What grading and editing software are other people using? I use StyleWriter to aid me in marking editing and grammar errors on papers. This seems to save a lot of time. What other good tools are out there?

I haven't had a problem before with students cheating on tests. Usually I build a connection with the students and motivate them to want to do well in class. They usually end up not wanting to disappoint me. I also walk around the classroom to let them know that I genuinely care about their futures. I believe I am successful with that. However, cheating via plaigerism is another thing. One of the assignments in my class is a research paper. Students must paraphrase or use quotes from their resource materials. However, every now and again I will get a student who plaigerizes directly from internet sources (and they are so easy to find). Then they act as if they don't care or did it on purpose due to lack of time. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to deal with this situation? Or has anyone had this experience, as well.

Stress has been a big factor in my life. In fact it has caused serious medical health problems for me. I had to change careers to resolve many of my problems and my health has improved. Exercise is great. Sometimes just getting some fresh air. Give it a try.

I must say I disagree strongly with the suggestion that students should underline the "important parts" of their essay answers. Frankly, were I a student faced with this requirement, I'd underline the entire thing, and feel the prof was being insulting. If I didn't think a given bit of information was important, I wouldn't have included it in my essay. That's not to say it's not ok for profs to skim from time to time -- I do -- but I really don't think that's a message we should be sending to our students.

What are some best practices for to do lists and other time management techniques for online faculty?

if Syllabus states that a late assignment will be accepted up to one week , each day the assignment is late there will be a 20% deductions of points. my question is ? what if the student have a problem with the lenguage acomplishing the assignment?

Hi - I teach an online course where there are no tests - everything is either an online discussion or a written project (school's requirement, not mine). These are usually pretty complicated and in depth. The problem is that they take a VERY LONG time to grade and the grades are due within three days, in part because the writing skills of the students are often very poor and they are unable to communicate their thoughts effectively. How can I make the grading process less time consuming?

I am quite embarassed to say that I find one of my students annoying. I noticed myself avoiding interactions with her because I am afraid that I will be short with her. I am struggling with how to remedy this situation and would love some feedback!

Is there a way to then encourage the quiet ones to share? For example, if I were to give out 4 blue cards and 1 yellow, blues are optional but yellows are mandatory? This way, everyone will contribute at least once per class period. Is there a smoother way to do something like this? I have a few outspoken students mixed in with more timid students and I would like them all to participate in each class.

What is the best way to get your student to be more outspoken, knowing that he/she has to work with the public and speak much louder?

I find that taking my students on field trips that involve their related studies really puts everything in more perspective and gets them motivated more.

Hello Everyone, My desk is in the midst of a busy area between our student cafe and restaurant areas. Even if I come in early, I can't get my work done because I'm constantly interrupted by people walking through and wanting to talk or gossip. I hate to be rude, but even a pleasant "I'm really pressed to complete something important right now--can we schedule some time for later?" gets met with rolling eyes, or they just stand there waiting for me to wear down. I'm not talking about students who have an urgent need--I mean faculty who are bored between classes, administration that thinks their free time is my free time, etc. Any suggestions?

Hi Everyone Do you keep announcements and update them for future courses online to save time? What are other things you do to save time online? Thanks Alana

As an online instructor, I spend hours at the computer. Unfortunately, I also have a bad back so sitting for long stretches is not a good thing. So, I have a little dog that sits by my feet, usually sleeping but every once in awhile, she demands to be petted. She is my comic relief. The dog can be pretty funny sometimes.

Sometimes when I am very tired, late at night, the attention to detail start to vane. So, I have been grading assignments first thing in the morning. The attention to detail is there and it seems to go quicker.

How do you get them more involved ?

I have found that I have more success with the students by having a genuine interest in them and their goals. I can understand, to some extent, what they are going through being students and life happening outside the classroom.

Teaching online can be stressful because I feel the need to always be working. Having a full-time job, three kids and a husband are stressful enough. When I add to the equation the need to check into the class more than several times a day because the Internet is so easy to access everywhere I am with my computer and blackberry. This training is helping me understand I need to let go of some things to work better.

Becoming too friendly with students

From what I have observed in the classroom most silent students are insecure. I have noticed the more communication, the more comfortable the student becomes.