Interactive approaches to learning about academic integrity: the role of fun and games

Academic integrity is a serious topic; recognition of one’s work and the acknowledgement of the work of others is the foundation of academic study. Given the serious nature of the topic, universities treat breaches of academic integrity and the promotion of a positive culture of academic integrity seriously. Methods used include honour codes, workshops to learn appropriate techniques, and serious speeches or videos by senior university officials urging students to ‘do the right thing’. However, the rise of contract cheating and increases in the number of students found breaching standards indicates that ‘serious’ messaging about academic integrity is not having the impact it once did. In an age of social media and technology, different methods of engaging and socializing students should be considered. This chapter examines the role of games and gamification in creating situations that encourage students to engage more deeply with academic integrity. The chapter also discusses the challenges that arise from using gamification, including designing for accessibility, representation and cultural intelligence, and measuring whether such methods for engaging students result in changes in student attitudes and behaviour.