I like to help my students in this area by providing extra discussion starters, and opportunities for them to interact within the classroom. I always think of the discussion forum as the "classroom itself" and as such, it is important that we all know the rules of conduct and what is appropriate.
Kelly, I have learned over the last 13 years that students perceive things differently since they come from different backgrounds and have different levels of "intellectual capacity". In this regard I wnat them to "see" through me because when they do they will see "order, productiveness, fairness and vision".
In my online computer forensics courses I include various references on APA, actual guides on what it means to correctly cite material. I also provide approved templates to show how different types of documentation (word, powerpoint, discussions) can also be tackled when it comes to citing references and preventing plagiarism. We are here to remove barriers and ensure that students can succeed without fear of improper citation.
In my first class, I teach students how to use correct APA format. I have posted the APA Student Guide version 6 in the my classroom. I also use Library tours to help students know how to use search and to use credible sources. I use Turnitin tool to ensure that students student their essays through the system. I have a written academic honesty announcement post in my classroom and it is also posted in the Students' Handbook. Being a role model to them. Thanks, Tom
The convenience of learning online has made it possible for many adult learners to return to school and complete their education which otherwise would have been impossible due to their busy lifestyles. However, although online learning is convenient and easily accessible, many adult learners are now left with significant challenges to develop the necessary skills needed to learn successfully online. It is therefore very important for us as online instructors to help the students that are assigned to our care.
To help students become good online citizens, I do the following:
1. The first thing I do in any class is to reassure the students that they have the ability to do what they want if they are determined to do so. I stress that failure will not overcome them if their determination to succeed is strong. I also assure them that I will be with them throughout the module or term to help them. When they feel confident in themselves and that they have support, they will be ready to move on.
2. Help them understand the importance of time-management. As we well know, students become overwhelm quite easy. I help them draft a timetable of how they could get their work completed and still do the other things they need to get done.
3. I encourage them to do their own work and not plagiarize, especially since there will be consequences for plagiarizing. I promise early feedback with enough time to correct and resubmit if they submit their work early and give them a deadline to do so.
4. Take full advantage of the discussions so that they could see things from others’ perspectives and also share their views. I let them know how valuable their input is to the class. This helps them to feel valued and part of the community and make connections with the group.
5. Apply what they are learning to their own lives. This helps them to feel connected to the course material and retain more of the information. Learning takes place.
6. I encourage them to ask questions and I do my best to answer each in a timely manner. Students feel part of the community when they are not ignored.
There is no magic formula in helping students become good online citizens. However, a combination of several simple techniques could make a huge difference in helping students become successful in the online learning environment.
Edna Murugan
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 !
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Thomas ,
I agree with you. The best way for students to learn is by your example. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
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).
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.
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 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.
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
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.
