What Is Online Academic Writing?
As an educator and active participant in the academic community for over a decade, I've witnessed firsthand the rise and evolution of online academic writing services. My experience spans both sides of this complex issue - from guiding students through challenging assignments to observing the proliferation of websites offering to complete coursework for a fee. I've engaged with countless students grappling with the temptation of these services, while also having to sympathize with university administrations that are trying to address this growing concern. As such, I'll will try my very best to extensively define what online academic writing is, including sharing my insights, the latest data, and expert opinions to help you navigate this controversial yet widespread practice. I do hope that this guide will provide you with a broader understanding of the online academic writing landscape.
What is Online Academic Writing and How Does it Work?
Online academic writing, sometimes referred to as contract cheating or ghostwriting, involves completing academic assignments for students or researchers. As someone who's been on both sides of this practice, I can attest that it's far more complex than it might seem at first glance.
At its core, online academic writing services offer to produce various types of academic content on behalf of clients. This can range from basic essays and research papers to more complex works like dissertations, theses, and even journal articles. The process typically unfolds as follows:
Client submission: A student or researcher posts assignment details on a platform or direct message, including the topic, word count, deadline, and any specific requirements.
Writer selection: Qualified writers either bid on the project or are assigned based on their expertise and availability. Some platforms use algorithms to match writers with suitable projects.
Research and writing: The chosen writer conducts necessary research and completes the work according to the client's specifications. This often involves accessing academic databases, analyzing sources, and structuring arguments.
Delivery and revision: The client receives the completed work and reviews it. They may request revisions if the work doesn't meet their expectations or requirements.
Payment: Once the client approves the work, the writer is paid. Payment amounts vary widely based on factors such as complexity, word count, and deadline.
The appeal of these services is undeniable. As Libby Marks from Turnitin wrote on a topic about nurturing integrity, "The impact of academic pressure on students’ mental health needs to be on every institution’s agenda. As May marks Mental Health Month in the US and Mental Health Week in the UK, it seems timely to turn our attention to the interplay between academic pressure, student mental health, and the risk of misconduct." Students face immense pressure from multiple directions - academic, financial, and social. As such, these platforms offer a tempting solution to manage this pressure.
The ethical debate surrounding online academic writing is multifaceted. Critics argue that it undermines the educational process and gives unfair advantages to those who can afford these services. Proponents, on the other hand, contend that it provides valuable support to students struggling with language barriers, time management, or understanding complex topics.
What Types of Academic Writing Services are Available?
From my experience in the industry, I can attest that the range of services offered is vast and continually expanding. Here's a more detailed look at the types of services available, although not exhaustive:
Essays and research papers: These form the bulk of online academic writing requests. They range from short opinion pieces to lengthy research papers requiring extensive citation and original analysis.
Dissertations and theses: Perhaps the most complex and time-consuming projects, these often require months of work and a deep understanding of research methodologies.
Literature reviews: These involve comprehensively analyzing and synthesizing existing research on a particular topic, requiring strong analytical skills and familiarity with academic databases.
Lab reports: Common in scientific fields, these require a thorough understanding of scientific methods and data analysis.
Case studies: Often used in business, law, and social sciences, these involve in-depth analysis of specific situations or events.
Coursework and assignments: This can include problem sets, short answer questions, and other types of homework across various disciplines.
Admissions essays: These require a different skill set, focusing on personal narratives and persuasive writing to help applicants stand out to admissions committees.
Proofreading and editing: While not writing from scratch, these services require a keen eye for detail and a strong command of language and academic conventions.
Presentations and speeches: Some services offer to create PowerPoint presentations or write speeches for academic or professional purposes.
Statistical analysis: For quantitative research projects, some writers specialize in conducting and interpreting statistical analyses.
Each type of service requires specific skills and expertise. For instance, writing a dissertation demands not only a deep understanding of the subject matter but also familiarity with research methodologies, academic conventions, and often, specialized software for data analysis or citation management.
Why is Online Academic Writing Growing in Popularity?
The rise of this industry, particularly in countries like Kenya, India, and the Philippines, stems from several interconnected factors:
High graduate unemployment rates: In many countries, there's a mismatch between the number of graduates and available jobs in their fields. Online academic writing offers an opportunity to use their skills and education.
Earnings in foreign currencies: For writers in developing countries, the ability to earn in dollars, pounds, or euros can be financially transformative.
Flexible work arrangements: The ability to work from home and choose one's hours is particularly appealing in areas with limited local job opportunities or poor transportation infrastructure.
Increased student demand in Western countries: Factors such as rising tuition costs, pressure to maintain high GPAs, and the increasing number of international students contribute to the demand for these services.
Proliferation of online platforms: The growth of gig economy platforms has made it easier for writers and clients to connect globally.
Academic pressure and time constraints: Many students, particularly those juggling work and study, turn to these services when feeling overwhelmed.
Language barriers: International students studying in English-speaking countries often struggle with writing assignments and seek help.
Recent data underscores this growing trend. According to Sweeney (2023), "One prominent study suggests that students with English as a second or more language are three times more likely to engage in AD [Academic Dishonesty]" (Curtis, 2021, as cited in Sweeney, 2023).
At the same time, as universities increasingly operate like businesses, students often see themselves as consumers. This mindset, combined with intense pressure to succeed, makes outsourcing academic work seem more acceptable to many students.
What's the Connection Between Kenya and Online Academic Writing?
Kenya has emerged as a significant hub for online academic writing, a phenomenon I've studied closely as a Kenyan academic. Several factors contribute to this:
High unemployment rates among graduates: Despite a well-educated workforce, Kenya struggles with high unemployment, pushing many graduates to seek online opportunities.
Strong English language skills: Kenya's education system, a legacy of British colonialism, produces graduates with excellent English language skills, crucial for academic writing.
Time zone advantage: Kenya's time zone allows writers to work on assignments from the US and UK during their standard working hours.
Lower cost of living: Kenyan writers can offer competitive rates while still earning a good living by local standards.
Word-of-mouth and community networks: Success stories have spread rapidly, creating informal training and referral networks.
Waititi, a Kenyan academic writer with five years of experience, shares his perspective: "For many of us, it's not just about money. It's an opportunity to apply our education, continue learning, and help others. But we're aware of the ethical dilemmas. It's a complex issue that reflects broader inequalities in global education and employment."
Data from the past 3 years suggests that at least 1.2 million Kenyans are engaged in online freelancing, with academic writing being a significant portion. This represents a dramatic increase from earlier estimates, reflecting the rapid growth of Kenya's digital economy. The surge can be attributed to improved digital infrastructure, high youth unemployment rates, and the global demand for English-language services.
Which Platforms are Popular for Online Academic Writing?
Several platforms stand out in the online academic writing space. Each has its unique features and target audience:
Edusson: Uses a bidding system where writers compete for projects. Known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of academic subjects.
Course Hero: Primarily a tutoring and study resource platform, but also offers writing services. Popular among high school and undergraduate students.
Homework Market: Focuses on providing homework help and solutions. Writers often need to demonstrate expertise in specific subject areas.
Elite Homework: Assigns projects based on writer qualifications. Known for handling more complex, graduate-level assignments.
Essay Pro: Uses a bidding system and offers a wide range of academic services beyond just essay writing.
Upwork: While not exclusively for academic writing, it's a popular platform for freelance writers of all types, including academic writers.
Fiverr: Similar to Upwork, it's a general freelancing platform where academic writers can offer their services.
Chegg: Primarily known for textbook rentals and online tutoring, but also offers writing services.
Paper Coach: Specializes in matching students with qualified academic writers and tutors.
WriterBay: Known for its rigorous writer vetting process and focus on quality academic writing.
Each platform has its pros and cons. For instance, Edusson's bidding system allows for competitive pricing but can lead to a race to the bottom in terms of rates. Elite Homework's assignment system ensures quality but may offer less flexibility for writers. These platforms have fundamentally changed the landscape of academic support. They've made it easier for students to access help but while reflecting the diverse needs in the market, from simple homework help to graduate-level research assistance.
What Qualifications and Skills Do Online Academic Writers Need?
Success in online academic writing requires a combination of educational background, practical skills, and personal qualities. Based on my experience and research, here's a more detailed look at what's typically needed:
Relevant educational background: Most platforms require at least a bachelor's degree, with many preferring writers with master's or doctoral degrees in their specialist subjects.
Subject expertise: Deep knowledge of specific academic fields is crucial, especially for advanced level work.
Strong research skills: The ability to quickly find, evaluate, and synthesize information from academic sources is essential.
Excellent writing proficiency: This includes not just grammar and style, but also the ability to write in different academic formats (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
Time management abilities: Meeting tight deadlines is a crucial part of the job, often requiring work at odd hours.
Adaptability: Writers must be able to switch between different subjects, writing styles, and academic levels.
Technological proficiency: Familiarity with academic databases, referencing software, and sometimes discipline-specific tools is necessary.
Critical thinking: The ability to construct logical arguments and analyze complex information is vital.
Academic integrity understanding: Writers need to be well-versed in citation practices and avoiding plagiarism.
Customer service skills: Interacting professionally with clients and addressing their concerns is an important part of the job.
You can read also: 12 Steps To Becoming An Online Academic Writer
How are Institutions and Governments Responding to Online Academic Writing?
The response to the growth of online academic writing has been varied and evolving. Here's a more detailed look at how different stakeholders are addressing this issue:
1. Legislative action:
Australia passed the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Amendment (Prohibiting Academic Cheating Services) Act in 2020, making it illegal to provide or advertise academic cheating services.
The UK has introduced the Essay Mills (Prohibition) Bill, which is currently making its way through parliament.
In the US, several states including New York and Texas have laws against contract cheating.
2. Institutional policies:
Universities worldwide are updating their academic integrity policies to specifically address contract cheating.
Many institutions are implementing honor codes and requiring students to sign academic integrity pledges.
3. Detection methods:
Advanced software like Turnitin's Authorship Investigate uses machine learning to identify potential ghostwritten work by analyzing writing style and other factors.
Some universities are using forensic linguistics to detect potential contract cheating.
4. Education and awareness:
There's an increased focus on teaching students about academic integrity from the start of their academic careers.
Workshops and courses on proper citation, research methods, and time management are being offered to help students avoid the temptation of using these services.
5. Support services:
Many universities are expanding their writing centers and tutoring services to provide more support to struggling students.
Mental health and counseling services are being enhanced to help students manage academic stress.
6. Collaboration with the tech industry:
Some institutions are working with tech companies to develop better detection tools and to address the advertising of these services on social media platforms.
What's the Perspective of Academic Writers?
As an academic writer, I can attest that the views within the community are diverse and often conflicted. Here's a more broader look at the perspectives of those engaged in this work:
Financial necessity: Many writers, especially in developing countries, see this as a crucial source of income in the absence of other opportunities.
Skill utilization: Some writers appreciate the opportunity to use their academic skills and knowledge, especially when local job markets don't offer suitable positions.
Ethical concerns: Many writers grapple with the ethical implications of their work, particularly when it comes to higher-level assignments like dissertations.
Educational value: Some writers view their role as educational, helping students understand complex topics or improve their writing skills.
Exploitation concerns: There's growing awareness about the potential for exploitation by platforms that take large cuts of writers' earnings.
Professional development: Many writers value the continuous learning aspect of the job, as they're exposed to various topics and academic styles.
Stress and burnout: The pressure of tight deadlines and the need to maintain high quality across diverse subjects can lead to significant stress.
Identity and recognition: The anonymous nature of the work can be frustrating for writers who take pride in their work but can't claim it publicly.
My long-time friend, who is also an academic writer, shares: "It's complex. We're often helping students who are genuinely struggling, whether with language barriers or balancing work and study. But we're also aware that we might be enabling academic dishonesty. I try to focus on providing explanations and examples rather than just giving answers, but ultimately, how the work is used is out of our control."
Another friend in the writing industry offers another perspective: "For me, this work has been a lifeline. It's allowed me to support my family and continue my own education. Yes, there are ethical concerns, but in a global economy where opportunities are unevenly distributed, it's not always a simple choice. I've gained valuable skills and knowledge through this work that I hope to apply in my local community in the future."
What Does the Future Hold for Online Academic Writing?
Based on current trends, emerging technologies, and my analysis of the industry, here's a more detailed look at what we can expect for the future of online academic writing:
1. Increased regulation:
More countries are likely to introduce legislation similar to Australia's ban on contract cheating services.
We may see international cooperation to address the cross-border nature of these services.
2. More sophisticated detection methods:
Advancements in AI and machine learning will likely lead to more effective tools for detecting ghostwritten work.
Blockchain technology might be employed to verify the authenticity of academic work.
3. Shift towards transparent academic support:
Many platforms may pivot towards more ethically acceptable services like tutoring, editing, and academic coaching.
There could be a rise in "academic mentorship" services that focus on skill development rather than completing assignments.
4. Greater emphasis on teaching academic skills:
Universities may integrate more comprehensive writing and research skills training into their curricula.
There might be a rise in preparatory courses for international students to address language and cultural barriers.
5. Diversification of services:
We may see more specialization, with writers focusing on niche subjects or types of academic work.
Services may expand to include more interactive elements, like live tutoring or collaborative writing workshops.
6. Increased competition among writers:
As more people enter the market, especially from developing countries, competition for projects may intensify.
This could lead to further downward pressure on wages for writers.
7. Impact of AI writing tools:
The rise of advanced AI writing tools like GPT-4 and Claude is significantly disrupt the industry.
These tools are used by both students and writers, raising new challenges for academic integrity.
8. Integration with educational technology:
Academic writing services might become more integrated with broader educational technology platforms.
This could lead to more personalized and adaptive learning experiences.
9. Ethical considerations in AI:
As AI becomes more prevalent in academic writing, new ethical guidelines will need to be developed.
There may be a growing debate (it's already there) about the use of AI-assisted writing in academic contexts.
10. Global economic shifts:
Changes in global economic patterns could shift the geographic distribution of academic writers.
Emerging economies might see a rise in participation in this global gig economy.
Conclusion: Embracing the Positive Potential of Online Academic Writing
As we've explored throughout this guide, online academic writing is a multifaceted industry that, at its core, aims to support and enhance the educational journey of students worldwide. As someone who's been involved in various aspects of this field – as a student, educator, and writer – I've come to appreciate the genuine intentions and potential benefits that often drive this practice.
At its best, online academic writing serves as a bridge, connecting knowledge and skills across geographical and cultural boundaries. It provides a means for talented writers, often from developing countries, to contribute their expertise to the global academic community. For many students, these services offer crucial support in navigating the complexities of academic writing, especially when facing language barriers, tight deadlines, or challenging subject matter.
The industry reflects a global desire for education and intellectual growth. Writers engaged in this work often view their role as that of mentors or tutors, helping to clarify complex concepts, demonstrate proper research techniques, and illustrate effective writing strategies. Many take pride in their ability to explain difficult topics in accessible ways, seeing their work as a form of long-distance tutoring.
For students, particularly those juggling multiple responsibilities or struggling with specific academic challenges, these services can provide a valuable learning tool. When used responsibly – as a guide rather than a shortcut – the work produced can serve as a model for understanding academic standards, proper citation methods, and effective argumentation techniques.
Moreover, the existence of this industry highlights important conversations about the nature of education in the 21st century. It raises questions about traditional assessment methods, the need for more personalized learning approaches, and the global disparities in educational resources and opportunities.
As we move forward, it's crucial to harness the positive intentions behind online academic writing. This might involve:
Developing more transparent and ethically sound models of academic support that benefit both writers and students
Integrating the skills of online academic writers into formal tutoring and mentorship programs
Using insights from this industry to inform improvements in teaching methods and assessment strategies
Creating platforms that allow for more direct, ethical collaboration between students and academic writers
When we focus on the constructive aspects and original good intentions of online academic writing, we have an opportunity to evolve educational practices in a way that is more inclusive, supportive, and aligned with the diverse needs of learners in our interconnected world.
The path forward involves open dialogue, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to ethical practices. Acknowledging the complexities and potential benefits of online academic writing can help us work towards a future where the skills and dedication of writers are channeled into initiatives that unequivocally support genuine learning and academic growth.
In embracing this perspective, we open doors to innovative educational approaches that can bridge gaps, foster global understanding, and ultimately contribute to a more knowledgeable and connected world. The challenge – and the opportunity – lies in channeling the positive intentions of this industry into practices that ethically and effectively support the academic journey of students worldwide.