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
Jeanice,
You are right. You have to make sure that you address the issue immediately.
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.
David,
True, it is a concern in all courses. The citations are so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
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.
Jack,
True, You can reenforce work skills through the online environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kelly,
For their learning and for what they will take away to the business world.
Reginald,
What do you mean by inspire?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
You are right! You must support your own syllabus! You also are detailed and that is important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Nizar,
You are right; modeling is the best form of education! I also like that you provide expectations of yourself.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kara,
I agree with you. You have to continually monitor that!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Rachelle,
You are right! I too like the term online citizen. It makes it more of an classroom environment
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael,
Do you continue to remind students about the expectations throughout the term? I like your term good citizenship when indeed it is!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Amos,
Reinforcement of what? What should they practice?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Susan,
You make a great point! Sometimes students don't know what the don't know!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Joseph,
Great post. Yes, you have to provide that information as they won't have the expectation in online environment. Examples help also.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jack,
You are right. They have to understand that not everyone in the work place will work around them. I think we have to make students responsible for their learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jack,
I like that. I too teach business subjects and I too talk about students earn a grades just like a student earns money. I don't give them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Yvette,
You make a great point. It is important to make a "complete" thought. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Thank you! I try. Having associate students, I tend to do a little more hand holding. Therefore, I have to keep thinking of new ways to reach out to them sometimes.
