Week 6

William Knopf-Blog Week 6 • What plagiarism detection software is available to online instructors? Depending on the school/university plagiarism software can be readily available. Certain universities have their own sources; however there are also companies that are specialized in looking for plagiarism. Below is a list from educause.edu that has some well tested sources for training students not to commit plagiarism: GPTeach • MITT: The Multimedia Integrity Teaching Tool • Prentice Hall Companion website: Understanding Plagiarism • Perdue writing lab • Indiana University writing page • Michigan University writing page • Plagiarism.org Software that can be used includes: • Turnitin.com • Scanmyessay.com • Plagiarismdetect.com • Teach-nolgy.com • How can the design of assessments help prevent academic dishonesty? One of the best was to design assessment to prevent academic dishonest is to allow students the freedom to “outsource” for information. Like Dr. Pratt (2011) stated in the real world “we are not locked up in a closet” and expected to make detailed reports, studies, etc. In my own classroom I look for the ability to use the concept as an assessment, not just remembering the concept ideas. If a student can take the concepts and apply them to a real-world application that shows how much they know about the concept. The state of Maryland is one of 14 states that are adopting a new state curriculum on Common Core Concepts. One of the major focuses is to apply knowledge and learning, less recall assessments. Also using trans-disciplinary lessons that focus on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) (MSDE, 2011). • What facilitation strategies do you propose to use as a current or future online instructor? Once I become an online instructor I plan to design assessments that are collaborative, application based, and useable in the real-world. Employers are looking for workers that can “do” not “parrot” information. According to www.quintcareers.com (2011) most employers are looking for similar things: • Communication skills • Analytical/research skills • Computer/technical skills • Flexibility/adaptability/managing multiple priorities • Interpersonal abilities • Leadership/management skills • Multicultural sensitivity/awareness • Planning/organizing • Problem solving/reasoning/creativity • Teamwork Therefore the assessments, activities and projects that I develop online would be similar to the ones that I design in my current traditional classroom. Currently I use collaboration, group work, research topics (web-quests), hands-on activities, problem-solving, and creation/building. • What additional considerations for online teaching should be made to help detect or prevent cheating and plagiarism? One focus that I use in my classroom is to educate the students to what cheating and plagiarism is. Like both Dr. Pratt and Palloff (2011) stated, most students are unaware of the simple things that are cheating. For example using work from one course for another. Another example is copying and pasting from the web or online source without giving credit. I plan to have a section in each course where plagiarism and cheating are discussed. Also using other resources like the media center, library, and writing center can help educate the students, thus reducing the chances/likelihood that it will happen. In addition to educating students, making plagiarism software available for the students to check their own work, such as websites like Turnitin.com. If the school does not provide the software, there are also free software sites on the internet. Sources: Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2004). Engaging the online learner: activities and resources for creative instruction. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Hansen, R., & Hansen, K. (n.d.). Top Skills and Values Employers Seek from Job-Seekers. Quintessential Careers: College, Careers, and Jobs Guide. Retrieved October 12, 2011, from http://www.quintcareers.com/job_skills_values.html Humes, C., Stiffler, J., & Malsed, M. (2003). Examining Anti-Plagiarism Software: Choosing the Right Tool. Examining Anti-Plagiarism Software: Choosing the Right Tool. Retrieved October 12, 2011, from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/EDU03168.pdf M. (n.d.). Common Core State Standards: Instruction. School Improvement in Maryland. Retrieved October 12, 2011, from http://mdk12.org/instruction/commoncore/index.html Palloff, R., Pratt, K. (2011). Plagiarism and Cheating. Walden Video Library.