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Distance Learning Recommendations
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| In response to requests that the issue of online academic integrity be discussed by the Committee, the Academic Standards Committee communicates the recommendations of the University Distance Learning Committee regarding the development of distance learning opportunities and academic honesty and integrity in distance learning courses. These two recommendations are attached as presented by the University Distance Learning Committee. |
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RECOMMENDATION – I (DL Policy Statement 5-7-07)
University of North Florida
Distance Learning at UNF
The University of North Florida supports the development of distance learning courses for the purpose of meeting the needs of our existing students in a manner that is consistent with our mission. In so doing, distance learning at UNF will: |
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Employ the best pedagogical practices based on the existing research literature |
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Be developed for courses in which distance learning technologies are compatible with the highest level of student learning, interaction and engagement |
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Be developed for courses primarily at the upper-division and graduate level with enrollments that ensure the highest level of student interaction and engagement |
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Be developed to increase access for existing students through alternative scheduling options, particularly during the summer term |
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Be developed to enhance the ability of students to construct fulltime class schedules thus expediting time-to-graduation (and improving UNF’s graduation rates) |
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| The Distance Learning Committee is charged with developing policies, procedures, and staffing recommendations that are consistent with, and that will advance, the purpose and goals stated above. These recommendations should be forwarded to Academic Affairs for review and approval. |
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RECOMMENDATION – II
Statement from Distance Learning Committee
on Methods to Address Academic Honesty and Integrity
Instructors in distance learning courses are encouraged to use a variety of assessment strategies that may include tests, papers, projects, and other activities. Each instructor is responsible for informing students of academic standards and taking steps to ensure that assessments are structured in ways that discourage cheating and accurately measure each student’s progress in the course. Strategies employed include requiring students to submit an Honor Pledge to follow a code of honor which addresses plagiarism and other forms of unethical conduct. Further, use of the tools within Blackboard is used to not only facilitate assessment via means other than traditional testing but also when testing is appropriate to monitor and control the environment in which the testing occurs online. These include the randomization of testing materials such that each student within and between courses are given different items for testing and regular updating of course content including assessment items.
UNF facilitates these strategies as instructors teaching online are assisted by the CIRT lab to practice the following quality measures: |
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· Update course content and testing materials on a regular basis. |
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· Encourage ethical and honest performance in the class and remind the students how not doing |
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so could affect their future at UNF and in the "real world". |
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· Integrate a multi-faceted learning environment which does not rely solely on test grades to |
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evaluate student knowledge. These include but are not limited to written assignments, and |
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discussions. |
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