Adequacy of digital technology for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba, Delta State

Adequacy of digital technology for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba, Delta State

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to assess the adequacy of digital technology for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba, Delta State.

The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Population of the study comprised one thousand four hundred and fourteen (1414) workers from the two higher institutions in Asaba, Delta State. Simple random sampling technique was used in drawing a sample of one hundred and forty-one (141) workers. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Adequacy of digital technology for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba, Delta State.” The instrument was validated by two lecturers; one in School of Secondary Education (Business) and the other from Ministry of Education Asaba. One hundred and forty-one (141) workers from the two higher institutions in Asaba, Delta State and 136, were retrieved and analyzed using frequency count, mean and standard deviation statistics.

Findings of the study revealed that plagiarism detection tools, identity verification technologies and blockchain technologies are rarely available for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba. It was recommended among others that management of higher institutions in Asaba should ensure the provision of plagiarism detection tools for reduction of academic fraud

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Education is the most powerful instrument for transforming human society through developing the individual learner’s uniqueness. Any kind of professional misconduct undermines the integrity of educational system. Professional misconduct is a common disease visible in every walk of human life. The gravity of misconduct depends upon the importance of role or the extent of impact that particular profession  has  in  the  society.  Teaching is the most esteemed one  in  the  society,  because it  affects  the  future  of  every  learner  upon  whom  the  destiny  of the  entire  nation  depends.

Fraud in education is an act of deceiving the learners and the entire nation. Academic fraud is a kind of stealing the lives of the future generation which may handicap the society’s smooth functioning (Adeniyi, 2018). Fraud, in a general sense, refers to the deliberate deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain, often at the expense of others. Scholars from various disciplines have provided nuanced definitions of fraud based on their areas of expertise (Olutola, 2016). Even though whatever new plans we  may  formulate  and  the  amount  we  spend,  the efficacy and efficiency of education can be curtailed at any level of education such as policy making, administrative level, school level, classroom level, etc by the act of fraud. From the view point of advancement of the nation and the humanitarian concern, academic fraud cannot be tolerated in the education system at any cost. Academic fraud, also known as academic dishonesty, refers to any deceptive or unethical actions or behaviours by scholars or students in an academic context that undermine the integrity and fairness of the educational system (Johnson, 2021). Johnosn added that academic fraud is a dishonest or unethical actions that violate the principles of integrity, honesty, and fairness in the realm of academia. It encompasses various forms of misconduct, including plagiarism, cheating on exams, falsifying research data, and misrepresenting one’s qualifications or work. Academic fraud among workers in higher institutions in Nigeria, like in many other countries, can take various forms (Obed, 2019). These fraudulent activities undermine the integrity of the education system and can have serious consequences for both students and the institutions. Academic fraud is any act by a student or a scholar that may result in a distorted academic evaluation or a deception in an academic context. Academic fraud may include falsification or fabrication of data, plagiarism, or grossly negligent data collection or analysis (Olaniyi, 2021). Academic fraud is a crime and a threat to the intellectual integrity of the institution and the pursuit of truth. Academic fraud is defined as several forms of behaviour which give benefits for students improperly including cheating, plagiarism, stealing, and fabricating something related to the academic activity (Sagoro, 2019). It is also defined as all forms of cheating or fraud which include: plagiarism, unauthorized assistance on assignments and examinations among others (Lewellyn & Rodriguez, 2022). Academic fraud involves a deliberate effort to deceive and includes plagiarism, fabrication of data, misrepresentation of historical sources, tampering with evidence, selective suppression of unwanted or unacceptable results, and theft of ideas (deniyi, 2018).

According to Obed (2019), academic fraud could be in form of examination malpractice. Examination malpractice is one of the most prevalent forms of academic fraud. It includes activities like cheating during examinations, leaking exam questions, and other forms of dishonest behavior to gain an unfair advantage during tests. Workers may engage in the forgery of academic credentials, transcripts, or other official documents to gain employment or promotions. This can include creating fake certificates or transcripts.  Dickson (2022) opined that academic fraud could be in form of plagiarism. Plagiarism involves copying someone else’s work, such as research papers or assignments, and presenting it as one’s own. It is a common issue in academia and can occur among both students and educators. In some cases, educators may hire someone else to write their research papers, articles, or dissertations, claiming the work as their own. This is a form of academic dishonesty. Some individuals may take bribes from students in exchange for favorable grades or other academic advantages. This form of corruption can be widespread in some institutions. Faculty members may engage in unethical research practices, such as data fabrication or manipulation, to produce desired research outcomes. This damages the credibility of the research and the institution. Academics might publish fraudulent research articles in predatory journals or conferences to boost their academic standing. This can involve submitting low-quality or non-peer-reviewed work (Femi, 2019). Jelani (2017), opined that academic dishonesty dates back to the first tests. Academic fraud can also extend to financial matters. Workers may embezzle research funds, misappropriate grants, or engage in other financial misconduct. Some workers might use their connections and influence to gain unfair advantages, such as getting promotions or research opportunities that they may not merit based on their qualifications or contributions. Faculty members may intentionally or negligently mishandle grading, leading to discrepancies in student assessments. This can happen due to laziness, favoritism, or discrimination. Faculty or staff may engage in academic fraud by discriminating against or harassing students based on their gender, ethnicity, or other factors, which can affect students’ academic performance.

Digital technology on the other hand refers to electronic tools, devices, and systems that process, transmit and store data in binary form (Justin, 2019). Unlike analog technology, which carries data in wavelength signals, digital technology encodes data as true or false, on or off.  The term digital technology encompasses all the systems and devices that encode and use the binary number system to represent data. These devices range from digital watches and televisions to cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence. Digital technology has changed how we learn, communicate, work, and much more. Digital technology is a broad concept that involves the use of technological devices, hardware and software systems that generate, store and process data (Robert, 2016). According to Jelani (2017), Digital Technology refer to the Application of digital electronics, Any significant piece of knowledge from information technology. Digital technology has taken all over the world with the rapid establishment of different businesses, through technological advancement, examples are flutter wave, Jumia, etc. when there are available businesses there will be jobs for the teeming youths in the country

However, there are different kinds of digital technologies that can be used to fight academic fraud among workers in higher institutions. According to Eli (2022), academic fraud among workers can be fought through the use of plagiarism detection tools like Turnitin, Copyscape, and Grammarly can be used to scan academic papers and identify instances of plagiarism or unauthorized copying. These tools compare the submitted work to a vast database of academic and non-academic content to check for similarities. Remote proctoring software, such as ProctorU and Examity, allows institutions to monitor and authenticate online exams. It uses webcam and microphone technology to ensure students do not engage in cheating, impersonation, or any other fraudulent activities during online assessments. Comprehensive academic integrity platforms, like Integrity Advocate or Proctorio, which combine plagiarism detection, identity verification, and exam proctoring to maintain a higher level of security and integrity in their assessments. Blockchain technology can be used to create a tamper-proof record of academic achievements. By issuing certificates and diplomas on a blockchain, institutions can verify the authenticity of credentials easily. Identity verification technologies, such as biometric authentication, two-factor authentication (2FA), and secure login systems, can help ensure that the person accessing academic resources and exams is indeed the authorized student or faculty member. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms can analyze student behavior during online assessments to detect anomalies that may indicate cheating or academic fraud (Dickson, 2018). Data analytics tools can help institutions identify unusual patterns in student performance or exam results, which may indicate academic fraud. By analyzing large datasets, institutions can pinpoint areas of concern. Mobile applications with authentication features, such as fingerprint recognition or face ID, can ensure that students and staff are using their own devices to access academic resources. Secure communication tools and email services with end-to-end encryption can protect sensitive academic communications, ensuring that messages and documents are not intercepted or tampered with.

Just as technology has advanced the forms and means of fraud, so too has the internationalization of education, in particular in higher education. Knowledge, credentials, and people in academic work are now highly mobile, so that fraudulent activities, just like electronic communications, transcend national borders. The infrastructures for supporting fraud-resistant examination systems, selection processes, and credentialing are often deficient, and the controls on malfeasance are insufficient. Hence the need to examine the adequacy of digital technology for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba, Delta State.

Statement of the Problem

The high rate of fraud perpetrated in the institutions of higher learning in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. It is so evident that both educators and students now see it as a normal thing which has affected the standard of education in Delta State and Asaba in particular. Academic fraud seems to be at the forefront of all the frauds perpetrated. Owing to the fact that students are now much aware that even if they do not read or do their course work, there is always a way out. Apart from the fraud perpetrated by students, workers are fully involved in other kinds of fraud such as Plagiarism, certificate forgery and others just to make name for themselves.

Academic fraud among workers of institutions of higher learning tend to undermined the academic integrity of higher institutions in the state capital. Academic fraud is a threat to the intellectual integrity on which the advancement of knowledge depends. Academic fraud can taint the reputation of the Universities and Colleges of Education in the state and of its honest scholars and researchers. It can compromise the position of collaborators, subordinates, and supervisors. Fraudulent research can lead other investigators down fruitless paths of inquiry, at enormous costs to knowledge, morale, careers, time, and money. Its occurrence places great strains upon collegial interaction.

It is against this background that this study is carried out to ascertain the adequacy of digital technology for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba, Delta State.

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the adequacy of digital technology for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba, Delta State. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Examine the extent of the availability of plagiarism detection tools for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba.
2. Determine the extent of the availability of identity verification technologies for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba.
3. Ascertain the extent of the availability of blockchain technology for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba.

Research Questions

The following questions were raised to guide the study:

1. To what extent are plagiarism detection tools available for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba?
2. To what extent are identity verification technologies available for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba?
3. To what extent are blockchain technologies available for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba?

Significance of the Study

This study would be beneficial to students, Educators, Workers in Tertiary Institutions, general public, Management of institutions, Researchers in the Field of Business Education.

For students, they will benefit from a fair and transparent academic environment where their hard work and knowledge are rewarded. Reduced academic fraud through digital technologies ensure that students are evaluated fairly, which can motivate them to excel through their genuine efforts. When academic fraud is minimized, students can focus on genuine learning and skill development. They can trust that their peers’ and their own achievements are valid and earned through ethical means. A reputation for academic integrity can boost the value of their degrees and qualifications, making them more competitive in the job market.

For Educators, the study would help them to identify the available digital technology which can help them implement and secure a reliable assessment methods, ensuring that their evaluations are based on merit, which is essential for maintaining the quality and credibility of education. Automated tools can save educators time and effort in detecting and preventing academic fraud, allowing them to concentrate more on teaching and research. A reduction in academic fraud can lead to a more trusting and engaging learning environment, which can improve the overall quality of education which is the significance of this study.

For Management of institutions, the findings of the study would enable them to ascertain the level of availability and functionality of digital technology for fighting academic fraud. It would equally help them to examine the functionality of those digital technologies which will help them to replace the outdated once and maintain the ones functioning. Higher institutions in Asaba will benefit from a positive reputation for academic integrity. It can attract more students, funding, and collaborations. Minimizing academic fraud can reduce legal and ethical issues for the institution, saving resources and protecting its standing in the academic community.

For Researchers, through the findings of this study, they can use data on the effectiveness of digital technology in reducing academic fraud as a basis for further studies and improvements in this area. Research in this field can contribute to the development of best practices and guidelines for implementing digital technologies to combat academic fraud in educational settings.

For the field of Business Education, the study would contribute to the body of knowledge by adding to the literature in the field. Academic integrity is crucial in fields like Business Education, where ethics and integrity are highly valued. Ensuring that graduates have earned their degrees honestly enhances the reputation of the field and the employability of its graduates. The study also reflects the broader trend of technology adoption in education, which is increasingly important in today’s digital world. Business education programs can learn from the findings and adapt their curriculum and assessment methods accordingly.

Scope of the Study

This study is centered on the adequacy of digital technology for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba, Delta State. With particular emphasis on availability of plagiarism detection technologies, identity verification technologies and blockchain technologies as variables of interest. Respondents of the study are workers in higher institutions in Asaba.

Limitations to the Study

The study cannot be used to generalize in the entire state or nation because it was limited to adequacy of digital technology for reduction of academic fraud among workers in tertiary institutions in Asaba, Delta State. However, similar study can also be carried out in other parts of the state or any other part of the country and a different result could be obtained. Questionnaire was used in collecting data; another instrument such as interview and observation can be used to collect data in a similar study and different result could be obtained. The study made use of mean and standard deviation in analyzing the data collected; other statistical tools such as standard deviation can be used in a similar study. Small sample size and the use of two higher institutions are also sources of limitation to this study.

Pages:  71

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF         

Chapters: 1-5                                 

Source: Imsuinfo

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.