Strategies for Enhancing Academic Honesty as an Ethical Concern in E-Learning in Tertiary Institutions: A Philosophical Perspective

Learning has been part of human existence from time immemorial. In the process of education, the aim of learning is to acquire true knowledge. To achieve this, there is need for academic honesty, an ethical issue, bordering on human conduct. Research findings have shown that academic honesty in e-learning has remained a big challenge among tertiary institution students. This is worrisome, since this level is a gateway to life in the wider society after schooling. Honest students in academics will invariably become honest individuals in the society. For this reason, the paper explored strategies that enhance academic honesty in e-learning, so as to equip learners to contribute to the society through honest ways. The paper aims to instill the consciousness of honesty in learners, and promote high academic standard, competence and self-confidence in tertiary institutions. Methods of conceptual analysis, clarification, description and prescription, as well as review of literature, were adopted for the study. Philosophical perspective set the paper on rationality rather than emotional sentiments. The findings showed that some strategies, such as self-discipline, hard work, imbibing ethical principles, among others, can certainly enhance the practice of honesty in e-learning in tertiary institutions. Conclusively, these were seen as constituting strategies for enhancing academic honesty in e-learning. Consequently, it was suggested that instructors, school counsellors and other stakeholders should ensure that students are helped to practise these strategies. Students themselves are enjoined to cherish honesty in their academic pursuit and avoid short-cuts, as these can only lead to mediocrity and incompetence, to the detriment of the learners, and the society at large.