Unit 3: Academic Integrity and Intellectual Property

Site: Plateforme pédagogique de l'Université Sétif2
Cours: Ethics and Deontology in University Context by Dr. Ikhlas Gherzouli
Livre: Unit 3: Academic Integrity and Intellectual Property
Imprimé par: Visiteur anonyme
Date: jeudi 18 décembre 2025, 23:20

Description

This unit explores the principles of academic integrity and the ethical use of intellectual property in education. It addresses issues such as plagiarism, copyright, and fair use, while providing strategies for promoting a culture of honesty and ethical responsibility in the classroom.

1. Introduction

Academic integrity forms the backbone of scholarly work and professional ethics in the university context. As future educators, it is vital to understand the principles of honesty, trust, and responsibility that define academic conduct.


2. Understanding Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes a range of unethical practices such as plagiarism, cheating on exams, unauthorized collaboration, and data fabrication. Plagiarism, the most commonly discussed, involves using another's work without proper attribution. Educators must be equipped to detect, prevent, and address such issues.


3. Digital Ethics and Copyright

The widespread use of digital content in teaching raises ethical concerns around the use of copyrighted materials. Teachers should understand basic copyright laws and the implications of using online articles, images, or videos without permission. Ethical digital practices involve giving proper credit and seeking permission where necessary.


4. Fair Use Policies in Academia

Fair use allows for limited use of copyrighted material for educational purposes. However, this is governed by specific criteria: purpose, nature, amount used, and effect on market value. Teachers must balance educational goals with legal obligations.


5. Promoting Academic Integrity

Educators play a key role in fostering a culture of honesty. This includes:
  • Modelling ethical behavior
  • Providing proper citation guidance
  • Designing assessments that reduce cheating
  • Encouraging original work through reflective and analytical tasks


6. Classroom Applications

Engage students with examples of good and bad citation practices. Use plagiarism detection tools not as punitive mechanisms but as teaching aids. Cultivate open conversations about academic ethics.


7. Conclusion

Upholding academic integrity requires a proactive, informed, and compassionate approach. Teachers must strike a balance between enforcing rules and supporting students in developing ethical academic habits.


8. Glossary

Glossary:
  • Plagiarism: The act of using someone else’s words or ideas without giving proper credit.
  • Fair Use: A legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission under specific conditions.
  • Academic Misconduct: Any action that gives a student an unfair academic advantage.
  • Attribution: Acknowledgement of the original source of information, ideas, or text.
  • Digital Ethics: Moral principles guiding responsible use of technology and online content.