Online Essays - Is It Really Free?



It is simply amazing how people will go through great lengths for so-called achievement.  Michelle Vu outlines two more essay-for-sale websites in, "Free Online Paper Mills".  This practice is crippling the minds of future business owners, politicians and possibly even educators.  She presents the contrast of eCheat vs Custom Writings.  On one site, eCheat, the student is not given a chance to preview what the final outcome of paper will be.  However, it does specifically warn that submitting a purchased essay to any third party without proper citation (eCheat) is plagiarism. Instant doom!  In contrast, Custom Writings goes to great lengths to convince the customer that the paper is plagiarism free, and then discourages turning in the paper in their terms and conditions.  What a contradiction!  Both sites come with a price that could ultimately be free and no worries if students will put in the time to do the work, practice adequate time management and integrity.  

                        

The student, maybe unknowingly, sacrifices an important part of the education process as they dismiss dedication and the practice of writing and rewriting to perfection.  They forego the building of important life lessons of building upon the characteristic of determination and a yearning for excellence that will serve them well as they push toward their pursuit of education and life balance.

Surgery: New, Improved Options

Jacqueline Owen’s essay, "Robotic Surgery" was informative and, like she stated, very exciting.  She addressed the possibilities that robotics offer in great detail and describes the advantages and challenges associated with this minimally invasive technique during surgical procedures.  It is an almost perfect surgery and answers the question of why patients are discharged so early from a hospital stay after a major procedure.   

Ms. Owen is careful to promote the benefits as well as the drawbacks of robotic assistance during surgery.  She is convinced, and hopes that her audience will also be persuaded, that the good factors outweigh the concerns raised by the medical community.  Healthcare professionals appreciate the efficiency of the robotic assistant and the outstanding medical outcomes for patients, such as reduced blood loss, reduced risk of infection and swift recovery time, is fantastic. And the patient must feel better.  Just think, it no longer takes two to six weeks for a full recovery and it's many potential complications.  This has been shortened to a whopping three to five days!  The significant reduction of costs to insurance companies by relieving the requirement of long in-patient care cannot be argued.  But should they add a modifier 62 (assistant surgeon) after the surgery has been completed and check off the instruments used?  Robotic...Check.  Patient tolerated the procedure well and went to the recovery room in stable condition. 

However, even the medical community has expressed concerns regarding safety.   Some issues are related to hardware and software glitches that could result unavoidable errors.  Those errors may not be readily identifiable and this is a definite downside for surgeons, medical facilities, and ultimately the patient.  In addition, to purchase the equipment is very costly.  How and where are physicians being trained if the price of the technology is so cost prohibitive?  Could this limit the number of physicians that have actually obtained the appropriate skill set needed to perform surgery using this procedure?  Does this drive up the fees for this type of procedure?

Although this information remains exciting and convincing, it is important to analyze all aspects of safety and patients should receive full and fair disclosure before electing the way they want their surgery performed.  At the end of the day, the risks are mimimal...just turn the robot off.  Amazing...I think I'll schedule that needed surgery!

The Cost of Plagiarism

This is a perfect follow up to the previous blog that covered cheating.  Katie Hindman's essay, "Free Essay Websites: A Convenient Way to Plagiarize", provided information that many college students may not be aware of.  She outlines the various sites available and details on how they work. Prices were listed and the sites promise original, customized essays in as little as eight days depending on the site.  Some of the sites are clear and have a disclaimer that states the student is held solely accountable if accused of cheating by an  instructor.  Other sites guarantee absolute confidentiality.

Sure it may be convenient, but using sites like WriteMyEssay and Essay-911 is expensive, dishonest and a very temporary solution.  At the end of the day, the student who chooses to plagarize will not be able to hide his or her inability to write well from future employers or college-level instructors.  Good time management and planning will assist good students in avoiding paying twice for their education.  An added consequence is the possibility of severe discipline from the college, losing financial aid and an opportunity for a good education. 

Is it worth the cost--$10.95 to $79.95 per page, dignity, and self-respect after knowingly choosing to cheat?

Atlanta Public Schools

It seems that since the scandal around the Atlanta Public schools surfaced, other individual counties have jumped on the band wagon.  The state of Georgia should probably launch a state-wide investigation into the testing and at minimum become more involved in the vetting and hiring of school administrators.  The future of the children and viability of the public education system in Georgia is in serious jeopardy.  It is time to end the neglect and examine what is really behind the cheating and what prompted experienced teachers to resort to deceit in order to maintain employment at the expense of Georgia's most vulnerable population, our children.