Sure, Mom’s always want to help. The first email did, however, imply she wanted us to do the work for her son and that is a very big deal. I agree that there are some people who do not always offer great support, but there is always someone who is willing to help.

Lecturers have other duties in addition to teaching and some don’t reply to teaching related emails until they go in to teaching mode – it’s a way for them to manage their time.

If it gets to the point where support is hard to find, and redressing it through formal channels is not tenable then there is a good case for extenuating circumstances. Students should not be expected to work unsupported, but they should be expected to learn how to be independent and seek out all options open to them. This does not include asking someone to do your work for you.

Out of interest, why do you say that redressing issues through formal channels is not tenable? What has your experience been?

Assignments are an assessment of a student’s ability not just to learn but to comprehend and apply concepts learned through study.

While there is some merit in being entrepreneurial, the student is not only doing himself a disservice, but is detracting from the professionalism of both programmers and the industry by seeking assistance with an assignment.

If there are general questions about PHP I am sure PHPMelb would be happy to answer them, but we draw the line at facilitating cheating.
It cheats not only the system, but ourselves.

K.

Frankly, I don’t see the big deal though. She was asking for help, not for you to complete the assignment. Late, sure. But that just means your rates could be higher; if that isn’t a business lesson, I don’t know what is.

University do not always provide adequate support and self-help facilities. My experience in this regard has been mixed, but there are way too many occasions when my e-mails to lecturers have simply gone unanswered and redressing it through formal channels simply is not tenable.

I suppose at least this student had the nerve to try it on by himself, rather than getting mummy to do his or her dirty work! I referred them to a certain PDF book and recommended that they begin reading from page 1…

Agree, do the work & take the cash, then report the whole thing her
son’s lecturer/professor.

Not entirely ethical, but I reckon it would probably result in a very
swift end to her son’s enrollment.