Discussion forum - Plagiarism

This was a really interesting and mind opening discussion. We learnt all about plagiarism with in the art industry. A lot of work is currently behind copied and used commercially without the original creater knowing about it. Its a really stark occurrence to be happening and it seems to be happening more and more. 

It showed me what my responsibilities are as an aspiring art & design professional, but also what my rights are. Students should know about the ethical, legal, and professional consequences for borrowing others’ work too liberally, and what to do if they find that their own work has been copied or borrowed.

One of the best ways to deter visual plagiarism is to address it preemptively. Talk about the importance of copying from the masters for the sake of skill-building and expanding one’s knowledge, versus the perils of stealing from the masters (or one’s classmates). You can take similar steps for deterring visual plagiarism. Some tips I was given 

▪    Require multiple drafts of projects and have students document their progress through drafts in a sketchbook, whether it’s paper-based or digital. This is a valuable habit that will serve them throughout their careers.

   

▪    Ask for evidence of students’ research (including citations) as a professional best practice. 

▪    Add a personalized component to your assignment, whether it’s text- or image-based. For example, students have to write a paragraph a week that shows the evolution of their ideas.

     

▪    If you teach online, try this strategy from the Foundations department: their instructors require online students to photograph themselves holding their work.