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The Canvas discussion setting “Users must post before seeing…” prevents students from seeing anything on the discussion forum until they make their initial post. BUT, if the global discussion setting is checked that students may “Edit and Delete Their Own Posts” they can go around that by posting, then reading, copying other students' posts, and then editing their initial posts.
Canvas Setting RecommendationsPossible Canvas Settings when experiencing plagiarism issues in course discussions:
Use the discussion setting “Users must post before…” in conjunction with adjusting the global setting so students can’t edit their posts, encourage students to write their thoughts prior to posting. Students that want to edit or delete their posts will need to contact the instructor.
Rather than using a discussion as the submission venue, consider having students submit their thoughts using a file upload assignment with the Ouriginal setting selected for high-value work.
AND
If the work is to be peer-reviewed via a discussion after the assignment submission, consider using due/dates and availability dates or the sequential Requirement setting for additional safeguards.
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Online learning provides more opportunities for assessing learning than one might find in most physical classrooms. By removing scheduled time limits and the physical environment, students can demonstrate their ability to perform tasks, analyze situations, solve problems, apply solutions, and innovate with their new knowledge and understanding. There are a variety of alternatives to tests when it comes time to Assess Online Learning. Here are just a few:
Video recordings of student performing tasks or role playing a scenario
Podcasts explaining concepts
Un-essays providing creativity and choice of methods to demonstrate a concept
Creation of 3-D models of solutions or design concepts
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