I tend to do a live chat first evening of class and go over most of the guidelines and give examples. I always have my video on so that the students can see me at all times. I start each class by giving a list of things to consider and also by letting my student know that I am there for them. . These are helpful tips on how to start in the right direction. Clear guidelines on what is the correct way to take part in the discussion board. Setting down some guidelines of communication and making sure that everyone is on board.
Aisling,
Great techniques. Do you use a "START HERE" button? You are right, you have to set guidelines, it shouldn't all be on you.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I also agree with your comment about "Leading by Example". Students will look to you to see what is an appropriate response to a discussion topic. Also, if one student should write an inappropriate response by mistake, it's important to list out the rules and guidelines of what constitutes an appropriate response to the whole course. Sometimes students may offend another student just by their discussion contribution. The students again will look to you to make sure that as the facilitor, you don't just ignore this but take appropriate action and resolve it.
Flora,
I think if you don't lead by example, students "see" right through you! Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
You can help students become good online citizens by letting them know the expectations of the online class on the first day. In addition, it is important to establish netiquette expectations so student know what is acceptable and not acceptable in terms of online communication. A student lounge introducing students to each other can promote good online citizenship by having students communicating personal information. It is important to give guidelines on what information, specifically should be shared.
You can help students become good online citizens by letting them know the expectations of the online class on the first day. In addition, it is important to establish netiquette expectations so student know what is acceptable and not acceptable in terms of online communication. A student lounge introducing students to each other can promote good online citizenship by having students communicating personal information. It is important to give guidelines on what information, specifically should be shared.
Letitia,
You make a great point. You do have to set the expectations and hold them to it. Holding students to the expectations can be the most difficult.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I present a lecture (archived) to all of my healthcare students on ethics, i.e. the core principles found in all professional healthcare ethics.
In addition, my 'Orientation to the Course' has a section on academic ethics. This is in part repeated in another announcement entitled 'how to get an A grade'. I still find occasional students who step outside of the line in academic issues. These are personally contacted with a request to correct their problem with a penalized resubmit.
Most of my students are grads and tend to know the ropes. But there are always a couple that want play in the 'jump rope' game.
It is a good topic for our group to be discussing. I've found some instructors so strict about copying work that it can seriously reduce the motivation of a student to believe in their ability to do original work.
Robert,
Great post. I agree I have students that think the rules apply to everyone but them! It is so important to document your expectations so there is no "question" about expectations.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I beleive that you can assist students in being good online citizens by setting a good example yourself and discussing with them what really makes a good online citizen. You also might need to "work" more with students that seem to be struggling in this area.
After clearly defining guidelines for writing, researching, and citing to sources, instructors can provide examples.
t the end of my scheduled online chat sessions, I spend an additional 10 minutes each time demonstrating how to locate a different type of source, and then how to prepare the end reference for that type of source. With each type, we talk about the pitfalls (for example, how to evaluate the quality of a web source).
Thomas ,
I agree with you. The best way for students to learn is by your example. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Gwenda,
You make a great point; you clearly define guidelines in multiple ways and you keep communicating them to your students. good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
One of the most important ways to help students be a good online citizen is to carefully spell out the policy on academic honesty. From my experience as an online instructor for over 10 years and a classroom instructor for over 30 years, much of the time students do not even realize they are plagiarizing. I feel it is our responsibility to make clear what academic honesty is and what academy dishonesty is. I do this in my expectation announcement at the beginning of the class. I also send students an email directly them to this portion of the expectation announcement and encourage them to email me if they have any questions about academic honesty. At our school, when a student has their first offense, we are allowed and encouraged to counsel the student rather than immediately penalize them. This is a great opportunity for an instructor to educate the student one on one on academic honesty.
First, I ensure that all of my communication with students is error free, clear, professional and appropriate. I also post a weekly rubric used to grade each assignment. Most importantly by helping them develop skills to function effectively in a community of practice.
You help them become good online students by ensuring you set the standards at the beginning of the course. Good expectations are set and you have a way of holding people accountable would allow you to set the tone early. Good online citizens are created by the course and monitored by the instructor.
Jeffrey,
Great points. Even if the class doesn't cover this topic, it is one of those character skills that needs to be enforced. I agree that many students have no clue they are plagiarizing. I want learning not to be punitive and sometimes it may be.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sherrilyn,
I agree with the communication guidelines. I also think it is a good idea about continually reminding students about expectations. There are no questions regarding them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Reggie,
Great point. We do have to continually hold students to the standards of being good online students as we hold ourselves continually to being good online instructor. Modeling can be just as powerful as monitoring.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The first day my students enter their online class, all my written communication (through clear and welcoming announcements, specific assignments, and open discussions) exhibit guidelines of a good online citizenship.
And my consistent encouraging response to my students also sets the tone for on-going open communication. When I read my discussions, it is obvious that student's are sharing their experiences and thoughts as opposed to sharing 'what they think the right answer is'. Setting a community tone where "all opinions are valued" is one of the most important aspects of the online class.
I have always appreciated having an uplifting stimulating online instructor. And now I have the opportunity to give this gift to my students !
