Inappropriate Online Collabore tion A number of students from your course are planning to write the test together and coordinate via the group chat. The plan is for everyone to write the test at the same time and share answers. What should you do in this situation? Option After what Jacky said I don't think it's a good idea to write the test with the rest of the group I think I'll study and write it on my own. A Option B I think it will help everyone if we write it together. We'll each be studying anyway, so it's not a big deal. Option I'm not sure. Maybe I'll write it at the same time as everyone else, but not look at the chat unless I get stuck on a question.

Option A is the best course of action. Academic dishonesty, even when presented as collaborative studying, undermines the purpose of learning and assessment. Here's why the other options are problematic and why Option A is the correct response:<br /><br />* **Option B:** This option directly supports cheating. While studying together can be beneficial, collaborating during an exam is unethical and violates academic integrity. It misrepresents the student's understanding of the material and gives an unfair advantage.<br /><br />* **Option C:** This option represents a slippery slope. The intention to only consult the chat when "stuck" can easily lead to full-blown collaboration and cheating. It's difficult to draw a clear line, and the temptation to seek answers from the group will likely be strong. This option also violates academic integrity.<br /><br />**Why Option A is the right choice:**<br /><br />* **Upholds Academic Integrity:** Choosing to study and write the test independently demonstrates a commitment to honest academic practices.<br />* **Ensures Fair Assessment:** Writing the test alone allows for an accurate assessment of individual knowledge and understanding.<br />* **Avoids Potential Consequences:** Participating in a group effort to cheat on an exam can lead to serious consequences, including failing grades, suspension, or even expulsion.<br />* **Promotes Personal Learning:** Studying and taking the test independently reinforces learning and helps students identify areas where they need to improve.<br /><br />In addition to choosing Option A, it might be beneficial to also explain to the group why collaborating during the test is wrong and encourage them to study individually. This could help prevent them from making a poor decision with potentially serious consequences.<br />