Anna Voskuil | News Editor
Featured Image: Potential concerns with OneClass include inaccuracy of class notes, as well as access to solutions from previous exams. | Fatema Ali
When it comes to comprehending class material, a number of students tend to take an easier way out. With note-sharing websites becoming more commonly utilized by students, one particular website, OneClass, has become prominent among the York community.
This site allows student access to textbook summaries, exam study guides, and student-written lecture notes. As well, the site provides a reward system for those who upload to OneClass, such as payment through cash, or gift cards.
OneClass COO and Co-Founder, Kevin Wu, says: “Any current undergraduate student can upload to the platform. As a regular uploader, you receive gift cards and cash for uploading your self-taken notes and study guides. If you are selected to become an official note taker for a course, you’ll earn $470 per course for uploading your notes for each class on a weekly basis.”
Further, student solutions from previous examinations can also be found available on the website.
Since OneClass’ introduction, many have been expressing concerns regarding the website.
For example, a number of online reviews of the site rate OneClass poorly, often claiming inaccuracy of notes, and poor customer care.
One major concern that can be viewed with note-sharing websites such as these are the spreading of classroom material without the professor’s knowledge.
Ryerson sociology and Caribbean studies professor, Camille Hernandez-Ramdwar, said: “I have a concern with students posting their notes because their interpretation isn’t always correct—specifically their interpretation of the lecture material; what they’ve written down is not always inline with that I’ve said, which can be a problem.”
As well, Ryerson nursing professor Corinne Hart said: “I have a problem with students posting things that teachers have posted for their students, and then making them publicly available without their knowledge.”
Addressing these concerns, Wu states: “There are strict guidelines set out in our terms and policies that govern the platform and students are required to follow our standards for what kind of uploads are accepted. Additionally, we have a document approval team that reviews all uploads to the site on a weekly basis to ensure that they meet our standards of quality.”
“If any user or student sees content that they think is against our guidelines, they are also able to flag documents so that they can be further investigated,” Wu adds.
However, not all professors view online note-sharing as a negative.
Economics Assistant Professor at Ryerson, German Pupato, said: “You have to be realistic: In this day and age, it’s so hard to control the flow of information. And that applies to exams, notes, photos, anything. As professors, we should be aware of this. Even if we don’t like it, we should anticipate it.”
According to York’s Senate policy, no specific regulation on third-party note-sharing websites are mentioned. However, the policy states: “Obtaining assistance by means of documentary, electronic or other aids which are not approved by the instructor,” and “consulting an unauthorized source during an examination,” is classified under the Senate as a form of cheating.
While exam season is quickly approaching, one should consider wisely—and carefully—where they are getting their information from.
