Plagiarism (AKA cut and paste term papers)
In a recent class we were discussing this topic and a student observed that copying someone’s stuff was not at all uncommon in their facet of the CJ profession (the real world). In a three week period, I’ve been in a similar conversation with professionals in three separate (though related) fields, regarding writing various proposals and preparing presentations. I’ve also been told that students in criminal justice ethics are dabbling in this heinous act . . .
I was listening to a podcast from EdTechTalk yesterday and one of the guys observed that this generation of students “raised on the Internet” find nothing wrong with turning in the work of another as their own.They cited a BBC article (linked). There’s a brilliant observation that I won’t copy here so as not to be considered a plagiarist 
.
I am one of many professors located both in online and face-to-face classrooms that feel “The era of cut-and-paste requires our vigilance” (linked) . . . more at Chronicle.com.
My concerns are many, but initially I am wondering . . . if I don’t give credit where credit is due, what legitimacy am I providing for what I say?
There’s a (semi-humorous) saying that’s been used in the speaking circles that goes something like this: If I like what you said I’ll repeat it and give you complete credit the first time. The second time I use it, I’ll preface my comment with “I heard somewhere.” By the third time I saw it, all the audience will hear is “I’ve always said.”
How’s that for originality?
I don’t recall where I first (or last) heard this, but I was able to find someone else who heard it too (It appears I am already between the first and second position). Check out #5 of the rules to live by on Spike’s Blogspot (linked).
