bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waste Stories
Authors: Wilson Anna , Robertson George , Uflewska Agnieszka , Humphreys Penny
Published: July 2024

This presentation demonstrates how speculative assemblage methods can be put into both research and pedagogical practice to build connections between networked learning and learning for sustainability. We give a rationale for a focus on waste, and marine litter in particular, as an important sustainability and environmental challenge that can be productively explored through learning networks. We then describe the framework that underpins the Waste Stories project, which combines speculative and assemblage methods to create distributed learning networks aimed at reconfiguring relationships of waste and value. We then describe an example of a networked assemblage of waste imaginaries generated by students in a Further Education context in Scotland. These animated imaginaries reveal important dynamics characterising emergent understandings of marine litter in the local and global environment. They also illustrate how retaining a focus on content and context can help networked approaches to learning avoid overly focusing on connectedness.
Towards automated assessment of participation and value creation in networked learning
Authors: Deneen Christopher , De Laat Maarten , Claassen Alrike , Zamecnik Andrew
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. MOOCs have transformed the landscape of online education, offering wide accessibility but at the price of high dropout rates and limited ability to measure student engagement. With MOOCs' expansive user base, it has been difficult until now to move beyond conventional metrics of course completion and quiz scores, which are insufficient for understanding the multifaceted nature of student engagement. The study addresses these challenges through a novel method of applying a large language model (LLM) to develop a more complex and meaningful understanding of student engagement and experiences in MOOCs.The research is grounded in the networked learning (NL) research tradition by using the Community of Inquiry framework to explore social, cognitive, and teaching presence in online educational environments and automate the assessment of student learning participation. The study focuses on social engagement and interaction, crucial for perceived value creation. Theoretical soundness, data targeting and quality, interpretation benchmarks, and robust data sampling and analysis strategies constitute the foundational pillars of the proposed predictive system. This framework guides the study's approach to address common MOOC issues, such as learner isolation and limited interaction, which are critical factors in students' perceived value and learning.The methodology involves a dual approach of human and LLM coding, testing the ability of LLMs to replicate human coding accuracy. The study was conducted in a non-massive open online course to test system effectiveness before applying it to larger MOOCs. Analysis indicates that an initial noncomplex LLM model can match human coding performance to 60% reliability, representing a significant step forward in automating qualitative analysis in online education, with potential for enhanced results using more complex LLM modelling. Key findings show that AI can effectively measure and enhance student engagement in MOOCs. The use of LLMs in coding qualitative data offers a reliable method for understanding student participation, which is vital for improving educational outcomes in online courses. The research highlights the potential of AI in transforming online education by providing deeper insights into student engagement and learning processes.The study also provides insights into the interplay of AI-measured engagement and learners' value perception, advancing the understanding of networked learning participation and its impact on educational outcomes. Implications extend to curriculum development, pedagogical strategies, and the broader field of online education. Future work includes expanding this methodology to more extensive MOOC environments and incorporating qualitative interviews to enrich the analysis.
Generating AI Alternatives
Authors: Drumm Louise , Beetham Helen , Cronin Catherine , McIlwhan Rosemarie
Published: July 2024

May 2024 finds us eighteen months on since the release into the wild of unregulated generative AI models and their chatbot front-ends. While Higher Education (HE) has been playing catch-up in terms of policy and regulation (e.g. Russell Group 2023, Conrad 2023, EU 2022), those who work in higher education have been grappling with the consequences for learning, teaching, assessment, and research on the ground. Between the hype from big tech on the one hand, and a sense of despair on the other, alternative, critical and ethical activities have begun to emerge (Bender et al., 2021; Bozkurt, A. et al., 2023; Conrad, 2023; Fischer et al., 2023; Nerantzi et al., 2023; Rahm, 2023). This workshop explores these alternatives both as concept and method.
Analisis Sistem Gerak yang Memengaruhi Keseimbangan Tubuh Lansia
Authors: Gea Fifitriani , Hulu Adil Hati , Lase Natalia Kristiani
Published: July 2024

The elderly are prone to experiencing body balance disorders that can result in falls. This is influenced by various factors, including the movement system that changes with age. The researcher's goal is to analyze the movement system that affects the balance of the body of the elderly. The researcher used the literature review method by looking for data from scientific journals. The main source of data for this research is obtained through academic search engines, such as google scholar. Data analysis is carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Based on the results obtained from the movement system that affects the balance of the elderly body includes, the musculoskeletal system where the decrease in muscle strength and mass, joint stiffness, and osteoporosis can interfere with balance, the second is the nervous system, where the decline in the function of the central and peripheral nervous system can interfere with coordination and reflexes needed to maintain balance, and finally the vestibular system located in the inner ear which can interfere with perception Balance. Decreased motor system function in the elderly can affect body balance and increase the risk of falls. Two parties that target the elderly's mobility system, such as physical exercise and rehabilitation therapy, can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls
Konsep Pembelajaran Matematika di Kelas 1 Sekolah Dasar
Authors: I’zaati Lailatul , Irawan Wahyu Henky , Abdussakir Abdussakir
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to describe the concept of mathematics learning at the elementary school level. The focus of this study is how the concept of mathematics learning at the elementary school level. This study uses a qualitative approach through the method used is library research for data collection. Data collection is carried out through books and literacy resources related to the concept of mathematics learning in elementary schools. The main source of articles comes from various journals indexed on google scholar. Data analysis is carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The result of this study is that children at the elementary school level are children in the age range of 7-12 years old and are in the concrete operational stage where in this concrete operational stage children can understand logical operations that are reversible and conservation
Penerapan Media Pembelajaran Videoscribe pada Materi Sistem Reproduksi Manusia Kelas XI
Authors: Daeli Dirikan Hati , Gea Yana Arnila , Lase Natalia Kristiani
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore the results of the application of videoscribe media in the context of learning the human reproductive system. The method in this article uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method. The main purpose of the search is to obtain a theoretical basis and a framework of thinking. The main source of data for this research is scientific articles published in various scientific journals and indexed on the google scholar database. Data analysis that qualitative data analysis consists of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study confirm that the application of videoscribe media in the learning process has very meaningful benefits. This media can increase student motivation and engagement, which ultimately results in a deeper understanding of the material. This has an impact on a significant increase in student learning outcomes. In addition, the use of videoscribe provides an opportunity for teachers to better understand the effectiveness and efficiency of these media in learning, so that they can better adjust teaching strategies to achieve optimal student learning outcomes. Practically, the use of videoscribe media stimulates students' motivation and participation in learning, as well as increases their involvement in understanding the subject matter
Towards next-generation user interfaces: Chinese perspective of implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support people with disabilities
Authors: Tlili Ahmed , Zhang Xiangling , Huang Ronghuai
Published: July 2024

While several studies have investigated how artificial intelligence (AI) has shaped next-generation user interfaces, most of the literature is Western-based and scant information exists on the technological advancement for people with disabilities. To address this research gap, this study conducts an integrative review to show how AI in China has facilitated the development of next-generation interfaces, allowing more realistic and personalized interactions based on the different needs of people with disabilities. Specifically, it reports various cases adopted and implemented in various Chinese real-scenarios, beyond lab experiments or small tests. This study contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by depicting different scenarios, techniques and interaction levels that could be adopted in various contexts to facilitate the life of people with disabilities in different fields.
Empowering Accessibility: A Case Study on Trader Joe's Website Interaction Framework for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Krishnan Aparna , Krishnan Reshmy , Manickam Sivakumar , Karuppasamy Arunadevi
Published: July 2024

Individuals with visual impairments have significant challenges in obtaining the essential knowledge necessary for making dietary choices in today's consumer market. Assistive technology is a vital tool for enhancing the daily lives of individuals with disabilities. An important area of research related to expected restrictions on diets, such as "kosher," "gluten-free," "vegan", etc., should be explored. Like many grocery stores, Trader Joe's aims to make their in-person experience accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities. Their efforts might include store layout designs that are navigable for people with visual impairments, training staff to aid, and possibly incorporating technology or tools that enhance shopping accessibility. Our study designed and implemented an automated packaging system for Braille users to assist them in the data visualisation by using a set of pre-determined parameters that are both definite and sensory on a collection of macro-level products. Here, we design a tool that generates the visual/label for each item based on its input data. The design will give an at-a-glance visual or user journey of the entire collection, which can be interactive and printed.
A Review on Roles of Next Generation User Interface to Support People with Disabilities
Authors: Verma(Panwar) Sheily , Aqle Aboubakr
Published: July 2024

User interfaces of the next generation are a significant step forward in technological development. They bring potential that have never been seen before for boosting accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for people who have disabilities. These interfaces, driven by state-of-the-art technology like AI, NLP, and gesture detection, enable users to overcome limitations in their physical abilities. These interfaces provide individualized solutions to several requirements. They empower those with visual impairments by providing them with superior screen readers, and they empower individuals with motor disabilities by providing them with intuitive gesture-based interactions. This can be accomplished by democratising access to information and communication. The principles of inclusive design that are included into these interfaces give accessibility the highest priority from the very beginning, thereby creating environments in which dignity and autonomy are prioritised. The influence extends beyond the realm of convenience, permeating social inclusion and empowerment through the provision of tools for communication, cooperation, and engagement. The revolutionary potential of next-generation user interfaces promises a future in which disability is associated with infinite potential. This is because innovation is continuing to meet unmet requirements, such as brain-computer interfaces and devices that use augmented reality. The purpose of this abstract is to investigate the substantial consequences of next-generation user interfaces in the process of making society more accessible and inclusive. This will ensure that everyone, regardless of their ability, has the opportunity to flourish and make meaningful contributions.
The Current State of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools for Accessibility in Product Development
Authors: Abu Doush Iyad
Published: July 2024

This paper addresses the pressing need to evaluate the maturity and performance metrics of generative AI tools dedicated to accessibility in product development. The problem lies in the lack of standardized methods for assessing the maturity of generative AI tools tailored to accessibility needs and the absence of universally accepted performance metrics to measure their efficacy. This deficiency hampers the advancement of inclusive design practices and limits the potential impact of AI-driven accessibility solutions. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for evaluating the maturity of AI tools specifically designed for accessibility in product development. We elucidate the critical criteria integral to this evaluation, encompassing aspects such as usability, reliability, scalability, and adaptability to diverse user needs and contexts. The proposed solution aims to contribute valuable knowledge to the evolving landscape of generative AI tools dedicated to enhancing accessibility in product development. By establishing a structured approach to assessing maturity and advocating for standardized performance metrics, our research endeavors to empower developers, designers, and stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the adoption and refinement of AI-driven accessibility solutions.
The Epidemiological Situation of Tetanus in the World
Authors: Bukharbayev Y.B. ,   South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Bayakhmetova М.М. , Abuova G.N. , Nurmakhanbetova A.Y. , Akhmetova A.K. , Zhakipbekova G.S. , Satybaldyeva N.M. , Nuralyieva G.N. ,   South Kazakhstan Medical Academy,   South Kazakhstan Medical Academy,   South Kazakhstan Medical Academy,   Shymkent City Consultative and Diagnostic Center,   South Kazakhstan Medical Academy,   South Kazakhstan Medical Academy,   South Kazakhstan Medical Academy
Published: July 2024

This article presents data on emergent natural focal infections, or rather on tetanus, registered today in the world. The article will provide the reader with an overview of the epidemiology of tetanus along with the signs and symptoms of tetanus. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus to identify studies published between January 1, 2000 and July 19, 2023, containing information on the epidemiology of tetanus, the burden of disease and mortality among the school-age population, adolescents and adults in the world.
Methods for Diagnosing Congenital Anomalies of the Aortic Arch in Children. Advantages and Disadvantages
Authors: Moldakhanova Zh.A. ,   National research cardiac surgery center, Rakhimzhanova R.I. , Dautov T.B. , Bastarbekova L.A. ,   Astana Medical University,   University Medical Center,   National Research Cardiac Surgery Center
Published: July 2024

Congenital heart defects (CHD) account for a third of all congenital malformations and occur in 0.7-1.7% of newborns. Congenital anomalies of the aortic arch (CAAA) are structural abnormalities that affect the development of the aorta and its branches. Congenital anomalies of the aortic arch is very important to diagnose in the neonatal period, as early diagnosis and proper treatment are key factors in improving the long-term prognosis. The purpose of this review was to study methods for detecting aortic arch abnormalities in infants in order to increase the sensitivity of screening and diagnostic accuracy. Literature was searched in electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar and an electronic library using keywords. The analysis included 20 sources that met the inclusion criteria. CTA exhibits higher sensitivity in detecting extracardiac structural malformations compared to transthoracic echocardiography, and MRI outpaces transthoracic echocardiography in determining the number of shunts, accurately measures myocardial function, and provides isotropic three-dimensional datasets for complex cardiac abnormalities.
LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY FOR CHOLELITHIASIS COMPLICATED BY CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS AND OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE
Authors: Zhakiev B. ,   West Kazakhstan Medical University named after Marat Ospanov, Aitbaeva A. , Elemesov A. , Suindikov T. , Koptleuov B. ,   West Kazakhstan Medical University named after Marat Ospanov,   West Kazakhstan Medical University named after Marat Ospanov,   Aktobe Medical Center,   West Kazakhstan Medical University named after Marat Ospanov
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study: to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of patients with cholelithiasis complicated by choledocholithiasis and obstructive jaundice by using laparoscopic technology. Methods. The results of surgical treatment of 140 patients operated on for cholelithiasis complicated by choledocholithiasis and obstructive jaundice were analyzed in the clinic of hospital surgery of West Kazakhstan Medical University named after Marat Ospanov for the period from 2016 to 2021. Results. The use of laparoscopic and endoscopic interventions in the surgical treatment of cholelithiasis complicated by choledocholithiasis and mechanical jaundice can reduce the number of postoperative complications from 42.5% to 19%, that is, almost 2.2 times. One-stage laparoscopic interventions, including cholecystectomy and removal of stones from the common bile duct, can be performed in 95.6% of cases. With cholecystocholedocholithiasis using the laparoscopic method, in 17.8% of cases it is possible to carry out lithoextraction through the cystic duct. Conclusions. Simultaneous laparoscopic methods of treatment of cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis and obstructive jaundice are less traumatic and more physiological, allowing to save the sphincter apparatus of the major duodenal papilla, thus being a highly effective method in the treatment of patients with cholecystocholedochitis.
Clinical, Laboratory and Ultrasound Parameters in Assessing the Activity of Inflammation in Crohn's Disease
Authors: Zhanasbayeva Marzhan ,   National Scientific Oncology Center, Orazbaуeva Damesh , Dzhaulybaeva Elvira , Kaliaskarova Kulpash , Ainabelova Bayan ,   National Scientific Oncology Center,   Astana Medical University,   National Scientific Oncology Center,   Astana Medical University
Published: July 2024

The evolution of ultrasound equipment and the growing experience of investigators have increased the role of intestinal ultrasound in the evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with Crohn's disease. Purpose of the study: to assess the degree of activity of Crohn's disease using transabdominal ultrasound examination of the intestine Methods. We prospectively evaluated 30 patients aged 18–70 years with an established diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Patients underwent clinical assessment of Crohn's disease activity, laboratory assessment included C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin, and endoscopic activity was assessed using the simplified endoscopic Crohn's disease assessment method. Segments of the colon and terminal ileum were assessed using intestinal ultrasound. The study was performed by a sonographer using a LOGIQ E9 machine using convex (2.5–5 MHz) and linear [(5–10 MHz) transducers. The study was carried out without special preparation, on an empty stomach, without additional contrast enhancement. Certain ultrasound parameters (intestinal wall thickness, vascularization pattern, intestinal wall architectural disorder, fibrofatty proliferation, mesenteric lymphadenopathy, ascites) were used to determine the sonographic assessment of activity. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics 23) Results. Changes in intestinal wall thickness were found in all parts of the intestine, as well as increased vascularity according to the Limberg scale. Intestinal wall thickness was significantly correlated with changes in the level of C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin and moderately correlated with the clinical activity index. Conclusions. Our study shows that transabdominal intestinal ultrasound is an effective and easy-to-use tool for assessing Crohn's disease activity and monitoring disease progression in routine practice.
Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life after Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19) in Young People
Authors: Maiba Anton ,   Astana Medical University, Dubitsky Andrey ,   Astana Medical University
Published: July 2024

Research following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 has focused on identifying the consequences of the disease, including "Prolonged COVID-19", characterized by a wide range of symptoms and negative impact on quality of life. There is a lack of research on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 in Kazakhstan, which emphasizes the need for additional research and differential diagnosis of symptoms for effective population health management. Objective: to evaluate the quality of life of students of NJSC "Astana Medical University" after coronavirus infection. Methods. The study was conducted among students of NJSC "Astana Medical University" who voluntarily participated after signing consent. The respondents were divided into two groups: students with confirmed and unconfirmed COVID-19. Scores were calculated using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics and Student's T-test for independent samples. Results. The study, conducted between March 2023 and January 2024 among 50 students at Astana Medical University, included two groups: students with confirmed (29 people) and unconfirmed (21 people) COVID-19. There were 31 women and 19 men among the participants, the average age was 24 years. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, which showed a high level of physical functioning (84.1%), some limitation in role functioning (58%), and moderate impairment in mental health (52.9%). The mean values of the combined components showed little difference between genders and age groups. Statistical analysis using Student's T-criterion showed significantly lower quality of life scores in students with confirmed COVID-19 (PCR+) compared to unconfirmed (PCR-), with a level of statistical significance of p<0.001. Conclusion. Mental health depends not only on illnesses but also on the emotional background. In the context of world events, mental health is expected to deteriorate. However, the results of the study emphasize the importance of further research on the effects of Covid-19 on quality of life. Additional studies using standardized instruments for measuring quality of life and those specific to COVID-19 are recommended.
The Divided Hypoglossal Canal of Males and Females at Different Age Periods
Authors: Vagif Bilas oglu Shadlinski ,   Azerbaijan Medical University, Anar Sardar oglu Abdullayev ,   Azerbaijan Medical University
Published: July 2024

Aim. The purpose of the study was to study the division of the hypoglossal canal in terms of age and gender. Material and research methods. The research material was 200 skulls (20 skulls of adolescence age, I adulthood age 68, II adulthood age 72, and elderly age 40. In total, there were 86 male skulls and 114 female skulls). For analyzing the obtained arithmetic data, the Pearson Chi-Square Test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used. Statistical analysis was carried out using the program "IBM Statistics SPSS-26". Research results. The difference in the division of the left and right hypoglossal canals between the male and female skulls in the gender aspect was not statistically significant (for the left divided hypoglossal canal PU = 0.668; for the right divided hypoglossal canal PU = 0.284). The hypoglossal canal and its division in the gender aspect also showed statistical insignificance with the use of the Pearson Chi-Square Test (for the left divided hypoglossal canal Pχ2 = 0.888 and for the right divided hypoglossal canal Pχ2 = 0.506). The division of the hypoglossal canals in age aspect also showed that the difference is statistically insignificant (for the left divided hypoglossal canal Pχ2 = 0.538 and for the right divided hypoglossal canal Pχ2 = 0.355). In female skulls, the difference between age periods was statistically significant for the left hypoglossal canal (PH = 0.047). The difference between male and female skulls in terms of age does not appear to be statistically significant. Only in the elderly age period is the difference for the left divided hypoglossal canal weakly significant (PU = 0.051). Conclusion. The data obtained on the age and gender characteristics of the divided hypoglossal canal are of interest when planning surgical interventions in the posterior cranial fossa.
A Deep Intelligent Hybrid Intrusion Detection Framework with LIME
Authors: Ashar Ahmed Fazal
Published: July 2024

Network security has grown to be a major issue as a result of the development of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Attacks known as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) can overwhelm and impair networks. In order to identify DDoS and other network intrusion threats in real-time, accurately, and with justification, this study suggests a unique deep learning-driven fog computing architecture named as Deep Intelligent Hybrid Intrusion Detection Framework with LIME (DIHIF-LIME). The main advancement is the creation of a hybrid intrusion detection system that integrates randomness measurements taken from network traffic with a K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) machine learning classifier. The justification for predictions is explained using Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME), which promotes explainability. Using datasets including network assaults, Long-Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks are created and compared. Utilizing 5-fold cross-validation, LSTM outperformed benchmarks with the maximum accuracy of 99.97%. In conclusion, the proposed fog computing intrusion detection framework with LIME explainability offers a rapid, precise, scalable, and interpretable end-to-end solution from IoT devices to the cloud. A thorough test shows that the method is effective in protecting IoT networks from DDoS and other assaults. The two main advances th­­at are presented are hybrid detection and LIME explainability.
More Than Servants of the State? The Governance of Initial Teacher Preparation in Canada in an Era of School Reform
Authors: Young Jon , Boyd Karen
Published: July 2024

Drawing on Gideonse’s (1993) distinction between political, institutional, and professional modes of governance, this article examines changes in the governance of initial teacher preparation in Canada over the last three decades. With data collected from a review of provincial documents and key informant interviews, the article uses Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia as case studies to illustrate how provincial governments, universities and their faculties of education, and the teaching profession have been able to exert their influence on the preparation of teachers. The article argues that each of these players constitutes a legitimate partner in initial teacher education, that each partner brings to the governance of initial teacher education varied core values and interests, and that diverse provincial governance arrangements reflect varied accommodations of these values and interests that have implications for how teacher professionalism and teachers’ work is being constructed.
Prevalence of Gendered Views of Reading in Thailand and Canada
Authors: Sokal Laura
Published: July 2024

Recent large-scale testing of reading achievement indicates significant gender differences favoring girls in all countries tested, a situation that some researchers believe is the result of boys viewing reading as a feminine activity. Given that Canada has one of the world’s smallest gender gaps in reading whereas Thailand has one of the largest, a matched sample of 168 boys from Canada and Thailand were studied to examine potential differences in prevalence of viewing reading as feminine. Findings show no significant differences between boys in Canada and Thailand, which suggests that viewing reading as feminine is not at the root of gender differences in reading achievement. Other potential contributing factors, including culture, socioeconomic status, and interest are discussed.
Special Education in First Nations Schools in Canada: Policies of Cost Containment
Authors: Phillips Ron
Published: July 2024

The education of First Nations students in Canada on reserve is the legal responsibility of the federal government. This article reviews and critiques the federal government’s past and current special education policies and practices in regard to First Nations schools throughout Canada. The author has found that rather than establishing a comprehensive special education system for First Nations schools, the federal government has focused on limiting funding, services, and development. Four themes emerge from this review: (a) lack of willingness on the part of the federal government to honor constitutional obligations and responsibilities in special education to First Nations; (b) focus of providing provincial level of special education services resulted in little consultation with First Nations; (c) limited funding, and (d) lack of respect for First Nations expertise.
U Have Integrity
Authors: Eaton Sarah Elaine
Published: July 2024

In this article I discuss the development and initial implementation of a workshop using a gamified approach to academic integrity. The 50-minute workshop involved a scenario- based card came. The audience was university staff in Student and Enrolment Services, which included, but was not limited to the Registrar’s Office, Student Services, and Student Wellness.
Social Media Enabled Contract Cheating
Authors: Lancaster Thomas
Published: July 2024

The contract cheating industry, those services and individuals who are supplying students with original work for assessment, is evolving. Contract cheating companies are using enhanced marketing techniques, including social media marketing, to encourage potential customers to avail themselves of services that breach academic integrity. Social media is proving to be integral to the success of the contract cheating industry as a whole. It allows contract cheating companies to recruit academic ghost writers and other staff. In addition, social media is fuelling a black market trade in contract cheating service accounts. Potential ghost writers who would not otherwise qualify are using this hidden market to get accounts to work for contract cheating services.This paper examines the state of the contract cheating industry, paying particular attention to the role that social media has played in the industry’s development and apparent growth. The discussion of the industry is supported by example and case studies. These cover the end-to-end contract cheating process from when an essay mill is first set up, through to supplying services to students and to engaging contract cheating service workers. Examples of contract cheating and social media use of specific interest to Canadian academics and scholars are included. The paper concludes with a discussion of future challenges as well as the opportunities for academic integrity discussions. These are intended to enable academics to work with students as academic integrity partners and to enable discussions that make use of what is known about the operation of the contract cheating industry.
Reflections on the 2019 Canadian Symposium on Academic Integrity
Authors: Eaton Sarah Elaine
Published: July 2024

In this editorial I offer my reflections on the 2019 Canadian Symposium on Academic Integrity, as a co-chair of the event hosted at the University of Calgary, April 18-19, 2019. I consider the origin of the event and consider key learnings. I conclude with a reflection about the impact of the symposium and where we go from here.
Creating a Collaborative Network to Promote Cultures of Academic Integrity in Manitoba’s Post-Secondary Institutions
Authors: Stoesz Brenda M , Seeland Josh , MacLeod Paul , Vogt Lisa , Markovics Laszlo , Denham Tod , Gervais Loie , Usick Brandy
Published: July 2024

In this article, we, as representatives from several post-secondary institutions across Manitoba and British Columbia, describe how sharing knowledge and experiences across institutions has informed and enhanced academic integrity initiatives at our respective institutions. We outline how participation in provincial, national, and international teaching and learning events as a collective has informed our work in academic integrity and led to the emergence of the Manitoba Academic Integrity Network (MAIN) in May 2019. We discuss the benefits of collaborating within a provincial network and next steps for expanding the reach of the network across institutions by engaging faculty, staff, and students.
Preventing online shopping for completed assessments: Protecting students by blocking access to contract cheating websites on institutional networks
Authors: Seeland Josh , Stoesz Brenda M , Vogt Lisa
Published: July 2024

Contract cheating or “the outsourcing of student work to third parties” (Lancaster & Clarke, 2016, p. 639) is a type of academic misconduct that is growing and changing due to advancements in technology and the emergence of a lucrative, multi-million dollar per year industry that targets students relentlessly (Lancaster & Clarke, 2016). In an effort to protect students from engaging in contract cheating, three postsecondary institutions in Manitoba (i.e., Assiniboine Community College, Red River College, and the University of Manitoba) launched initiatives to block access to websites that offer contract cheating services from their networks. This initiative facilitated a preliminary examination of student activity on institutional networks. In any given month, a relatively large number of students (i.e., up to 3,519 unique users) were attempting to access websites identified as providing contract cheating services. We recognize that a single initiative will not eliminate academic misconduct, however, by combining various educational, protective, and preventative strategies, the likelihood that students will make ethical decisions regarding their academic work can be increased.
Nursing student knowledge of plagiarism and its relationship to writing apprehension and writing self-efficacy
Authors: Chorney Meagen
Published: July 2024

This session will provide the results of a cross-sectional study exploring how knowledge of plagiarism is related to writing apprehension, writing self-efficacy, and various demographic and writing history characteristics of nursing students. Our study gathered data by survey, including two established questionnaires for writing apprehension (Daly & Miller, 2013) and writing self-efficacy (Mitchell et al., 2017). Data were also gathered as part of the natural instructional and evaluation processes of the course Scholarly Writing (NRSG-1501), including a plagiarism questionnaire and feedback provided to students on course quizzes and a scholarly paper. Attendees of this session will explore plagiarism from students’ perspectives of their own writing apprehension and self-efficacy in comparison to their demonstration of academic integrity in a first year writing course for nursing students.
Academic Misconduct and Online Support for Students
Authors: Wong Amara
Published: July 2024

In response to the shift to fully online delivery of student services in March 2020, the University of the Fraser Valley’s Academic Success Centre quickly revamped the way we connect with and support students charged with academic misconduct. Our presentation will explain the historical and philosophical foundations of our Academic Integrity Matters (AIM) program including the training of our student Peer Mentors and the key role they have. We will describe the multi-step workshop process we developed to guide students to stronger understanding of academic misconduct, academic integrity, and their own role as models of academic honesty. We will present data showing how the pandemic impacted the number of misconduct cases and the types committed. We will conclude the workshop with an outline of the challenges we encountered and how we resolved them as we altered an already successful face-to-face program to run in a virtual environment. Participants will be invited to discuss how our approach might apply in their own contexts.
Issues and Problems in Educational Surveillance and Proctoring Technologies
Authors: Parnther Ceceilia , Eaton Sarah Elaine
Published: July 2024

Introduction. The increase of online course offerings due to COVID 19 has substantially increased eproctoring technology used to streamline classroom management and assessment. Faculty and students are increasingly concerned about the requirements of these systems.
This presentation will:

Explore the experiences of eproctoring internalized by college.
Categorize this population's experiences and concerns in the context of eproctoring and surveillance.

To do so, the following research questions are considered:

How is eproctoring described in scholarly literature, social media, and student print media?
What components of eproctoring surveillance are viewed as detrimental to student learning using these sources, and how do the impacted individuals describe these components?

Research Methods. The presenters rapid review method is intended to provide timely decision-making information compared with standard systematic reviews. This method demonstrates the urgency and impact of eproctoring technologies on students. Institutions may use this information to make informed and holistic decisions on the specialized software they acquire and implement.
For this study, the unit of analysis refers to unique student responses to eproctoring. The authors include (a) Peer-reviewed scholarly literature, (b) traditional print, (c) student print media defined as newspapers and magazines, (b) social media.
Preliminary data (N = 20) describes e-proctoring surveillance technology as anxiety-provoking, intrusive, discriminatory, and adversarial. Stakeholders actively push back against e proctoring requirements and demand transparency, aligning with prior research on student privacy (Ifenthaler & Schumacher, 2016).
Implications for Higher Education Policy or Practice. This study's results inform policymaking around assessment practices, standardizing expectations, and creating eproctoring standards and policies that center students' rights, personhood, and privacy that outweigh the need for convenient assessment.
Contract Cheating in Canada: National Policy Analysis Project Update and Results for 2021
Authors: Eaton Sarah Elaine , Stoesz Brenda M , Miron Jennie , McKenzie Amanda , Devereaux Lisa , Steeves Marcia , Godfrey Anderson Jennifer , LeBlanc-Haley Joanne
Published: July 2024

Join us for an in-depth look at how contract cheating is addressed in Canadian higher education policies. In this session we share results synthesized from 80 publicly-funded universities and colleges across Canada, where English is the primary language of instruction. Our results show why Canada is lagging behind in terms of addressing contract cheating pro-actively through policy and procedures. We offer concrete recommendations for improving the ways that Canadian schools can address contract cheating and other breaches of academic integrity through policy and procedures.
In this study, regional teams assembled to collect and analyze academic integrity policies from 80 publicly-funded universities and colleges across Canada where English is the primary language of instruction (Western Canadian universities, n = 24; Ontario universities, n = 21; Atlantic Canadian universities, n = 13; Ontario colleges, n = 22). Although the entire study is not yet complete, we now have full or preliminary results to share from 9 Canadian provinces (BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, NB, NS, PE, and NL). In this session we offer the most comprehensive synthesis of the project to date.
In our presentation we provide an overview of the project as a whole, show how we have conducted the study (i.e., method), and present our findings at both a regional and national level. Based on our findings, we offer evidence-based recommendations for policy reform for academic integrity in Canadian higher education, concluding with a call to action for policy makers and administrators to take a stronger stance against contract cheating.
For more information on this project visit https://osf.io/n9kwt/.
Virtual Classes in a Non-native Language during the Year of the Pandemic: Confidence and Critical Thinking as Basis of Academic Integrity
Authors: Jeikner Alexandra
Published: July 2024

Introduction. This presentation will focus on teaching academic writing and research at the American College of Greece, using English as the language of instruction, to students whose native language is in the majority not English on challenges, during the time of the pandemic. The proposition is made that the move from physical classes to virtual ones might have enhanced challenges but also helped identify useful techniques that can inspire students to become more involved in their studies as well as to perceive academic integrity as valuable.
For sure, for students, attendance at an institution that promises a degree in a non-native language grants a competitive edge in the job market as it stands for linguistic competence in addition to subject expertise – but it is exactly that which also places students under increased stress. This stress is particularly exacerbated when secondary education tends to promote rote learning and discourage critical thinking. High school students that enroll at a university with such a learning base often feel overwhelmed, even threatened, when asked to engage with complex concepts and express critical ideas; even more so to understand and express these ideas in a foreign language. Some students experience frustration which in turn leads them to give up – while some others, as a last resort, turn to a ghost writer for help so as not to fail. In the physical classroom, with students producing in-class work, a professor has the advantage of being familiar with a student’s language competencies and thus being able to identify uncharacteristic work, but now, in the virtual classroom, certainty of originality is more difficult.
The presentation will describe a number of techniques that proved useful during this last year when all classes were virtual. As such, it can be considered a collection of observations transformed into a case study. Overall, what was observed was that while existing and well-known techniques to curb and identify breaches of academic integrity such as plagiarism continued to work, with more or less the same success as in the physical classroom, new techniques were needed to inspire critical engagement, participation and pride in own work, thereby steering students away from academic dishonesty in the form of contract cheating.
Objective. This presentation aims to share these insights with others in the academic field and to encourage dialogue so to allow for the emergence of best practice strategies. It would be particularly of interest to hear from other instructors who teach in settings where the language of instruction is not the students’ native language, as to how students are encouraged to engage, participate and also to display academic honesty.
Integrity hour and the mental health continuum
Authors: Vogt Lisa , Sawatzky Breanna , Villafranca Pamela
Published: July 2024

Supporting academic integrity across the institution is an involved process that includes integrating proactive education, designing effective learning spaces, identifying potential academic integrity breaches, and finding resolutions to support student learning. Through published literature as well as anecdotal experiences, we know that upholding the spectrum of academic integrity can take a toll on everyone – including students, instructors, administrators, and support staff. Rapid transitions and isolation brought on by responses to COVID-19 have only intensified this challenge. Using the Integrity Hour model developed by Dr. Sarah Elaine Eaton at the University of Calgary, RRC Polytech has established a community of practice to support staff and grow the institutional culture of academic integrity. In this session, participants will learn more about the Integrity Hour community at RRC Polytech and how the mental health continuum resource has been used to support group discussion. This session will include a demonstration of the Integrity Hour process with an invitation to participate in a circle discussion.
Did the Student Engage in Academic Dishonesty on their Exam? Yes, No, and Shades of Grey in Decision Making
Authors: Goegan Lauren , Tulloch Sierra L. P. , Daniels Lia M.
Published: July 2024

In academia, there are guidelines as to what constitutes academic dishonesty, and how to report it. This leads to the assumption that when instances arise, there are clear yes or no answers to the questions: (a) did the student engage in academic dishonesty, and (b) how should the student be disciplined? Previous research has been conducted examining the behaviours students engage in and the repercussions, but less research has examined the cognitions and actions of the people who discover the instances of academic dishonesty. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how participants make sense of potential academic dishonesty scenarios and the resulting actions they would take. We presented 201 preservice teachers with three scenarios: (a) sneaking answers into an exam, (b) having someone tell you the answers and (c) peeking at someone else’s answers. For each scenario, they had to respond to the items (1) to what extent do you consider the student’s behaviour as academic dishonesty, (2) What in the story helped you decide on your response? and (3) What do you think is an appropriate form of discipline? Overall, participants strongly agreed the behaviours were academically dishonest, however, when asked to indicate what in the story helped them decide, the majority made embellishments to the story, and close to half of the participants provided their opinions related to academic dishonesty more broadly. Moreover, participants indicated a wide range of disciplines for the same scenarios. The results will be utilized to create discussion around decision-making and academic dishonesty.