A framework for controlling dishonesty in open and distance learning (ODL) in higher education

Abstract

Dishonesty is a contentious issue in higher education. The aim of this paper was to review current literature on dishonesty in higher education and ODL in order to construct a framework for the prevention of it. This is a particularly pertinent subject because the world-wide web has made academic dishonesty easier by facilitating the practice of plagiarism. Dishonesty in high school leads to dishonesty in higher education which, in turn, leads to fraud in the workplace. Safeguards to curb the wave of dishonesty need to be implemented in higher education and, especially, in ODL. Consequently, ethics in higher education and ODL, accountability and ways to counter fraud are all highlighted in this paper, as are plagiarism detection software and the usefulness thereof in academia.