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It’s hard to know what to think of Course Hero, a site that declares itself as a “social learning network” where you can “give and get” information.

Course Hero provides access to old tests, homework problems, textbook answers and class notes. It also offers the ability to form study groups where you can share files and exchange ideas. It’s basically a forum where you can put up old schoolwork you’ve done and see the old schoolwork of your peers from your own school and around the nation.

How does it work ?

Course Hero isn’t really free. While you can create an account for no cost, you can’t view anything until you pay in one of two ways:

By posting materials (40 documents = 1 month free)
By paying a monthly, 6 month, or yearly fee

If you don’t pay, you can still create an account, but you’re only able to see what kind of information you could access to if you did pay. You can’t actually view any of them.

By putting coursework online, Course Hero is hoping to allow students (and faculty) everywhere to become involved in spreading learning and information.
If Course Hero is news to you, you probably aren’t aware of the many sites similar to Course Hero, including studyblue.com, cramster.com, koofers.com, and gradeguru.com.

Positioned as a study aid, Course Hero provides a vast repository of study materials, from notes and guides to practice tests and expert tutors. However, the question that looms large is whether Course Hero is a legitimate study companion or a potential threat to academic integrity.

The Thin Line:

Course Hero walks a fine line between being a helpful tool for students seeking additional resources and a platform that could potentially encourage academic misconduct. As we delve into this discourse, it’s crucial to understand both sides of the argument and how Course Hero fits into the modern educational landscape.

Student groups, clubs, fraternities, and sororities have collected test files for decades, giving members of those groups a distinct advantage over others. Course Hero and similar websites put everything on the table for everyone, leveling the playing field.

By providing class notes, old exams and more, Course Hero gives students an additional chance to learn material that they didn’t understand the first time a professor taught it. If they didn’t understand a concept in class, had problems on a homework assignment, or missed a lecture, these websites are a chance for redemption and learning.

For faculty, Course Hero gives you the chance to see how students are sharing the information you teach them, and to look at the different ways other professors are teaching similar subjects. You can get ideas, know which tests and homework problems were most difficult and gather tools to better teach your classes.

These websites also promote social development. You can join a study group and meet students in your class you otherwise might not have worked with. You can choose to study through the internet, or meet at a physical table and chairs on campus. In this way, Course Hero allows you to make connections with others who you can help, and who can help you.

The more people Course Hero and similar websites connect, the more students and faculty there could be learning, growing and sharing.

Navigating the Gray Area:

To navigate the fine line between Course Hero as a study aid and maintaining academic integrity, students can adopt the following strategies:

Use as a Supplement: Treat Course Hero as a supplementary resource to enhance your understanding, rather than a shortcut to completing assignments.
Understand Institutional Policies: Familiarize yourself with your institution’s policies regarding the use of external study materials to ensure compliance with academic integrity standards.
Engage in Active Learning: Balance the use of Course Hero with active learning methods such as attending lectures, participating in discussions, and seeking clarification from professors.

Conclusion:

Course Hero, with its wealth of study materials and collaborative features, can be a valuable ally in the educational journey. However, it’s crucial for students to approach the platform responsibly and ethically. By navigating the fine line between study aid and academic integrity, students can harness the benefits of Course Hero without compromising the principles of honest and rigorous learning.