I asked students how they have managed online classes thus far. Short of saying revolutionary, most of them say that online learning is disruptive and extremely challenging! Aside from not being used to the virtual setup, the lack of a peer group support system makes it more difficult to absorb the topics discussed through a laptop or smartphone. Students need the theoretical education as well as the social experience in schools. An effective learning environment is not limited to just a professor-student interaction. It also needs some peer-to-peer relationships where students learn what teachers don’t teach them inside the classroom. The biggest challenge, I think, when it comes to online classes is the ability to test whether students truly understand the lesson. And that they learn life lessons not part of the regular curriculum or syllabus. Integrity is one of such lessons.
When I was a cadet at USMA, every time we are required to pass a written work, such as a thesis or long paper, we attest to a standard language that acknowledges everything is our own work except… (indicate attribution like proofreading). All work done without the presence of a professor are submitted with this acknowledgment, the falsity of which is punishable under the Cadet Honor Code. Similarly, Ateneo Law School recently came up with an Integrity Pledge in light of the possibility that students may not rely on their own abilities during online exams. It is quite lengthy and ends with a declaration, “All the work will be my own. I give my word. And my word will always be my bond.”
During online recitations, law students can get creative and help each other out through a variety of “cheat” schemes, like open notes or text messages from classmates. Some smart gadgets can do more than just the usual aids. After all, some law professors are not as tech savvy to understand the power of online chats or asking Google. So, when I started online classes last month, I required all cameras to be on, microphones muted, and eyes looking straight at the camera, similar to the way they will look at me inside a regular classroom. As some eyes gaze left and right, I eventually asked everyone to put on a sleep mask or eye cover whenever they are called for recitation. While being in a blindfold is not foolproof, it is my way of minimizing the opportunities for students to get outside help. The integrity of their performance in school, whether by way of an Integrity Pledge during exams or blindfold recitations, must be preserved. If only we can do the same thing in public service.
Integrity has been defined as doing the right thing even when nobody is watching. Regardless of any technical equipment in place, scalawags in government will come up with evil schemes to lie, cheat, or steal. Despite the Oath of Office they took upon assumption of office, the language of which does not necessarily assure integrity in the discharge of their duties or impose any liability therefrom, some can blatantly be dishonest. Even the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), the accomplishment of which is required and has led to punitive sanctions, dismissal from the service included, does not assure integrity.
While the process of submitting SALN can be revisited and revised, unscrupulous people will always try to beat any system. If only their fear of the Lord is great. In the Bible, Proverbs 5:21 tells us, “For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.” Reorientation programs can be initiated by the Civil Service Commission to build or enhance integrity foundations among public servants. Those appointed by the President, prior to assumption of office, can also be required to attend such programs, one of which is called PIES—Patriotism, Integrity, Excellence, Spirituality. CSC may also require some kind of annual Integrity Pledge to be incorporated in the SALN, similar to what USMA and Ateneo Law have done, to appeal to the conscience of public servants.
Whether in school or at work, public or private, our integrity will be tested, all the time. Some can weasel their way out of any integrity preservation process, thru the use of technology, as some students do. Some scalawags get caught and punished, although it takes almost an eternity to get a guilty verdict in government. In the end, one can say his integrity is intact if he can do things pleasing in the eyes of the Lord and with his conscience unbothered. Our Almighty God, whether through the Holy Spirit within or that Man in the Glass, knows what we do. As Dale Wimbrow wrote centuries ago, “You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass, But the final reward will be heartache and tears, If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.” With or without an Integrity Pledge, someone watches us and knows whether we lie, cheat, or steal.
A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission.
For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.