To help students become good online citizens, I provide them all with an welcome email that not only introduces me and the course study but I also provide them with a zip folders of goodies.
In that zip folder contains the APA template, the latest version of the APA Supplemental Guide used by my university, one-page quick reference guides to how to create a coverpage, abstract, reference list, use of quotation marks and paraphrasing, what is an "informed opinion", a "list of websites to avoid", and "how to read the Turnitin Report". This way they have all of this information at their fingertips. I also show them all of these items in our first chat or class time in week one and discuss them and inform them that if they by chance accidently delete them, don't worry. I have them all uploaded to the "Instructor files."
Do you honestly think that helps? No, not really. I still submit 10-15 papers a term for an academic review. Arg!
By helping them develop skills to function effectively in a community of practice. Instructors can also model the behavior they expect in the community of practice. In online communication in writting becomes critical to success so students not only must communicate in writing but it must be clear, contribute to the learning and be regular communication. Instructors need to make sure their communication is without error, clear, professional and appropriate.
Dr. Crews,
I help students become good online citizens by doing basically what this course is telling me to do:
1. I tell them about plagiarism and how it might affect their student status
2. I direct them to the code of conduct of the school.
3. I send them emails and the emails all the time contains their names and basic words like thank you and please. Thus, I set the tone how we should communicate to each other.
4. I remind them that this is a community of learners and we should respect each other.
5. I remind them not to use vulgar language or text-messaging languages.
Thank You,
Srabasti Dutta
Eric,
Great point. I think sometimes our online students are not "exposed" to the university academic policies and they should! You make such an important point regarding that!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Joanna,
I really like that you use EQ with your students. I am just beginning to use that instrument. I also think you are right when we don't provide positive feedback we miss a golden opportunity.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The University academic policies for expectations of student behavior & written and verbal communication is the basis for helping students become good online citizens. Next is setting firm boundaries and expectations for the success of the student and having support through administration for consistency applying university policy. Turnitin and other programs can help however it is more the motivation of the student to learn and improve that drives they type of student they become and how much they learn in the end.Eric Oestmann
In your online course, how do you help students become good online citizens?
The University syllabus has reminders and all courses include academic policies for expectations of student behavior & written and verbal communication. Uses of programs like Tuition and other tools to assist the students strengthen their work is only as good as the students motivation and ability to read the reports and want to improvement as opposed to complain. Back once again to self-motivation (internal) vs. external and emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and learning style all connect to an individual’s ability to be a “good online citizen.â€
I work with tone and how I set up classes, develop things, and participate in the discussions and coach for success. I find the positives, I help them look at the journey, the places to grow, the ability to work to their strengths and how to be graceful and courteous along the way offering grace to themselves and others.
Joanna Oestmann
Erin,
Great point. Do you give them an exam over the conduct rules?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Merle,
You have to be the example. Do you allow them to correct their first errors before making it an issue or do you have zero tolerance?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
James,
You are right, there has to be constant reminders. Also, you have to make it "worth their while" when you ask students to monitor and even that doesn't always work. Good points.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Melissa,
You are right, leading by example is so important. I like that you give them a chance to rewrite in a more professional manner.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Antoinette,
I do think it is important that you use the handbook. Students think there are different rules in an online course than f2f when in reality there aren't! Good post!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Darren,
Yes, how do you let them know, do you have a zero tolerance?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Molly,
I agree but you have to hold them to the standard. They will take advantage of you if you don't and it will make the environment for the next online instructor.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Molly,
OK, this is one of the best posts! What great ideas and how organized particularly dealing with a difficult subject. I think you have great ideas. I hope others can use your post to help organize their course. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cyndy,
What a great post! I too find it shocking that they have little knowledge of plagiarism. FYI, I am going to by the book!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Marni,
How Cool! Do you wean them off the constant reminders or do you continue to do it. I am struggling myself with that!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kimberly,
You make a great point and this must be purposeful! You may have to help them develop that skill. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Shelly,
Wow, you are really working hard to address issues. I think you are on the right track. I do record many of my "talks" about issues so I can use them again and they can review when needed. ( and I can refer them to the tutorials)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
This is a tough topic and one that is a continuous struggle with online students.
I do a combination of many of the things already mentioned. First and foremost, I always practice what I preach. I am respectful and professional in my online communication, I give credit to sources I use for anything I share with the class, I reinforce and hold students accountable to expectations related to netiquette, academic honesty, etc.
A couple of the things I do, specifically:
-I review course expectations in the very first live chat I conduct. I also ask students to post to a discussion board thread that they have read and understand these expectations and also invite any questions they may have.
-I continuously reinforce the importance of academic honesty and spend part of a live chat going over APA formatting requirements and some common things students do incorrectly. I even share real-life examples of professionals who have been impacted by plagiarism.
-I am always professional and appropriate in all correspondence with students. I share examples of good and bad communication during our first live chat so students will know what I am expecting in regards to communication and what they can expect from me if they interact with me in one way versus the other.
Like I said, this is an ongoing process/struggle that requires multiple strategies to address. The suggestions offered in this thread will be very helpful.
