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Research, Writing & Plagiarism

Skills needed in online classes

Identify Problem

Current Situation Criteria for studying problem Primary Secondary

Using computer to take notes

› Save often› Identify source› Use white space, fonts and other

cues to distinguish notes› Keep notes organized

Evaluating Information

Authority and Source Content: Reliable and Valid Timeliness and Relevance

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Writing for online coursesWhat you may writeIdea OrganizationIn-class communicationCiting sourcesGrammar, etc.

6What you may write

Discussion Board answersPapersCase StudiesGroup Projects

Grammar, etc.

Cite Sources Check grammar and spelling Don’t Use Text Abbreviations

Plagiarism Academic problem nationwide Internet habits have made it worse

Not public domain – must be cited Can even end academic career Using someone else’s work without

giving them credit; on purpose or accidently

Check Style guides for citation styles.

High Profile Accidental Case

“The Trouble With Tribbles” by David Gerrold - Star Trek season 2 episode 15

Tribbles (lovable, furry antagonists) based on “Flat Cats” in Robert Heinlein novel “The Rolling Stones”

Author had read novel as youth and didn’t remember “Flat Cats” until someone reminded him of similarities

Tribbles – 2 Episode already far along in

production. Approached Heinlein and told of

problem Heinlein asked for final copy of script

signed by all actors

Intentional Purposely copying someone else’s

work and not giving proper creditMust properly use quotes and

citations Re-using your own previously

published work without citing it properly.

Intentional - 2 Purchasing and submitting a paper

as your own from a vendor or other student

Submitting a paper previously submitted by another student as your own

Penalties for Misconduct:1. Any student who has committed an

act of misconduct (1, 2, or 3 above) may be subjected to one or more of the following penalties:a. A student’s grade in the course or

on the examination affected by the misconduct may be reduced to any extent, including a reduction to failure.

Penalties – 2

b. A student may be suspended from the University for a specific or an indefinite period, the suspension to begin at any time . . . “