Plagiarism

Plagiarism Detection and Prevention

Plagiarism has become a concern for online instructors because the digital lives we live in today.   As teachers that are interested in checking students’ plagiarism, we should know the top detection tools for instructors. “Free online search engines such as Google allow instructors to track down copied phrases, while commercially available plagiarism detection software and online services (e.g., EVE; Turnitin.com) compare individual student papers to Web documents and/or to essay databases to find and report instances of matching text” (DiBiase, 2006, p. 5).

Instructors can create courses that make student copy and paste their work into a plagiarism website before handing in the work completed. “During the process of grading, each assignment [will be] evaluated for upholding principles of academic integrity using manual methods for plagiarism detection” (DiBiase & Jocoy, 2006). For example, SafeAssign is used at Walden University for their online programs to help prevent cross-institution plagiarism. This is useful if the paper is an extension of a earlier submitted work by the same student.

The use of apa citation will give the students one of the many vehicles to use in assuring that plagiarism is not occurring. The apa citation will give an opportunity for me, acting as the instructor to check ea h students work to ensure that they have not violated plagiarism. Another strategy to use is to make the assignments life-related. This will almost force the student to use their own life experiences when writing an assignement.

Resources:

Jocoy, C. L., & DiBiase, D. (2006). Plagiarism by adult learners online: A case study in detection and remediation. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 7(1).

Ziden, A. A., Fook F. S., Idrus, R. M., & Ismail, I. (2009). The types of online interaction model: Individual approaches in online discussions. Paper presented at the 5^th WSEAS/IASME International Conference on Educational Technology, La Lagune, Spain.

Abstract retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/228241/The_Types_of_Online_Interaction_Model_Individual_Approaches_in_Online_Discussions

 

 

 

Impact of Technology and Multimedia

 

Looking at technology and multimedia in the online learning environment, one can see that the world is changing and technology may have an impact on our future learning. When I went to college, my professor stood behind a podium while we sat in rows and listened. Today’s classrooms look much different because students are looking at laptops, tablets, and smart phones instead of books. “This means that learners have many more options than in the past as to when, where, and with whom they work on course goals” (Boettcher & Conrad, p. 8).   Everyone has access to learning today because of the Internet. During the medieval times, only people with money were educated because they could buy the books. “It would then be logical to say that if technology were integrated into the classroom the learning environment would be relevant to the current student population” (Doak, 2017).

 

In my opinion, before considering implementing technology in an online setting an instructor should improve the school’s performance of the classroom. “In your managing role, keep track of how each learner is doing and monitor his or her progress, providing useful guidance and feedback while establishing a basis for the necessary assessment and grading” (Boettcher & Conrad, p. 104). We have to remember that technology is continuously changing and is an ongoing process. Liang and Sedig states, that “the navigation process in interactive learning environments and propose a framework that helps with designing an interactive learning environment in order to avoid difficulties with searching for information in the learning environment” (Ebner & Schweighofer, 2015, p. 39). Finding ways to implement technology and integrate the variety of tools to deepen the learner’s understanding of the content has to be done seamlessly. Learners have to be able to take everyday projects and combine both online learning with face-to-face outcomes. “This shift moves the instructor to the role of a group member or group coach in addition to mentoring individual students. In other words, the teaching goal will include how the group as a whole is moving toward understanding” (Boettcher & Conrad, p. 147).

 

Moving forward instructors should embrace technology that will teach skills that develop critical thinkers and problem solving. Some of the most appealing ways to teach technology creatively without going overboard is starting easy. For example, show your class a YouTube video and follow up it up with an activity from the website Brainpop. This website has short animated movies, quizzes and related materials for students.   “The best approach for teaching a first online course is to keep it simple” (Boettcher & Conrad, p. 57). Let’s remember that we need to stay focused on the goal and make sure that technology is helping the student learn.

“Make sure the infrastructure is there before the devices” (Britland, 2013).

 

Resources:

 

Boettcher, J., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

 

Britland, M. (2013, June 19). What is the future of technology in education? Retrieved February 09, 2017, from https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/jun/19/technology-future-education-cloud-social-learning

 

Emerging Theories of Learning and the Role of Technology – Theories of Educational Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved February 09, 2017, from https://sites.google.com/a/boisestate.edu/edtechtheories/Home/emerging-theories-of-learning-and-the-role-of-technology

 

Schweighofer, P., & Ebner, M. (2015). Aspects to Be Considered when Implementing Technology-Enhanced Learning Approaches: A Literature Review. Future Internet,7(1), 26-49. doi:10.3390/fi7010026

 

 

 

Setting Up An Online Learning Experience

 

Let’s just say that technology is not going away in any classroom setting. “The best approach for teaching a first online course is to keep it simple” (Boettcher & Conrad, p.57). In order to integrate effective learning that makes a difference, the instructor needs the skills to process the different types of data. It was not until I started my courses at Walden University did I understand how much I did not understand about different databases. For example, when I went to school my word processer did not have a multimedia tool. “Students can also be a source of help and advice” (Boettcher & Conrad, p. 57). Truth me, I have a fourteen –year-old son that has help me multiply times understand different applications. I believe that instructors need to be skilled in the latest technology tools because they are the best tools for learning.

At some point, it is essential to communicate the expectations to the learner. “The course elements that must be completed for an online course are the syllabus, the weekly plans and discussion posting for the first weeks, and the course site”(Boettcher & Conrad, p. 63).

It is essential to communicate to learners because online learning presents its own set of challenges that requires clear explanation for effective end results. When students register for a class online, “they may not initially feel the type of connection that typically facilitates and enlivens discussion in an on-campus class” (Strang, 2014). As instructors, we must have consistent contact with out students to help assure that they are well supported.

In the future, I will be the type of instructor that will show up and teach in the online environment. In the face-to-face setting the learning environment is different then the online community. “In an online learning environment, we cannot assume that learners know how to communicate effectively with an instructor or their fellow students” (Boettcher & Conrad, p. 72).  Without communicated guidance on what is expected of the online instructor, they are left to figure it out. In my opinion, that will lead to irritated learners and undesirable teaching experiences.

Resources:

Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The Online Teaching Survival Guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Strang, T. (2014, July 22). Icebreakers for Online Courses [Web log post]. Retrieved January 25, 2017, from http://blog.cengage.com/icebreakers-for-online-courses/

 

 

Online Learning Communities

Online learning communities significantly impact both student learning and satisfaction within onlines courses by, “pulling students together to support one another, explore together the content in the course and bring things out of one another”(Laureate Education (Producer). (2010). Online learning communities).  We have had a first-hand account of how they pull students together.  A couple of courses ago, I was put into a group with four other students.  The assignment had us switching off between being the, “project manager,” and following through with other job assignments.  By the end of that specific week that you were the project manager, you were tasked with putting each entry together that your group members have done and posting it.  This example shows that even though we did not talk face-to-face in a normal classroom setting we used the technology that was available to us to communicate to other students.

The essential elements that makeup the online community building are: “People, purpose, process, method and social presence”(Laureate Education (Producer). (2010). Online learning communities).  In my experience at Walden University I was given a purpose in each of my classes as well as my program.  That purpose was to complete each assignment and project, and to complete the program with a passing grade.  The element of social presence was used by every professor by, having us write to a discussion board and then answer at least two of our classmates.  This provided each student with a sense of community between the “people.”

Online learning communities can be sustained by providing a, “course that is easy to navigate, making the classroom feel warm and inviting rather than cold and formal, welcoming students to post a bio and relate to students personally”(Laureate Education (Producer). (2010). Online learning communities).  The course that I took in this program had each of us create a online learning module.  The initial page was an orientation showing the student how to navigate through the classroom.  This provided the student direction whenever they needed to understand where to go in-order to complete various tasks.  The way in-which you can make a classroom feel warm and inviting is to engage each student.  To do this most of our professors encouraged us to contact them either via email or phone call if we needed their assistance.

 

Resources:

Laureate Education (Producer). (2010). Online learning communities [Video]

Analyzing Scope Creep

Every project will experience a little bit of scope creep.  I believe that management of scope creep is a challenging job and could make or break a project.    Understanding the term scope creep is the first step to keeping everything in order.  Scope creep allows the project manager to put parameters on the projects to clearly define, document and control conditions.

One Saturday morning my husband decided to replace the pouch rails because the wood had gotten old and he wanted to replace with new material.    He had gone onto the internet and researched the cost of the material and the step-by-step process of replacing them.  He sat me down and showed me the YouTube videos and talked me into doing the project.  The sad thing is it only took two times watching the five minute video to get me on board.  My husband had a list of material for Home Depot and we were off.   One has to remember that even when there is a clearly defined project scope, you still have to beware of scope creep.  We walked around the store loading our cart with the material that was on my husband’s list.  But of course I saw things that were not on the list that added to the design of the pouch that increase the budget, time and resources.  I didn’t know that you could add solar lights to the top of the pillars, so of course I wanted them to make it look nicer.  I was a customer who did not know what I wanted and when I saw it wanted it all of a sudden.  “The best approach is to set up a well-controlled, formal process whereby changes can be introduced and accomplished with as little distress as possible”( Portny, Mantel, Meredith, Shafer, p346).  At that point, my husband should have told me “no” but he let me put them in the cart.   Looking back at the situation, the effects of scope creep was not a negative one because the end product came out better.

Some people just want to please, and it can play havoc with a project.  First, understand the client’s vision of the project even before the project begins. “ The most common result of scope creep is an upset client who was not (or claims to not have been) told how long the change delays the project and how much it raises the project’s cost”(Portny, Mantel, Meredith, Shafer, p346).  What are the client’s priorities?  You need to plan around the goals and objectives of the work.  Set up a timeline and identify the major and minor milestones of the project.  If my husband would have clarified the goals and objectives of the work in the initial planning stage then I would have known the deliverables of the project.

Resource:

Portny, S. E., Mantel, S. J., Meredith, J. R., Shafer, S. M., Sutton, M. M., & Kramer, B. E. (2008). Project management: Planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (pp.346-347).

Estimating Cost

Project Management Cost Estimating Techniques

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/project-management-cost-estimating-techniques-40508.html

This article breaks down how to estimate the cost of a project.   How do you calculate the cost of the project? What are the things to consider during a project?  This article discusses how “a cost estimate must be accurate, transparent and reliable” (2016).  I believe that cost estimation is one of the projects management’s main parts of planning.  Bert Markgraf states, “When you calculate project cost using effective cost-estimating techniques, you will be able to assign corresponding resources and develop schedules to manage the project successfully” (2016).

 

4 Tools to Estimate Costs in the Project Management

https://pmstudycircle.com/2012/06/4-tools-to-estimate-costs-in-the-project-management/

This blog discusses the four tools to estimate cost:  analogous, parametric, three point and bottom-up estimating.  This shows how you can use a combination of historical information and expert judgment to estimate a cost of a project.  Usmani states, “In estimate cost process, the cost of each activity is determined, including the cost of human hours, the cost of equipment, and the cost of materials used as well as the contingency cost” (2016).  I believe that projects need to be delivered on time and on budget and this blog helps construct a solid picture estimating cost.

Resource

Markgraf, B. (n.d.). Project Management Cost Estimating Techniques. Retrieved September29,2016, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/project-management-cost-estimating-techniques-  40508.html

Usmani, F. (2016). 4 Tools to Estimate Costs in the Project Management. Retrieved September29, 2016, from https://pmstudycircle.com/2012/06/4-tools-to-estimate-costs-in-the-project-management/

Communicating Effectively

“Communication involves the imparting or interchanging thoughts, opinions, or information among people by speech, writing, or signs”( http://www.brighthubpm.com/methods-strategies/79297-comparing-various-forms-of-communication/).  Looking at the different ways that people today communicate via voicemail, email or face-to-face.  Can change the way a person interprets the message that is meant to come across.  First, let’s look at a voicemail communication.  Leaving a voicemail can be an effective way of communicating, by being able to leave a brief message a person who is receiving can find out details about a subject they were searching for.  The issue with a voicemail is that it can only be a brief message which leaves a lot to be interpreted and left out.  You can present feelings in a voicemail, but it might not come across in a way in which it will be taken the right way.  A voicemail, “can reduce the need for administrative / receptionist / secretarial support”( http://www.online-sciences.com/technology/voice-mail-messaging-advantages-and-disadvantages/).  This can reduce the opportunity for the message to not be delivered in its entirety.  An email is another form of communication that can be effective.  The advantages of an email are:

• Emails are delivered extremely fast when compared to traditional post.
• Emails can be sent 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Webmail means emails can be sent and received from any computer, anywhere in the world, that has an Internet connection.
• Cheap – when using broadband, each email sent is effectively free. Dial-up users are charged at local call rates but it only takes a few seconds (for conventional email, eg text only) to send an email.
• Emails can be sent to one person or several people.

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/datacomm/1emailrev3.shtml)

The disadvantages of an email are:

• The recipient needs access to the Internet to receive email.
• Viruses are easily spread via email attachments (most email providers scan emails for viruses on your behalf).
• Phishing – sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be a legitimate company to scam the user into providing information, such as personal information and bank account numbers on a bogus website. The details will then be used for identity theft.
• No guarantee the mail will be read until the user logs on and checks their email.
• Spam – unsolicited email, ie junk mail.

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/datacomm/1emailrev3.shtml)

Face-to-face communication is the most effective way to communicate still to this day.  It makes it possible for any and all details to be relayed to its recipient.  “Verbal communication makes the process of conveying thoughts easier and faster, and it remains the most successful form of communication”( http://www.brighthubpm.com/methods-strategies/79297-comparing-various-forms-of-communication/).

Resources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/datacomm/1emailrev3.shtml

http://www.brighthubpm.com/methods-strategies/79297-comparing-various-forms-of-communication

http://www.online-sciences.com/technology/voice-mail-messaging-advantages-and-disadvantages/

 

 

 

 

 

Learning from a Project “ Post-mortem”

The project that I had worked on was a sale on tires.  As a store manager for National Tire and Battery it was my job to implement the sales plan the company had created.  The tire sale was a buy two tires and get the other two for free.  The sale itself was a huge success.  Employees were successful in having the knowledge to sell the promotion to the customers.  Of course the biggest success was in the numbers.  The number of tires increased as well as the gross profit and the customer traffic increased.  Not to the mention that as a result of the promotion the employees benefitted from it by learning a new skill in how to market to a specific demographic.  The most frustrating part of the project was the employees lack the inability to upsell additional products and therefore was unable to increase their sales commission.  Next time that my company decides to initiate a sale like this I will produce a better training module that emphasizes the benefits of upselling.  Also, to provide incentives to upselling to keep employees interested and motivated.  The most gratifying part of the project was seeing the employees become successful at their jobs.  The methods or processes that worked well were utilizing the course management system to train the employees.  They had to complete each module within the week in-order to be involved in the sale.  Most employees finished their training within one to one and a half days.  The method or process that was difficult to use was how interactive the module was.   The employees made comments to me that the modules lacked the ability to keep their attention focused.  Utilizing such things as graphics, audio and video within the module will make it possible to keep each employee focused and motivated throughout the modules.  The senior managers did participate effectively by providing the necessary support throughout the sale.  The support that was given included be available to run for certain product during the sale.  Also, they were able to provide us the necessary tools to create a great display outside and inside the store.  Customers were very cooperative during the sale and were thoroughly educated when it came to the sale and what tires were involved.  Sponsors like NAPA Auto Parts were able to provide better prices on various parts that were needed in-order to accommodate the upsell on certain customer’s tickets.

Project Management Course

Hello, everyone from my project management class.  Looking forward to a great class of informative blogs and discussions.

-Modesta

Reflection

In the future, distance learning will advance into mainstream education and instruction.  Many institutions have a major focus on distance learning and in the past five to ten years we have seen a change in how distance education is playing out in universities.  I believe the perceptions of distance education will change because of programs such as MOOCs and adaptive learning.  Many learners like, “the idea of distance education and [mention] the possibility of no longer having to resolve their life around school hours” (Schmidt & Gallegos, p. 5).

Instructional designers can advocate for improving general perceptions of distance learning by using effective learning system.  If the learner has a positive learning environment, the overall education service is greater.  Learning management systems have to manage the learner and the learning at the same time.  IDs need to rethink the education experience and adjust to how to manage the learner.  Following a pedagogy approach will not change how people learn, but will explore new approaches to delivering information.  If the instructor participates with the learner in an activity or discussion board, then learning occurs with a common goal in mind.  “Asking a few well-chosen questions of individual students will help the instructor understand their needs, background, and expectations” (Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek, p. 133).

In the future, I will be a positive force to improve distance learning by creating better learning experiences and information for the learner.  IDs need to keep an open mind about distance learning and explore new innovations of pedagogical approaches.  By designing better training programs, learners will truly change their behavior and improve performance.  “Often, evaluators must interact with project participants or course students on a regular basis to learn about the little successes and failures that less sensitive procedures overlook” (Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek, p. 314).

All in all, we must understand that distance education and learning will evolve into a model that is the majority instead of the minority.  “Ultimately what we must stay focused on is that this is about learning; it is about changing our mental model and helping learners challenge existing ideas and expand their views of the disciplines and the world, and it is about access and success” (Shearer, 2015).

 Resources:

Schmidt, E. K., & Gallegos, A. (2001, May). Distance Learning: Issues and Concerns of

Distance Learners. Journal of Industrial Technology, 17, 3rd ser., 2-5.

 

Shearer, R. (2015). Four Evolving Trends that May Shape the Future of Distance Education.

Retrieved August 20, 2016, from http://evolllution.com/opinions/evolving-trends-shape-                future-distance-education/

 

Simonson, M. Smaldino S., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of

     Distance Education. United States of America: IAP-Information Age Publishing.