“Hey everyone! I hope you’re all doing well. As we approach the Linear Mock, I want to take a moment to talk about something really important—academic honesty. This is not just about passing a test; it’s about ensuring that you are truly learning and preparing yourself for real-world challenges.”
Why Cheating is a Bad Idea?
“We understand that some students might be tempted to look up answers online, ask for help, or copy from external sources. But let me be very clear—cheating does not help you. It might give you a short-term advantage, but in the long run, it only hurts you.”
“You are here to build skills that will help you in your career. When you cheat, you’re not only being dishonest, but you are also denying yourself the chance to improve.”
How We Catch Cheating?
1️⃣ Time Analysis & Unusual Patterns
- “We track how long it takes you to solve each problem. Let’s be realistic—some problems take time. If we notice that a difficult problem, which usually takes students 10-15 minutes to solve, is suddenly completed in under a minute, that raises a red flag.”
- “Even more telling is when a student takes normal time for easier problems but magically speeds through the hardest ones. That’s not just fast thinking—it’s clear evidence of external help.”
- “Real problem-solving involves thinking, testing, and sometimes even making mistakes before getting the right answer. If your submissions don’t reflect this natural process, we know something is wrong.”
2️⃣ Submission Review
- “We have access to all your submissions. If your code looks like it has been copied from an external source or matches another student’s code, we know. Even minor modifications won’t go unnoticed.”
3️⃣ Explaining Your Solution
- “If you solve a problem during the course but cannot explain your own solution when asked, that’s a red flag. It clearly means you didn’t actually solve it yourself.”
4️⃣ Eye Tracking & Screen Behavior
- “If you’re constantly looking away from the screen, hesitating before typing, or frequently switching windows, it’s clear that you are getting help from somewhere else.”
The Consequences of Cheating
“Now, let’s talk about what happens if you are caught cheating. We take this very seriously. If we find out that you have cheated, you will receive a strike for the course. And let me warn you—getting a strike means you are one step closer to being blacklisted from the course entirely. I am sure you do not want that.”
“A blacklist means you will lose access to the course and any future opportunities we provide. This is not just about one test; it’s about your learning journey and your integrity as a student.”
The Real-World Impact
“Think about this—if you cheat now and somehow pass, what happens when you sit for an actual job interview? What happens when you have to solve problems on your own? Cheating today only sets you up for failure later.”
“Employers expect you to understand and apply concepts in real-life situations. If you haven’t actually learned how to solve problems, you will struggle in technical interviews and in your future job.”
Final Message: Stay Honest, Stay Confident
“At the end of the day, learning is about growth. Mistakes are okay. Taking time to solve a problem is okay. But dishonesty is not.”
“So, let’s keep it fair, keep it real, and put in our best effort for the Linear Mock. Show us what you have learned, and trust the process. We are here to guide you, but your learning is in your hands. Stay honest, stay confident, and give it your best shot!”
