Here's what the University of Indiana has to say about plagiarism.
Plagiarism is more than just copy someone else's words verbatim. The definition also includes paraphrasing or otherwise using another's ideas, words, or creations without acknowledging the source.
It's okay to use sources! Just, let the reader know from where you obtained the information so the originator receive their proper credit.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Why Didn't I Get Full Credit?
Frequently asked question - "So, why didn't I earn full credit for my participation this week?"
Here are a few of the common reasons:
Here are a few of the common reasons:
Your posts had a lot of misspelled words, poor grammar, misplaced punctuation, or no punctuation at all. You confused words like there, their and they're. You confused a possessive word (society's) with a plural word (societies.) These sorts of mistakes are just careless and indicate that you didn't proofread or spellcheck your post before you added it.
Your posts didn't add anything to the value of the discussion. You just agreed with someone else's response. You thanked another student for working a problem or answering a question the same way that you would have. You copied a link location without explaining why it was relevant to the conversation. You copied a solution from the ones that are posted in the course materials without discussing how you derived the solution, what alternatives might exist, how to use a spreadsheet to calculate the answer, or do anything besides showing you know how to copy and paste.
You waited until the last minute to add your posts. It's amazing to see how much is added to the discussion board after my last check on Sunday night! This class runs continuously throughout the week but many seem to think that the class is only available after 9:00 p.m. the day before assignments are due.
You raised a question for the class, or posted a solution, and started a conversation, but didn't follow up when you received a response. Of course, if you just participated at the last minute, no one had the time to consider what you added.
You repeated what had already been posted. Someone before you had answered a question, but since you didn't read their response, you went ahead and added nothing new and original.
You posted something based on hearsay and personal observation using emotional and illogical arguments that were not supported by logic and evidence.
You didn't do the minimum requirement! The minimum requirement is three postings that add value to the overall conversation. And, meeting the minimum requirement does not mean that you will earn the maximum grade. The grade for doing the minimum is 6 points out of 10. To earn more you need to add more than the minimum amount of value.
Your posts didn't add anything to the value of the discussion. You just agreed with someone else's response. You thanked another student for working a problem or answering a question the same way that you would have. You copied a link location without explaining why it was relevant to the conversation. You copied a solution from the ones that are posted in the course materials without discussing how you derived the solution, what alternatives might exist, how to use a spreadsheet to calculate the answer, or do anything besides showing you know how to copy and paste.
You waited until the last minute to add your posts. It's amazing to see how much is added to the discussion board after my last check on Sunday night! This class runs continuously throughout the week but many seem to think that the class is only available after 9:00 p.m. the day before assignments are due.
You raised a question for the class, or posted a solution, and started a conversation, but didn't follow up when you received a response. Of course, if you just participated at the last minute, no one had the time to consider what you added.
You repeated what had already been posted. Someone before you had answered a question, but since you didn't read their response, you went ahead and added nothing new and original.
You posted something based on hearsay and personal observation using emotional and illogical arguments that were not supported by logic and evidence.
You didn't do the minimum requirement! The minimum requirement is three postings that add value to the overall conversation. And, meeting the minimum requirement does not mean that you will earn the maximum grade. The grade for doing the minimum is 6 points out of 10. To earn more you need to add more than the minimum amount of value.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Good Science and Good Writing
Here's a couple of links worth considering:
The first is 46 Ways to Embarrass Yourself Writing, about poor spelling and lousy grammar. Don't let these happen to you!
The second is Basic Concepts in Science: A List. This contains short pieces on math, physics, astronomy and statistics. These should be in your toolkit.
The first is 46 Ways to Embarrass Yourself Writing, about poor spelling and lousy grammar. Don't let these happen to you!
The second is Basic Concepts in Science: A List. This contains short pieces on math, physics, astronomy and statistics. These should be in your toolkit.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Frequently asked questions
What made you pursue accounting?
I had a great accounting teacher in college at UCLA, Jerry Arnold. He's now at USC, but is still one of the funniest guys to ever work the debits and credits.
What do you like most about online teaching vs. classroom teaching, and what do you like most about classroom teaching that is missing from online teaching?
I like the convenience and flexibility of teaching online, and I find the technology to be fun. On the other hand, in the classroom, I enjoy the spontaneity and the natural give-and-take that arises.
What is your take on misspelled words and poor grammar?
They reflect poorly on the writer. Misspelling and poor grammar indicate a lack of concern, lack of attention to detail, and general sloppiness. Those errors detract from the quality of presentation and call into question the value of the writer's remarks.
Yes, you can lose points on discussion and on assignments for poor presentation and sloppy errors.
Use spellcheck and proofread your work.
What kind of experience or educational background do you have?
I worked for 15 years in the financial services industry in sales and management.
I also hold an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and Finance from UCLA.
I had a great accounting teacher in college at UCLA, Jerry Arnold. He's now at USC, but is still one of the funniest guys to ever work the debits and credits.
What do you like most about online teaching vs. classroom teaching, and what do you like most about classroom teaching that is missing from online teaching?
I like the convenience and flexibility of teaching online, and I find the technology to be fun. On the other hand, in the classroom, I enjoy the spontaneity and the natural give-and-take that arises.
What is your take on misspelled words and poor grammar?
They reflect poorly on the writer. Misspelling and poor grammar indicate a lack of concern, lack of attention to detail, and general sloppiness. Those errors detract from the quality of presentation and call into question the value of the writer's remarks.
Yes, you can lose points on discussion and on assignments for poor presentation and sloppy errors.
Use spellcheck and proofread your work.
What kind of experience or educational background do you have?
I worked for 15 years in the financial services industry in sales and management.
I also hold an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and Finance from UCLA.
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