One of our concerns as instructors is plagiarism. We carefully define what plagiarism is and make sure the students understand the implications of violating the policy. There is so much more information readily available to students now it becomes very enticing for them to copy some of the information they see. Copyright laws are a little more difficult for the students to understand and appreciate but our policies are very clear. Honesty is also very important on so many levels and I try to add helpful reminders in my responses to discussion posts.
David,
True, it is a concern in all courses. The citations are so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I help my students by monitoring their responses. If they should give an inappropriate response it is my responsibility to teach them the correct way. I find that most of my online students are very supportive of each other and are not argumentative.
Jeanice,
You are right. You have to make sure that you address the issue immediately.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Reinforcement of key themes is central to helping students to become good online citizens. Some of those key themes that are repeated often through classroom announcements, grading rubrics, grading comments and chat sessions include:
• Spend the time to understand assignments prior to responding to them
• Expectations to utilize appropriate grammar
• Adhere to APA requirements
• Utilize multiple citations/references
• Effectively balance individual thought with supporting references
• Active discussion board participation throughout the week
• Professional tone used in discussion board, especially when presenting an alternative point of view
• Manage time to stay current on all assignments
Good morning!
When it comes to helping students become good online citizens, there are two essential steps as I see it. The first step is to ensure all of the expectations are put in writing and posted in the appropriate places in the class. Steps that I take here include:
1. In addition to the syllabus, I include a course policies document that essentially goes over professionalism and expectations in online courses. This information is posted in the class and sent to each student personally via email.
2. In each discussion question, I post a thread prior to the class starting entitled "Expectations for Discussion Questions". In this way, the students see the information every week. The idea is to keep professionalism at the forefront of their minds. Below is a sample posting that I make.
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Sample Posting:
Hello All,
In this class, we will have discussion questions in weeks 1 through 8. In addition to the policies of xxx University that must be followed, I would like to go over some additional course expectations for discussion questions. Please see below.
Expectations for Discussion Questions
1. Our discussion questions will focus on a variety of topics. Given the nature of the course and topics, there may be times when disagreements arise. This is ok and actually good because it provides an opportunity to learn from each other and analyze issues from different perspectives. Please keep this in mind at all times and use the discussion boards as an opportunity to learn and clarify your own views on issues.
2. Professionalism and respect must be maintained at all times without exception! When answering the discussion questions, responding to students who you agree and disagree with, and any other posts that you make, your postings should always be appropriate. I encourage you to read your posts twice before submitting them.
3. Given the importance of multiculturalism and ethnic relations on a local, national, and international level, I want us all to be able to communicate our ideas freely and not be afraid to mention our views. Honest dialogue is important. I truly believe that we can all benefit from honest dialogue and be comfortable with each other if we always maintain professionalism and respect.
4. “Take Away” Points: At the end of each discussion question, I will be asking you to post one or two “take away” points. This is simply a statement or two about something that stood out for you, something new you learned, an issue you may reflect on or conduct research on later, and similar ideas. These “take away” points do not have to be very long. I will always start out by posting my own “take away” points on Friday of each week, and you have until Sunday of each week to post your own take away points. Keep this in mind as you participate in the discussion forums.
5. Follow Up Questions: On most days throughout the course, I will be posting follow up questions for our discussions. These follow up questions will vary and depend on the flow of the discussion. Typically I try to post a video clip, primary source document, or ask questions that require you to look at our topic from a different perspective. It also allows for some variety and additional questions to meet the required postings for the week. You should continue to respond to your peers, but you can also respond to the follow up questions as well. You do not have to respond to all of the follow up questions, but you can if you wish. If you respond to them, they do count towards your participation requirement. If you do not respond to them, but still meet the required amount of substantive posts for the week, this is just fine as well.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you.
Have a great day!
Al
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Finally, I require students to review all aspects of the course and expectations. They must send me an email confirming they have done so.
After covering the formal expectations, the most important step to take is to model professionalism to the students. I always greet them by name, end my messages stating always feel free to contact me if there are any questions, and end with a good closing sentence. Formal writing is used as well. When working with challenging students, instructors must also demonstrate and model appropriate behaviors.
Over the years by taking these steps, I have minimal issues when it comes to professionalism and my students.
I think one of the ways to help students become good online citizens is to arm them with important information and make them aware of the expectations we have of them right up front.
During the very first chat session of the course, I always explain to students that the first chat will be the longest chat and may even slightly run over time. This is because I spend some time doing an "orientation" of sorts.
I go through the Syllabus, Netiquette and other important basics. Are they there for the student to read on their own? Yes. Do the students usually take the time to read everything on their own? No.
Therefore, I go over it quickly and briefly with them, making sure to emphasize what's important to make sure they cannot say "I didn't know".
Informed the students that they get out of the experience what they put into the experience. Online courses require discipline. They should not be looked upon as being easier than traditional courses and should be respected because the face-to-face interaction is non-existent. Also, students should take advantage of seeking assistance from their instructor when some of the instruction is not clear.
Bennett,
I so agree with you. Consistency and repetition does help with comfort in the online environment. It is important to hold EVERYONE to the same standard. Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Allen,
Wow, great post. I hope others can learn from your detailed approach.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Yvette,
That is a great idea! I also do something like that asynchronously by providing students a video that walks them through the syllabus and the LMS. It seems to work also.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Christopher,
True, it is important that the building of trust between the student and the instructor helps that tremendously.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Clearly defining the expectations would be the firts thing. Encouraging students to participate in the course by email or calling, the more aggressive would be to ask the student to take the lead in a discussion.
Hello Dr. Crews,
On the first day of class, an email is sent to all students regarding the policy and procedures. Student must reply by stating that he/she understand and will adhere to the policy. I reinforce my expectation and inform the student’s that I don’t want to comprise their education. To ensure that they read the policy, I include a scavenger hunt quiz for extra points.
Ms. Osuna
Hello Dr. Kelly,
I agree with your statement. I have come across several issues where I was told that a student must pass my class or risk getting dropped from the program. My replies has always been the same; “In other words, I must compromise the students’ education.†I want all my students to succeed; however, they must do the work and do the best they can. If we don’t make students’ accountable for his/her actions, we are setting them up for failure in the real world.
Ms. Osuna
I always provide a sample response with the proper language and citations as the first post on the discussion board as a guide for the students to see what a proper response or communication piece should look like. I also try to respond in a manner that also sets the example of the expectations and provide correlating feedback in my grading as well.
MARIE,
I do have concerns about the compromise for retention sake. it is important that we make sure that students are seen and think of themselves as consumers.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MARIE,
These are great strategies to make sure students know expectations of the course. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ann,
Yes, and you have to follow through by holding them to those expectations.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Monique,
Great post. That these are great strategies to ensure expectations are met. The instructor does set the tone by example.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
