I don't know if its new, or if its just making the news. I've seen a lot of Universities making the news lately, that makes me suspect that reporters are taking an interest in it all of a sudden.
The (very few) stats I've seen on it would indicate that the numbers have stayed very consistent over the last 20 years.
My personal experience seems to be consistent with that: I was the victim of assignment theft a few times over my years as a student (both in Nursing and CompSci)
BTW: I'm actively seeking evidence of it in the historic record as well. I'm interested in evidence regarding students attending the Library of Alexandria for instance.
I suspect it is a universal constant, like gravity or the speed of light.
+Jefferey Cave - there have always been cheaters, but it is pretty brazen now, which makes me think that it is far more common now.
On the other hand, much of what is being taught is absolute junk, not worth learning, and the students know it - so perhaps this is just a symptom of a bigger disease. However, I do not think that would apply to engineering courses.
The (very few) stats I've seen on it would indicate that the numbers have stayed very consistent over the last 20 years.
My personal experience seems to be consistent with that: I was the victim of assignment theft a few times over my years as a student (both in Nursing and CompSci)
BTW: I'm actively seeking evidence of it in the historic record as well. I'm interested in evidence regarding students attending the Library of Alexandria for instance.
I suspect it is a universal constant, like gravity or the speed of light.
On the other hand, much of what is being taught is absolute junk, not worth learning, and the students know it - so perhaps this is just a symptom of a bigger disease. However, I do not think that would apply to engineering courses.