Title: Obtaining Help & Using Aids

STEM icon. Created by Stefaniada Voichita. Use under CC 4.0 BY-NC.

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Introduction

Lesson 2: Obtaining help & using aids

Please select the sidebar’s tabs on the left or use the navigations controls to progress through the lesson.

Navigation instructions

- It is recommended that you use Google Chrome or Safari browsers for this lesson.
- Please select the lesson's tabs on the left-hand sidebar to progress through the content.
- Use the < Prev. and Next > buttons to go from one slide to another.
- Select the Check button to submit your answers and get feedback.

Keyboard navigation

- Use Tab + Enter keys on your keyboard to go to the next slides and Shift + Tab + Enter to go to the previous slides.
- Use Tab and Up/Down or Left/Right arrows to navigate & Enter or Spacebar to activate menus (e.g., turn rotatable cards, multicards, drop-down cards).
- For activities, use Tab & Up/Down or Left/Right arrows to select options, Enter or Spacebar keys to submit answers for feedback (e.g., multiple-choice, true/false), or drop draggable options onto the desired drop areas (e.g., drag and drop).

It should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete the lesson.

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Learning outcomes:

- Recognize the importance of following your instructors’ requirements regarding getting help and using aids.
- Differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate academic practices for getting help and using aids.
- Identify and apply best strategies to uphold academic integrity when obtaining help and using aids.

Obtaining help & using aids overview

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Your instructor’s requirements

You are encouraged and expected to seek help for questions and concepts that are challenging for you.

ⓘ However, engaging in behaviour that falls outside of your instructor’s requirements, or using an unauthorized aid (e.g., unapproved calculator, cell phone, formula sheet or tutorial/solutions website) that provides you with an improper advantage, is considered cheating and will be penalized.

Differences in requirements

ⓘ It is important to be aware that the requirements may be different for each assessment and each course.

While an instructor might permit certain aids on their first assignment, they might not allow it on their second assignment, and what is allowed in on e class may not be allowed in another.

It is your responsibility to know and follow your instructor’s requirements.

Computer science example

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On a coding midterm, your instructor might permit you to use a cheat sheet but may not permit you to use your full course notes.

Your instructor might also not permit any aids. This means that your work must be completed on your own.

Engineering example

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While completing an engineering midterm, your instructor may authorize you to use your own formula sheet that only contains formulas but not full solutions to problems. Or, your instructor might permit you to use a formula sheet they have prepared.

Other instructors may not permit any aids, meaning you must complete your work entirely on your own. You need to learn the requirements for each course.

Engineering example

Math example

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While completing an online statistics quiz, your instructor might permit you to use a calculator, but may not permit you to access materials on the course website and/or the internet.

Your instructor might also not permit any aids. This means that your work must be completed on your own.

Math example

Science example

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While completing a midterm, your instructor might permit you to use your course notes, but may not permit you to use online sources.

Your instructor might also not permit any aids. This means that your work must be completed on your own.

Science example

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Individual work and your instructor’s requirements

On individual assessments, your instructor is testing your knowledge to ensure you have a good understanding of the content. Your instructor is also testing your ability to apply your knowledge to new problems or in new contexts. Working with others in the se situations means you are not honestly demonstrating your own understanding.

Failing to follow your instructor’s requirements on assessments is an academic offence. Depending on the situation, you could face consequences for cheating, unauthorized col laboration, or plagiarism that can impact your progression, academic record, graduation date, or ability to graduate.

Computer science example

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When completing a coding assignment, your instructor may allow you to discuss approaches to the problem with other students in your class but may prohibit you from sourcing code.

Engineering example

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When completing problem set assignments, your instructor may allow for discussion with other students in a study group. However, that does not mean students can divide up the questions, copy each other's solutions and submit the work as their own.

Engineering example

Math example

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When completing math assignments, your instructor may permit you to access tutoring services to find out how to approach questions that you are stuck on. However, probing your tutor if you answered a question correctly, or asking for hints is usually not permitted.

Math example

Science example

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When completing lab reports you will often work in partners or in groups to perform experiments and collect data. However, generally lab reports are to be completed individually, which means students cannot divide up parts of the report, share the work with their group, and submit the final report as their own.

Science example

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Group work and your instructor’s requirements

On group assessments, your instructor is testing your collective knowledge as it is applied to the team’s final product. While working with others it is important to uphold appropriate academic practices:

- Be aware of your instructor’s requirements.
- Many of the requirements for individual work are applicable to group work.

Additionally, as an individual group member you have a responsibility to your team members to uphold academic integrity. Generally, one team member’s academic dishonesty will have implications for the entire group.

The purpose of assignments and tests

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Assignments and tests in post-secondary education are meant to challenge you to apply your knowledge in new ways and require you to develop and demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts. This means that there will be times where you:

- May not know how to approach the problem (e.g., which formulas or concept to apply).
- May get stuck part way through a problem.
- May not even know what the question is asking!

In these situations, it may be tempting to seek out aids to reach the right answer. Your instructor will have requirements for what is and is not allowed on an assessment.

Authorized aids

Your instructor may allow you to use authorized aids on your tests or exams. This means you are allowed to use those aids while you complete the assessment.

For example, your instructor might permit the use of:

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Specific calculators.

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Course notes.

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Online websites.

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Formula sheets.

ⓘ It’s important to remember that these aids are only permitted during your assessment if your instructor has explicitly authorized them.

Unauthorized aids

Your instructor may also prohibit the use of specific aids on your assessment. These unauthorized aids can relate to sourcing answers or using unapproved aids. Let’s review some examples.

Sourcing answers

Your instructor might not allow you to use sources for answers on an individual assessment.

For example, you may not be allowed to utilize the following:

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Online answer sharing platforms or websites.

Credits: Online search; by University of Waterloo, updated by Stefaniada Voichita; 2020; source https://uwaterloo.ca/academic-integrity/keep-learning-integrity; licence CC BY-NC 4.0

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Unauthorized solutions manuals.

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Online chat groups for assignments/tests.

Credits: Group chat; by University of Waterloo, updated by Stefaniada Voichita; 2020; source https://uwaterloo.ca/academic-integrity/keep-learning-integrity; licence CC BY-NC 4.0

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“Checking answers” and “getting hints/tips” from others while completing the assessment.

Credits: As a group; by University of Waterloo, updated by Stefaniada Voichita; 2020; source https://uwaterloo.ca/academic-integrity/keep-learning-integrity; licence CC BY-NC 4.0

Unapproved aids

Your instructor might also not permit you to use certain aids on your individual assessment.

For example, you might not be allowed to use your:

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Cell phone.

Credits: Smartphone; by University of Waterloo, updated by Stefaniada Voichita; 2021; source https://uwaterloo.ca/brand/how-express-waterloos-brand/imagery#symbols; licence CC BY-NC 4.0

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Calculator/other physical tools.

Credits: Calculator; by University of Waterloo, updated by Stefaniada Voichita; 2020; source https://uwaterloo.ca/academic-integrity/keep-learning-integrity; licence CC BY-NC 4.0

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Course notes during tests.

Credits: Course notes; by University of Waterloo, updated by Stefaniada Voichita; 2020; source https://uwaterloo.ca/academic-integrity/keep-learning-integrity; licence CC BY-NC 4.0

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Formula sheets.

Credits: Formula sheets; by University of Waterloo, updated by Stefaniada Voichita; 2020; source https://uwaterloo.ca/academic-integrity/keep-learning-integrity; licence CC BY-NC 4.0

Check your knowledge

Q: Check your knowledge

If my instructor has prohibited the use of all aids on my midterm, I am allowed to use:
- A) My cell phone. (Incorrect! If your instructor has prohibited aids on your assessment, you are not allowed to use any notes, tools, or sources.)
- B) My course notes. (Incorrect! If your instructor has prohibited aids on your assessment, you are not allowed to use any notes, tools, or sources.)
- C) Online websites. (Incorrect! If your instructor has prohibited aids on your assessment, you are not allowed to use any notes, tools, or sources.)
- D) Nothing. (correct) (Correct! If your instructor has prohibited aids on your assessment, you are not allowed to use any notes, tools, or sources.)
- E) A group chat. (Incorrect! If your instructor has prohibited aids on your assessment, you are not allowed to use any notes, tools, or sources.)

Learning takes time

It’s important to remember that problem solving takes time, and although you may feel tempted to use unauthorized aids, it’s important to have the courage to practice applying course content on your own.

Give yourself the opportunity to:

- Understand the problem.
- Understand what is challenging you or where you have gaps in your knowledge.
- Seek help if needed.
- Struggle with a question and persevere without looking for a quick answer.

And then attempt the work on your own.

Maintaining academic integrity (AI)

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To avoid cheating, it is important to determine what is and what is not allowed on each assessment.

To find out, you can:

- Check the assessment instructions.
- Check your course outline.
- Reach out to your instructor or TA.

ⓘ Before using an aid that is not explicitly permitted in the assessment instructions, make sure to check with your instructor or TA first.

Check your knowledge

Q: Check your knowledge

What is an aid? Check all that apply.
- A) Course material. (correct)
- B) Calculator. (correct)
- C) Online discussion forums. (correct)
- D) Financial assistance.
- E) Online answer sharing platforms. (correct)
- F) Getting help from a friend. (correct)
- G) Getting help from a tutor. (correct)
- H) International relations.

What to do if you are struggling

If you are struggling with course content, there are several strategies you can try instead of using an unauthorized aid.

Please turn the cards over to learn more.

Q: For an assignment that will be graded you can:
A: - Seek help from the instructor or TA (Tip: put all tutorial and help sessions into your calendar along with room/building numbers).
- Find alternative explanations for course concepts by searching for additional lecture content or online videos. This can also be helpful for reinforcing understanding of a concept.
- Look up similar problems for extra practice. Seek help for approaches to problems from an authorized tutoring centre.

Q: For an assignment that will be ungraded you can:
A: - Form a study group.
- Verify answers to practice problems.
- Use faculty sanctioned exam banks to study for tests and exams.

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The consequences of academic misconduct

If you ever find yourself considering inappropriate academic behaviour, like using unauthorized aids, remember that there are consequences to these actions. The specific consequences will be determined by the policies of your educational institution. However, there are many general repercussions.

At minimum, if you are caught completing tests or assignments using inappropriate methods you can expect to get zero on the assessment and be placed on probation (meaning a second offence will lead to a more serious penalty). A letter or note about the academic offence may also be placed in your student file or on your academic record.

From there, the range in the level of severity of the penalty is based on the severity of the academic misconduct. This means lesser offences will have less harsh penalties, but more serious offences can have drastic consequences for your academic career.

ⓘ Most academic offences result in a penalty of a reduced mark or a zero on an assessment and/or a reduction from your final grade. This can have a negative impact on your grade average and academic standing.

You may also need to take responsibility for your actions by engaging in restorative activities such as writing a letter of apology, preparing a paper on integrity and ethics, or attending a remedial course or workshop.

Serious academic offences result in harsher penalties such as failing a course, having to retake a term or year, or even being temporarily suspended from the institution.

Sometimes students think that they are not harming anyone when they engage in academic misconduct; on the contrary, academic offences negatively affect their entire institution:

- It disrespects your classmates, instructors, and TAs.
- It disrupts the quality of your academic program.
- It degrades the value of the degrees conferred.
- It threatens the reputation of your institution.

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ⓘ Ask yourself:

- Do you want to be associated with an educational institution that becomes known for cheaters or short cuts?
- Also, what kind of impact might that have on your own career?
- What if they hired you for your good mark in a course you cheated in?
- Do you think employers would want to hire you if they thought your degree wasn’t credible?

Check your knowledge

What do you think are the following statements True or False?

Q: There are no consequences for academic misconduct.
A: false

Q: Academic offences negatively affect your entire institution.
A: true

Q: Most academic offences result in a penalty of a reduced mark or a zero on an assessment and/or a reduction from your final grade.
A: true

Q: Academic misconduct doesn’t hurt the reputation or credibly of an educational institution.
A: false

Q: Being charged with an academic offence may impede my future career.
A: true

Q: I uphold my personal integrity and the preserve the value of my degree by obeying the academic rules.
A: true

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Improving in the future

At some point during your studies, you may feel as though you are unprepared for a test or exam or are struggling to complete assignments on your own. Although you may feel tempted to turn to an unauthorized aid, such as the internet, or working with friends or tutors outside of the boundaries indicated by your instructor, have the courage to complete the assessment on your own.

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What are some long-term benefits of studying and working with integrity?

- Academically honest practices are beneficial for long-term knowledge retention.
- Maintaining academic integrity while earning your degree will help you build credibility and a strong reputation for your career in the future.
- Experience the feeling of being lost and working out a solution. Each time you succeed at this, you will build confidence. Everyone feels lost sometimes. It is scary at first but manageable.

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Learning from setbacks

Everyone underperforms at some point during their studies and their careers. However, failure does not define you as a person. Use the opportunity as a learning experience and improve for next time.

For example:

- Did you leave your studying to the last minute?
TIP: Try creating a schedule and prepare well in advance
- Did you not fully understand the course content?
TIP: Visit your instructor’s or TA’s office hours to find out where you went wrong.

ⓘ Remember, making mistakes or failing gives us the opportunity to learn and improve ourselves. We all need practice – no one is perfect.

Finding academic integrity (AI) information

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Many students seek out information for help about academic integrity.

There’s a lot of information available on the internet, and it can be challenging to know what you can trust. Just like you should evaluate the credibility of the sources you use in your assignments, you should also evaluate if the information you find online about academic integrity is reliable or unreliable.

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Reliable sources

Your institution’s webpages related to academic integrity (e.g., an academic integrity website or library website) are an excellent source of reliable information. They may explain your institution’s policies on academic integrity, define academic integrity expectations, and connect you with resources that can support you.

ⓘ If you’re not sure if your institution has academic integrity information online, or if you still have questions, check with your instructor, an academic advisor, or the student centre.

Unreliable sources

Sometimes unreliable academic integrity information can come from peers with the best of intentions or from companies with predatory intentions.

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Forum posts

While online forums (e.g., Reddit, Discord) are a great way to connect with other students on a wide range of topics, the information shared about academic integrity might not always be correct.

Sometimes, the academic integrity information that is shared on forums are rumours and are not verified facts. Additionally, academic integrity requirements depend on the course and/or the program, so another student’s experience with academic integrity, even at your same institution, might not apply to you.

ⓘ If you have questions about academic integrity, it’s best to ask your instructor or a staff member.

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Assignment services

There are websites that offer services to students, including completing or improving their assignments for them. These websites might claim they do not violate academic integrity policies at your institution, however, they usually do. Students should never have someone else complete or significantly change their work for them.

Additionally, these websites typically require a form of payment or access to your credit card information. There have been several complaints regarding these companies using credit cards and other personal information to blackmail students for more money, with the threat that they will report them to their institution if payment is not received. There are significant risks with purchasing answers or asking someone to complete your work for you.

ⓘ If you have questions about whether a website service violates academic integrity, check with your instructor before using it.

Module 2: wrap up

In this module you learned about:

- The importance of fully understanding your instructor’s requirements for each assessment and each course.
- Strategies for getting authorized help when you’re struggling with course content.
- The consequences of academic misconduct and benefits of working with integrity, even when you’re unprepared or struggling.
- Where to find reliable sources of information on academic integrity.

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Congratulations!

You’ve completed the 2nd Academic Integrity in STEM module.

Credit and licensing

Content Creators: Amanda McKenzie, Erin Nearing, Maria Barichello, Stephanie Mutch, Mike Chee, and Kari D. Weaver.

Instructional and Graphic Designers: Stefaniada Voichita, Hiba Zubairi, Cathy Sebastian, Anthony Maocheia-Ricci, Mike Chee, and Kari D. Weaver.

Additional feedback was generously contributed by many faculty, staff, and students at the University of Waterloo, McMaster University, Queen’s University, and the University of Guelph.

This module was created with financial support from a 2021 eCampus Ontario Virtual Learning Strategy Grant and is licensed under a Creative Commons 4.0 Attribution-Non Commercial License (CC 4.0 BY-NC).

Attribution may be indicated as follows:
McKenzie, A., Nearing, E., Barichello, M., Mutch, S., Weaver, K. D., Voichita, S., Chee, M., Zubairi, H., Sebastian, C., & Maocheia-Ricci, A. (2022). Obtaining help & using aids. eCampus Ontario. Link to repository. Used under CC 4.0 BY-NC.

For more information or to request permission for a non-licensed use, please email academic.integrity@uwaterloo.ca

Territorial acknowledgement

This project was led by individuals who live and work in Waterloo, which is the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo’s main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office .