Methods to Address Academic Dishonesty in Distance Learning Programs

Highlights of DLA 2009 Conference

Session 1 - Methods to Address Academic Dishonesty in Distance Learning Programs

We all know that there is a hesitance with many instructors for integrating their classes online. One of the most cited reasons is they are afraid that online environments lend themselves to cheating. As we all know in the field, there is no fail-safe system, but there are some tips and techniques to curb cheating.

The presenter for this presentation was Darryl Hancock from Middle Georgia College. I think the most fascinating idea he presented from his research is that the studies showed that online program and schools who have honor codes and integrity policies clearly stated, are less likely to have cheating.

He also stressed that there needs to be clear cut guidelines on what is constituted as academic dishonesty. He stated that if a quiz or assessment does not clearly state that you cannot use your book, then it really is up to the interpretation of the student. If you do not want them to use a book, this should be stated in easy to understand language before they take the assessment.

This goes for assignments as well. If you do not want them to collaborate and it to be an individual assignment, you must stress this to the student in the instructions for the assignment. Often what an instructor thinks is cheating, may not be conveyed to the student and they do not understand when they are penalized.

In the end, it was stated that you should have multiple ways to assess the student and try your best to place layers and obstacles in their way (basically make it an annoyance for them to cheat), and this should curb some of the cheating.

DLA 2009 Part III

I have to say the dinner on the beach was very cool. I had BBQ sauce all over my hands and face. They had the most unique decanters for water and tea. I will post the pics when I get to my summaries later this week. I am back in Florida today and headed back to the office.

The last round of sessions were:

• How to Engage your Students Online - canceled
• Teaching Communication with Technology to Multiple Learning Styles
• Online Learning for All: Accessible Courses for Persons with Diasbilities - very interesting with a lot of wonderful take aways for easily meeting compliance
• Continuous Course Improvement, Enhancements, and Modifications: Control and Tracking

Then we had a duo for keynote speakers and lunch.

The conference was very interesting and I was able to pull some wonderful ideas from each of the sessions. I met a lot of great people - as always. It was a nice touch having it on the Island. As I wind down and look through my notes I will add highlights from each session.

DLA 2009 Part II

So did I mention that DLA 2009 is at St. Simon's Island this year. Still soaking in the rays when I can in between sessions and breathing the great salt air.

Second round of sessions include...(And here we go again with bullets, did I mention I can't stand bullets!)

• Conflicting Conceptions of Curriculum: How Technology is Used with Different Curriculum Conceptions - This session was canceled becasue the presenter was stuck in Canada. His flight was canceled. That was a bummer, last year the same group presented and brought wonderful Canadian Maple Cookies (I was salivating all night long hoping to get a cookie first thing in the morning!)
• So I ended up at this session - Using Television in Distance Learning, which turned out to be very interesting and I got some great take aways (The presenter was from New Zealand)
• The next session didn't have a lot to offer that I haven't learned in the past so I passsed on it to network and tour vendor booths
• Multiple Learning Styles, Single Course
• Please Stand By: Using Announcements in Online Courses - Canceled Can I just tell you how bummed I was that this one was canceled. I so wanted to learn more about this since I am trying to encourage this with some of my clients. We later found out that it was canceled because the Presenters tires on her car were slashed.
• Understanding and Charting Online Content - Fabulous!
• Annenberg Media: Tools to Enhance Teaching and Learning - Vendor Presentation

I have one last round of sessions and then will compile all of my notes and summarize osme of the highlights by weeks end.

Blogging and Me

Ok, I have to admit...

I have been using Social Media for well over 3 years and have buillt websites for over 10 years for my work but only this week did I actually decide to create a blog for myself. It still is due in part to work, but I am determined to make it for me :)

I have created blogs, wikis, mySpace pages, YouTube profiles, etc for clients, my organizations, and even my son. I have to confess, after spending all day and sometimes the evenings perfecting everyone else's profiles and sites, I was neglecting MY social networks.

So enjoy the journey with me.

Adventure at DLA 2009

It has been a great adventure this year at the DLA 2009 conference. First the fun stuff. My father-in-law came with me and we won Most Creative in a sandbuilding contest. We walked on the beach and watched the waves. The balcony is gorgeous and relaxing.

First night was an awards dinner. Italian Buffet was fabulous.

For my fellow Instructional Designers...

The first round of Sessions Included: (Forgive me I am going to use bullet points - UGH!)

• Methods to Address Academic Dishonesty in Distance Learning Programs
• From Chaos to Organization in an Online Class
• Beyond Instruction: Building Sustainable Online Communities
• Online Pedagogy Faculty Development: Enhanced with Instructional Resources
• Online Student Community: Engage and Support eLearning Students College-Wide using your CMS
• Learning 2.0: Teaching and Learning Online with the Read-Write Web

As always, fabulous speakers and great take aways. I will post some summaries later in the week as well as hopefully a picture of our castle adventure. Until tomorrow...