Episode #131: Eric Gibbs on Ouriginal, Plagiarism, and Academic Integrity

Welcome to another great episode of the podcast!

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Our guest for this week’s episode is Eric Gibbs who is President, Americas at Ouriginal. Eric dives deep on his story, academic file sharing, what edtech can really do when it comes to detecting text similarities, and the reasons why students cheat.

• International Center for Academic Integrity

• Plagiarism in Higher Education by Sarah Eaton

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Listen to the episode below, or subscribe and listen via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify.

Music by pond5.com

Thanks for listening!

How to Make the Most of Your Time in Higher Education

Your time in higher education is an incredible opportunity and one that’s relatively short-lived. Getting the most out of the experience and enjoying it to the max will pay dividends for you for a long time to come. So how do you go about getting the most of your time in higher education? What should you actually be doing right now so that you don’t have regrets later? That’s what we’re going to discuss now, so read on to find out more.

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Be Proactive in Your Learning

When it comes to finding real success in the world of higher education, you need to understand the importance of being proactive and not simply expecting it all to fall into your lap. It’s a mistake lots of students make; but if you’re going to learn more, you need to be engaged in the process of learning and pushing yourself further than you did at previous stages of your education.

Ask for Help When You Need It

It’s also okay to admit when you’re struggling or when there’s something you’re not understanding. If you don’t ask for help, no one will know that there’s an issue and they won’t know that they need to step in. Your educators and the people running the college will usually be happy to help you in whatever way possible if you’re willing to ask for that help.

Push Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone

Sometimes, you need to make a real effort to leave your comfort zone, as daunting and scary as that might sound at first. It might mean overcoming your fear of social situations or engaging in extracurricular societies, or it might mean being more verbal and communicative in the classroom. Overcoming these fears and leaving your comfort zone will help you learn a lot.

Make the Most of the Insights Your Educators Can Offer

When you’re being taught by very talented professors and educators, you should really make the most of them and what they have to offer. Of course, that means paying attention in their seminars, but it also means probing them further and getting greater insights from them that might help you in some way. For example, you can learn a lot from Travis Preston of CalArts if you want to find out more about the world of theatre.

Build a Network

Finally, you should think about the network you’re building around you as you move through higher education. The contacts you establish now and maintain into the future might help you in your career one day. That’s definitely something to think about and to start planning for today.

As you can see, there are lots of things you can and should be doing if you’re serious about making the most of your time in higher education. Be sure to make the most of the tips and ideas we’ve discussed here if you want to make sure that you’re able to get the most from your higher education experience.

How to Better Retain Information After Reading

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It can be easy to spend time reading a book, and then completely forget what you read by the end of the day. This can be especially frustrating if you are a student or a keen learner and trying to retain information about a subject you want to progress with. 

The usual go-to activity is to re-read the information. This can be effective for some, but for others, you need a little more. 

This article looks at 5 effective ways to better retain information after reading. 

#1 Quiz yourself

After you have read a section, a good way to retain the information is to quiz yourself. This allows your brain to work hard to retrieve the information you have just read, which is an effective way to store it in your memory long term. Alternatively, if you get the answer wrong, you are much more likely to remember that the next time. 

#2 Use a guide 

Guides are a great way to see the information differently. You can create your guide, or you can purchase guides online. Guides are usually formatted out in a different way to the books and are more visually stimulating, which can help you digest the information in a different or better way. For example, if you are a medical student, you can purchase an anatomy study guide that breaks down different theories. You can also purchase guides to match your learning style too, as everyone is unique. 

#3 Use the information in a real-life scenario 

The best way to remember something is to attach the information you have just learned, to something you already know. Scan your house or your memory, and try to relate the information to a similar object or behavior. 

#4 Use visuals

Take the information from your book and turn it into something visual. Flashcards or mind maps are two of the most popular ways to revise information. Flashcards are a great way to condense information into small chunks and use them to test yourself to help retain the information. Mind maps also help you condense the information down, but provide you with more visual aid in learning, especially if you use lots of colors and diagrams in the process. Find creative ways to display the information. This act in itself will help you retain information better, as you think about it more and try to portray it in different ways. 

#5 Practice often 

Trying to cram the information in quickly, and then moving onto the next thing, is not very effective. It may help you remember the information short term, but will not do anything for long term retention. The most effective way to study is to space the information out, and practice often. Try a little bit per day, use your guides, mind maps, and flashcards to help you. 

If you can prepare yourself to retain the information and take steps after reading, then you are likely to find an effective way that works for you. Commitment and repetition are key in retaining information.

Studying Abroad: 5 Things You’ll Need to Keep You Sane

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You’re likely here today because you’ve put some serious thought into choosing a university abroad and studying a degree course there. Each year, thousands of students decide to study abroad for various reasons, with the leading one being better educational opportunities.

Learning abroad will teach you many things apart from the course subject you’ve elected to learn. For example, you’ll find out more about different cultures and ways of life, plus you’ll also learn how to view the world from a different perspective.

If you’re new to studying abroad, there are some things to consider before you pack your bags and fly off into the sunset. Here’s what you need to know:

1. You’ll Need a Reliable Internet Connection

There’s no denying that the Internet is your communication link with the outside world and, indeed, your family and friends back home. You will undoubtedly have Internet connectivity at your place of study, but what about your student accommodation?

It makes sense to organize your Internet connection before you leave home for your educational journey overseas. Otherwise, you’ll find it challenging to get online - especially if you’re staying at a location with a poor cell phone reception.

2. You’ll Need a Way to Watch TV Online

Online streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and JioTV make it easy to stream your favorite programs and movies over the Internet. The thing is, you’ll need to make sure you can do that when you’re overseas.

Firstly, you’ll need a modern laptop that offers HD screen resolution. Next, you’ll need to invest in a VPN like ExpressVPN if Internet censorship is a concern in your country of study. Lastly, you’ll need an active subscription to your favorite online streaming service.

3. You’ll Need Video Chat Software

These days it’s easier than ever before to have video conversations with family members and friends. Did you know that most services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype even let you video chat for free to the people dearest to you in your life?

Of course, you can’t do any video chats unless you have the right video chat software installed on your laptop. Also, if your computer doesn’t have a built-in webcam, you’ll need to purchase one separately.

4. You’ll Need Some Regular Time Out

As a student, you will probably spend much of your time doing something or seeing people. The thing is, you need to make sure that you look after your mental health and wellbeing, and that’s why it’s crucial to give yourself some regular time out from your daily schedules.

For example, you might want to dedicate some “you time” for jogging, retail therapy, or even meditating in an isolated location away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

5. You’ll Need to Befriend Like-Minded People

Lastly, you must spend some of your leisure time abroad with like-minded individuals. Doing so will help keep you happy and give you the motivation you need to continue with your studies.

Good luck!

Staying Connected With Friends And Family At College

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Going on to college is an exciting time in everyone’s life. You get the chance to broaden your horizons, meet new people, and even discover yourself. While you’re certainly there to learn, you can (and should) embrace the social side as much as possible, because you never know who you might meet that might change your life. 

However, some people can find coping with college more challenging than they initially thought. If you have traveled to the other side of the country for your higher education, you can feel lonely. You miss your friends, you miss your family, and if any of these are still hanging out together, you feel you’re missing out on all the fun. This is why it’s important to stay connected no matter where you go, and here are a few ideas to help you keep in touch with your nearest and dearest. 

Schedule Weekly Chats 

Weekly chats, whether on the phone or via video call are a fantastic and more importantly easy way for friends and family to stay in touch. It doesn’t even need to be every week, and some people - parents especially - will want to speak to their kids as regularly as possible. Arranging a time and a place to chat can also provide some sense of normality and routine, which is essential when you’re just starting college considering everything that’s going on. You don’t need to be too strict with these calls, but whenever is convenient can keep you connected to home. 

Throw a Video Party 

If your large group of friends celebrates a birthday every month, there’s no need to stop this tradition just because you’re on other sides of the country. Of course, not everyone has the time or resources to visit and celebrate like in the old days, which is why video parties are so useful. You can get everyone together to chat while enjoying a few drinks, or you can look at these virtual birthdays for all ages to get an idea for something fun that everyone will enjoy. Pub quizzes are always popular, as it keeps people engaged and adds some stakes to the proceedings. 

Watch Your Favorite Shows Together 

Many people make their first connection by bonding over their favorite shows. Whether it’s the latest must-see drama or finding kindred spirits in niche TV shows, you can stay in touch with friends and family back home by watching them while on the phone or making a Skype call. This is simple if you’re all in the same country, but if not, the best streaming VPN will make it easy to keep up with what’s going on. After the show finished, you can talk about what happened well into the night, or if it was particularly heavy, give yourself the chance to decompress and revisit it tomorrow. 

Send Them Things That Remind You Of Them 

While you’re out and about in your new college town, you may stumble across something that reminds you of someone you love. Now, college students are not especially known for being flush with cash, but if it’s affordable, why not pick it up and send it to your friend or family member. If you can’t afford it, perhaps a simple picture will suffice.  

Meet In The Middle 

No one wants to be responsible for being the one to travel every time you want to see each other. It’s expensive and there are only so many times you can go back to the same bar. However, if you haven’t seen someone in a while, you can always meet in the middle. This takes the burden of travel from one person and gives you the chance to have an adventure somewhere you might have never seen before. 

Check-In On People You Haven’t Heard From In a While

It’s easy to get swept up in the college atmosphere. You have met lots of people and you’re drowning in assignments. Everyone is usually in the same boat, and this can become overwhelming for some. If you realize you haven’t spoken to someone for a while, a simple text can go a long way towards letting them know you still care about them. They might be struggling to deal with the dramatic changes that come with going to college, and if they have felt at all alone or isolated, your message could encourage them to open up, which will feel like a weight off their shoulders.

Don’t Forget About Those Who Didn’t Go to College 

While it’s safe to assume that a strong number of people head off to college, it isn’t for everybody. Many friends will be able to stay connected because they share similar experiences about college life, but those that did not go into higher education will not feel the same. This could mean they feel left out and could cause them to withdraw from the group chat because they don’t feel they have anything to contribute. Staying connected means staying connected to everyone, so don’t forget about those who went into full-time work or vocational training. Ask them how things are going, and treat them as you would anyone else. 

Surprise Visits 

Who doesn’t love surprises? Well, this all depends on the surprise, but a surprise visit can be an incredible feeling. If you rock up on someone’s doorstep unannounced (and hopefully, they’re in), you will feel like nothing has changed, and you’re still the best friends. The same goes for your family. Your parents and siblings might think you're overloaded with schoolwork or have shifts at your college job. This means they’ve probably accepted they won’t see you for a while. If you want to reconnect after too much time away, consider how much fun you’ll have going home for a few days. 

Connection 

You don’t want to be that person who always goes home for the weekend or talks incessantly about their friends back home. You make connections with those around you, but you can still stay in touch with people you knew before. With so many ways to stay connected in the modern world, you have plenty of opportunities to balance your old life with your new one.

After College: 7 Life-Changing Things to Do

After college, many wonder "now what?" Unfortunately, the answer to that question is not always easy. This blog post covers seven life-changing things to do after college to make the best decisions for your future. 

All seven steps are crucial for making a successful transition from academia into the real world. Some people may have the temptation to follow their parents' advice or friends' opinions, but it's important to remember that you know yourself better than anyone else. You're an adult now, and it's time for you (and only you) to take control.

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Teach at a Local School

For those with a degree in education, teaching at a local school might be the best option. However, even if you don't have your teacher certification yet, there are many options for acquiring it outside of college.

Find an Internship Now

An internship is one way to get experience and knowledge before entering the job market, either full-time or part-time. Internships are always available, and you can find them in any field of interest. 

You have finally made it out of college, and the world is your oyster. Time to find a job, right? Wrong. After college, the best thing you can do is not get a job; it's to work on yourself. It would be best to do several things to prepare for the future and set up your life for success.

After acquiring your training at OPEC College, finding an internship can help you build your skills, network within the industry, and get a reference for when it's time to look for jobs. Volunteering is another excellent way to take advantage of this free time after college because it allows you to learn new things while also helping others around you. Internships and volunteering are not the only things you should be doing after college.

There is no need to rush into your future career when you could focus on other essential aspects of life instead. When it's time, you'll have many opportunities at your disposal because of all the hard work that went into this period between high school and working in an office or lab.

No matter how unique your skillset is, there's a company out there that needs you. You can apply for one that matches your skill; for example, working for Teach for America would be beneficial if you have an education degree.

Become a Research Assistant

If you're looking for a more academic route, becoming a research assistant in your field of interest is the way to go. You'll have opportunities to work closely with real professionals and get hands-on experience.

Become an Entrepreneur

For those who are creative or ambitious enough to take on this challenge, starting their own company may be the best option. Even if the company fails, this is a chance to experience failures in a less risky environment (in front of fewer people) and identify ways for future success. For example, a great business idea would be to start your gaming parlour as gaming becomes more profitable.

Find Volunteer Opportunities and Work on Your Skills

Volunteer opportunities and working at a job where you're looking to improve specific skills are one of the best ways to gain experience. 

Volunteering also has benefits beyond personal growth: it can lead to opportunities that provide more stability than an entry-level position, such as becoming a board member for a nonprofit organization or volunteering at a top-tier university.

Find out firsthand how hard it can be trying to make ends meet while living paycheck to paycheck. However, when you volunteer, it's not just the people or organizations that benefit; you will too because volunteering can lead to opportunities where your skills are more in demand and appreciated by others.

Find Your Passion

Finding that one thing you love doing so much it doesn't feel like work can be challenging, but it's worth the effort because once you find what makes you tick, you can do things for the rest of your life.

Expound on Your Talent

If you know that there is something specific in your field of interest that you're good at, then go for it. There will always be an opportunity for those who have the skills to offer others what they want or need.

Additional Resources

National Volunteer Week - find a great volunteering opportunity
The Home Loan Expert - are you ready to buy a property after college?
Teaching across America - how many teachers are there in the US?

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In conclusion, these seven steps are the best way to make a successful transition from high school or college into the world of work. Pick the one you like and have fun exploring it.