Inappropriate Collaboration in Real Life: Splitting Work
Splitting the Work (Part 1)
Setting: the Library
You, Greg, and Fran are seated around a long table, working on the same individual assignment.
Fran says, “Hey! I have a great idea!”
You ask, “What’s that?”
Fran says, “Why don’t we split up the work? It’ll be quicker if we all pitch in and do it together.”
You and Greg respond, “Great idea. Let’s do it!”
In this scenario, you did not make the right choice. If this assignment is meant to be completed individually, working together in this situation is inappropriate collaboration. You, Greg, and Fran might:
Fail the assignment
Fail the course
Be suspended from RDP
Be expelled from RDP
And not be accepted at another college or university after being expelled from RDP
As a student, you are expected to be the sole author of any assignment that you submit (unless it is a group project). If you need help, you can ask your instructor, RDP Library, or a Writing Skills Tutor for ethical help.
If you are struggling to complete all your assignments on time, consider talking to a Learning Strategist for help with time management.
Splitting the Work (Part 2)
Setting: classroom
Your instructor says, “Don’t forget your assignment is due next class. Remember, this is an individual assignment. You are meant to work alone."
You think to yourself, “Uh oh, I already completed half of the assignment with Greg and Fran!”
In this scenario, your best choice is to start the assignment over on your own. While the assignment may take longer to complete, this is the best choice to ensure you maintain academic integrity.
As a student, you are expected to be the sole author of any assignment that you submit (unless it is a group project). If you need help, you can ask your instructor, RDP Library, or a Writing Skills Tutor for ethical help.
If you are struggling to complete all your assignments on time, consider talking to a Learning Strategist for help with time management.
Inappropriate Collaboration in Real Life: Online Quizzes
Online Quizzes (Part 1)
Setting: your home
Kamaljit walks across the hall and knocks on your door.
Kamaljit: “Hey. Have you done the online quiz yet?”
You: “Not yet. I was planning to do it this evening. Have you?”
Kamaljit: “No. Want to do it together?”
No, you should not work with Kamaljit to complete this online quiz. When you have a take-home or online quiz to complete, your instructor expects you to complete it on your own.
If a friend is struggling with their academic work, the right thing to do is to encourage them to seek help. There are many free services for RDP students, including:
Setting: your home, one month later.
Kamaljit: “Hey, do you want to come by tonight around 8 to do the next quiz?”
You: “I don’t know. I heard there is software now that will detect when students have worked together on a quiz.”
Unless your instructor said you are allowed to work together, you should not work with Kamaljit on this quiz. If the quiz if meant to be completed independently, you and Kamaljit are committing inappropriate collaboration. Both you and Kamaljit might:
Fail the quiz
Fail the course
Be suspended from RDP
Be expelled from RDP
And not be accepted at another college or university after being expelled from RDP
Remember: completing the quiz on your own means you will be better prepared for the final exam! If you do not understand a take home or online quiz, this is a good opportunity to ask your instructor for help.
