From Cheating to Integrity: Guiding Students Through Honest Learning in Virtual Classrooms
The Virtual Vibe: Success and Sanity for the Online Teacher
July 7, 2025
Cheating in the virtual classroom isn’t exactly breaking news—it’s the oldest trick in the digital book. But with AI tools now readily available and distractions only a click away, academic integrity issues have taken on new forms. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to teach students how to navigate these tools responsibly because AI can do so much of the work for them — making it easier than ever to take shortcuts. As educators, we’re tasked with more than just catching students in the act. We’re here to help them learn from mistakes, develop ethical habits, and understand what it means to do their own work.
Here are some ideas on how to address integrity issues with professionalism, empathy, and the right amount of accountability.
Why We Can’t Just Let It Slide
Sure, it might feel easier to look the other way, especially when the plagiarism is subtle, the assignment is low stakes, or the student is generally “a good kid.” But here’s the hard truth: if every teacher lets it slide just once, students can go years without ever being held accountable. That not only undermines your course, but also the students’ growth.
Ignoring the issue doesn’t make it go away. It makes it a pattern.
Pro Tip: Even if the assignment doesn’t count for much, the lesson in integrity does. Address it early, kindly, and clearly.
How to Talk to Students Without Sounding Like an Interrogator
Keep your tone neutral and your curiosity high. Rather than going in with “I caught you,” approach the conversation as an opportunity to reflect.
Try saying:
“I came across something in your submission that felt a little off. Can we talk through how you completed the assignment?”
“Have you used any tools like AI or outside resources? I want to make sure we’re clear on what’s allowed and what isn’t.”
Give the student space to be honest. Even if they deny it at first, planting the seed that you're aware and paying attention is often enough to shift future behavior.
Pro Tip: If you're providing written feedback, avoid stating anything about thinking the student cheated due to tone and how things can get lost in translation. Avoid it like a cup of coffee with no cream or sugar first thing in the morning.
When Possible, Have These Conversations Over the Phone
Conversations about cheating or AI suspicions can be sensitive. Addressing these concerns over email risks misinterpretation and unnecessary defensiveness. A phone or video call allows you to convey tone, listen actively, and respond with empathy in real time. This human connection can turn a tough conversation into a productive learning moment.
For Teachers Using Provided Curriculum
If you’re working with canned content and don’t have flexibility to redesign assignments, you’re not out of luck. Start by clearly communicating expectations before each assignment or better yet, when they first officially start your class. Let students know what tools are off limits and what’s considered collaboration versus copying.
You can also adapt how you assess. Ask students to explain their thinking in a reflection afterward or record a short verbal summary. Small tweaks like this help promote authenticity, even within a structured curriculum.
Pro Tip: Use quick check-ins or low-stakes follow-ups to verify understanding. A student who truly grasped the content should be able to explain it in their own words, even briefly.
How to Talk to Parents Who Don’t Want to Believe It
You’ve probably heard it before: “There’s no way my child would do that.” And maybe they wouldn’t. Or maybe they would if a last-minute deadline, pressure, and a handy AI tool were all in play.
When discussing integrity issues with parents, keep your tone factual and your mindset collaborative. Share your concerns without accusations.
Try saying:
“I noticed some similarities between your student’s work and content found online. I’m not making assumptions, but I’d like to walk through what I found and work together on a path forward.”
“These moments can actually be great teaching opportunities. We’re not looking to punish—we want to help students understand expectations and how to navigate tools responsibly.”
Pro Tip: Document what you’ve found and always be prepared to share specifics. A calm, confident tone paired with clear evidence is your best defense against defensiveness.
Final Thought: Integrity Is a Skill, Not a Trait
We often assume students “should know better.” But ethical decision-making is a learned skill, especially in a world where tech can do a lot of the thinking for them. Our job is to teach, not just math or writing, but how to be responsible learners who value honesty over shortcuts.
Yes, it’s frustrating to deal with cheating. But every time we hold a student accountable, we help build the habits that will serve them far beyond the virtual classroom.
Pause, Ponder & Progress
· Are my expectations around academic integrity clear and consistently communicated to students?
How can I reframe integrity conversations to be more reflective than punitive?
What tools or strategies can I use to verify student understanding beyond written assignments?
How can I partner with parents to support learning while maintaining fairness and accountability?
In what ways can I develop and integrate lessons on responsible AI use to proactively support students’ understanding and integrity?
About the Author
With over 20 years in education - most of them spent in the virtual trenches - Desire’ Mosser has done more than survive online teaching; she’s helped others thrive in it! As the author of SOS: Strategies for Online Survival, she dishes out practical tools, honest lessons, and just the right amount of humor to keep educators going.
Former Pasco eSchool Teacher of the Year and Florida Virtual Schools Mentor of the Year, she continues to champion excellence in virtual learning today. She currently serves as Vice President of B.O.L.D. (Blended Online Learning Discovery of Florida). Her passion? Coaching educators to find their stride, build meaningful connections with students and families, and master the art of scheduling for sanity—preferably with a strong cup of coffee in hand. For more real talk, useful tips, and the occasional caffeine-fueled confession, connect with her on LinkedIn.
