Online Learning

Honesty is the best policy, and we hope you are considering integrity as the University of Georgia transitions to online courses. To help, here are 5 tips for you:

Tip 1: Discuss Academic Honesty with your students

• Remind students not to share their eLC login information with any outside parties.
• Set your expectations for each assignment before the assignment is due.
• For any other assignment, include what counts as honest work in the rubric.
• Have open lines of communication with your students and be accessible.

Tip 2: Design assignments with integrity in mind

• Writing assignments
  • Scaffold assignments to see how your students progress through the assignment.
  • Use creative prompts that should lead to different answers between students.
• Exams & Quizzes
  • Have a set time in which the students can access the exam or quiz & set time limits.
  • Create multiple versions of exams where possible and randomize questions & answers.
  • Consider open book exams.
  • Clarify what counts as collusion – for every assignment.
• Attendance
  • Consider asking questions strategically throughout the session instead of just taking attendance at the start of a session. You may try using a free polling software such as Poll Everywhere or Mentimeter.
  • Find alternate ways to verify student participation.

Tip 3: Consider adding an integrity statement to your assessments

• At the start of online quizzes and exams, have the student state that they agree to follow your course guidelines (working independently, without using online resources, etc.). Have students type out the statement to match what you have written to ensure they understand.
• Before students turn in papers have them certify that the work is their own.

Tip 4: Offer some flexibility

• Some students may have difficulty accessing online resources. Please be prepared to assist students that may be dialing in from remote locations.
• If students need help verifying their circumstances, you may wish to connect them to Student Care & Outreach.

Tip 5: Report any suspected violations to the Office of Academic Honesty

“A Culture of Honesty Earns a Degree of Respect” – every degree conferred by the University of Georgia should be attained through honest efforts. Even in trying times, students are accountable for their actions, and instructors have the responsibility to report suspected cases of academic honesty violations to the Office of Academic Honesty. If you suspect a violation, please fill out the online reporting form. The Facilitated Discussions can be held through Zoom Video Conference.

You may be wondering how transitioning to online classes will impact you. As the University of Georgia transitions to online courses, here are some tips for students, to help you stay honest:

Tip 1: Discuss Academic Honesty with your instructors

• Know the expectations for each assignment before the assignment is due, and if you don’t know – email your instructor!
• For any other assignment, check to see what counts as honest work in the rubric.
• Communicate any concerns you have through email or eLC.

Tip 2: Protect your work

• Do not post your work in any online forums, websites, or group conversations without explicit permission from your instructors.
• Do not give away your eLC log-in information to any outside parties.
• Double check your work before submitting, is this your rough draft? Make sure the work you submit is the work you intend to submit!
• Do you know what resources are available? Check out the Division of Academic Enhancement or the UGA Library!

Tip 3: Consider a personal integrity pledge

• Certify that any work you submit is your own

Tip 4: Have some patience

• Some instructors may have difficulty transitioning to online learning environments. Please offer your instructors grace as they adjust to an online classroom.
• If you are struggling to connect to a resource and need help verifying your circumstances, you may wish to connect to Student Care & Outreach.

Tip 5: Report any suspected violations to your instructor

“A Culture of Honesty Earns a Degree of Respect” — every degree conferred by the University of Georgia should be attained through honest efforts. Even in trying times, your peers are accountable for their actions. If you suspect a violation, please let your instructor know so that they may report to the Office of Academic Honesty.