the office alone, while everyone else works remotely? If I do so, do I need to be explicit with our team and offer it to others?
I believe that most people see remote work as an attractive option — you don’t need to dress up, can be running laundry while working, can have lunch with your spouse. Not me. May I go to the office, even though we have instituted a remote-work policy? Name WithheldI believe that most people see remote work as an attractive option — you don’t need to dress up, can be running laundry while working, can have lunch with your spouse. Not me. May I go to the office, even though we have instituted a remote-work policy? Name Withheld
Your worry is, in essence, that you would be taking advantage of your position of authority to grant yourself a privilege. So suppose you were just another staff member. Would a fair-minded boss grant you permission to do this?Your worry is, in essence, that you would be taking advantage of your position of authority to grant yourself a privilege. So suppose you were just another staff member. Would a fair-minded boss grant you permission to do this?
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
To make that determination, this boss would need to survey staff members and confirm your hunch that most people prefer to work remotely. If you were the only person who wanted to work in the office, there’d be no worries either about unfairness or about social exposure. Even if a couple of you wanted to work in the office — assuming that your state hasn’t ordered nonessential workers to stay at home and that you’d be getting to work in a way (by car, say) that risked no further exposure — you each might be able to maintain distancing on the occasions when you were both in the building. Under those circumstances, what you have in mind could be just fine: There would be no harm in doing what a reasonable boss would agree to your doing. You’ll need to be transparent, then, and make sure that your assumptions are warranted. But as long as your use of the office is something you can defend to your staff in this sort of way, they shouldn’t regard it as unfair.To make that determination, this boss would need to survey staff members and confirm your hunch that most people prefer to work remotely. If you were the only person who wanted to work in the office, there’d be no worries either about unfairness or about social exposure. Even if a couple of you wanted to work in the office — assuming that your state hasn’t ordered nonessential workers to stay at home and that you’d be getting to work in a way (by car, say) that risked no further exposure — you each might be able to maintain distancing on the occasions when you were both in the building. Under those circumstances, what you have in mind could be just fine: There would be no harm in doing what a reasonable boss would agree to your doing. You’ll need to be transparent, then, and make sure that your assumptions are warranted. But as long as your use of the office is something you can defend to your staff in this sort of way, they shouldn’t regard it as unfair.
My partner and I are both employed and have two children in a day care center. Our oldest attends four days a week, and our youngest attends two days a week. My partner works four days a week as a registered nurse at a clinic, and I am employed full time at a higher-education institution as a director.My partner and I are both employed and have two children in a day care center. Our oldest attends four days a week, and our youngest attends two days a week. My partner works four days a week as a registered nurse at a clinic, and I am employed full time at a higher-education institution as a director.
Recently, in response to the coronavirus, my employer required all nonessential employees to work remotely until further notice. In addition to a number of other directives, the governor of our state encouraged day care centers to stay open.Recently, in response to the coronavirus, my employer required all nonessential employees to work remotely until further notice. In addition to a number of other directives, the governor of our state encouraged day care centers to stay open.
We are in a fortunate position to suffer no significant financial consequence keeping our children at home while I work remotely. Admittedly, I would not be as productive in this situation as I could otherwise be, but my employer is understanding. However, even if we choose to keep our children at home, we will continue to be charged weekly tuition from the day care center so long as it remains open.We are in a fortunate position to suffer no significant financial consequence keeping our children at home while I work remotely. Admittedly, I would not be as productive in this situation as I could otherwise be, but my employer is understanding. However, even if we choose to keep our children at home, we will continue to be charged weekly tuition from the day care center so long as it remains open.
My partner and I have debated continuing to take our children to day care. Is it selfish to send your children to day care if you can easily keep them at home? Are we selfish to focus on “getting our money’s worth” for each week? Are families with the means to stay at home with children obligated to do so for the public good, even if it means forfeiting fees for something they’re not using? James E., MinneapolisMy partner and I have debated continuing to take our children to day care. Is it selfish to send your children to day care if you can easily keep them at home? Are we selfish to focus on “getting our money’s worth” for each week? Are families with the means to stay at home with children obligated to do so for the public good, even if it means forfeiting fees for something they’re not using? James E., Minneapolis
Your partner is a nurse and so should be in a position to assess whether the kids’ going to day care poses risks to them and to others, including you. Public-health experts, I will note, tend to be more concerned with the prospect of children’s spreading infection than falling ill with it. If getting sick isn’t a big problem for most kids, though, having sick parents definitely is. So do your best to maintain social distancing for their sake as well as yours. And that probably means keeping them home. You think that having kids underfoot will reduce your productivity. You might consider how your productivity will be affected if you come down with Covid-19.Your partner is a nurse and so should be in a position to assess whether the kids’ going to day care poses risks to them and to others, including you. Public-health experts, I will note, tend to be more concerned with the prospect of children’s spreading infection than falling ill with it. If getting sick isn’t a big problem for most kids, though, having sick parents definitely is. So do your best to maintain social distancing for their sake as well as yours. And that probably means keeping them home. You think that having kids underfoot will reduce your productivity. You might consider how your productivity will be affected if you come down with Covid-19.
As for your sunk costs? You should forget about getting value for money, given that you’re clearly in a position to put that aside. Even if you don’t send your kids to the center, you’ll be supporting a place that is relied upon by parents who don’t have the luxury of deciding to keep their kids at home. In this respect, you’re making another social contribution, beyond the one you’d make by social distancing. More we-thinking and less me-thinking is one thing that’s needed from all of us right now.As for your sunk costs? You should forget about getting value for money, given that you’re clearly in a position to put that aside. Even if you don’t send your kids to the center, you’ll be supporting a place that is relied upon by parents who don’t have the luxury of deciding to keep their kids at home. In this respect, you’re making another social contribution, beyond the one you’d make by social distancing. More we-thinking and less me-thinking is one thing that’s needed from all of us right now.