Wow! I think you have received really insightful answers. I think that the responders are quite right. However, we make assumptions about the asker when they ask simple questions that we think they can answer easily by researching or “googling” or by studying. Though students seem to be prolific in using the computer because they were able to ask a question on Answers, does not mean that they know how to do an internet search and in most schools, this skill is not taught. As well, there are students with limited cognitive skills who really cannot answer fairly “simple questions” just by studying or asking for help from the teacher. So they resort to getting a quick answer from Answers.

So I believe that if we provide a quick answer, we should also take time to provide an explanation for the answer and where the student can go to get more help using his/her computer.

But I truly agree that Yahoo Answers can be a valuable tool to stimulate thought for projects, to gain insight on issues, and to guide students in the right direction for research.

Who would have thought that Yahoo Answers would have been thought of as an educational tool?

If you just write the answer (Q: Is it A, B, or C? A: It’s B.) then yes, it is cheating on the students end if they use those answers, even if they didn’t choose to just get the answer. If you explain the answer (Q: Is it A, B, or C? A: Because of…, the answer is B.) the student is learning and the whole point of doing homework is vindicated. In this case the student is given the choice of cheating and just using the answer, or learning by reading the explanation. In the first scenario the student is not given this choice, so it is morally wrong of the answerer to not explain. As for Yahoo’s complicity, I view that application of Yahoo Answers to homework as just an offshoot of its purpose of providing an online question-answering community, so I do not find Yahoo at fault.

Yahoo! Answers is a great resource for those questions that require an opinion or when all research avenue’s have been exhausted.

I’m quite disgusted by the incredibly high number of questions that are obviously part of homework or that would simply require a brief google search to find the answer.

America is becoming, ever increasingly so, and dependent thinking society. And it will come back to bite you.

Yes, it is cheating if you are just seeking an answer. (and yes, I think it is cheating if you seek answers from anyone).

No, it is not if you are seeking advice (as in “how does this thesis statement sound”), if you are stuck on one thing in particular or need help in understanding something, nor would I consider it cheating if you are seeking advice on the best source of information.

I think there is a certain onus on the person responding, too. When I post a response in homework help, I try to reinforce the concept (I am a K-7 teacher).

Sometimes one teacher’s explanation goes over a student’s head. However, when that student hears the same content explained slightly differently, maybe a “eureka” moment will occur. Not everyone learns the same way!

That said, those who just post a column of answers to a column of questions are not “homework helping” — they are enabling someone to go through school without putting any effort into their own learning. This, in my opinion, defeats the entire purpose of a homework help area.

I think using Yahoo! Answers just shows that you are a very resourceful student. But as all good students do you must use a variety of resources when answering homework questions. You should also think about the credibility (how much you can trust) of the answer. The person who answers your questions could have just made the answer up. So don’t just depend on one source such as Yahoo! Answers. Use a variety of them.

If your just asking for an answer and not an explanation to the answer then yes I think its wrong. But it’s really no different than asking a parent or friend for help.

I guess I think it is okay if you are learning from the answer.

Research is research and information exists wherever you find it. It may not be the best every time and that must be considered. IMO everything else is part of a system which may be outdated and needs to be looked at, but I wouldn’t hold my breath while waiting for objectivity.

Sure it’s a form of cheating… but you also don’t know if you are getting the correct answer.

I totally agree with ashvon33.

Ask for help but not for the answer.

Besides cheating you’ll never learn that way.

Best of luck in school.

under normal circumstances you are not to have wrong answers for your homework. you need to research or solicit answers for your homework. its ok. i always love to answer homework questions if only i know.