This is an online 8-week course that has assignment papers and discussion post due every week. The assignments can vary from PowerPoint’s presentation to five page papers. All the work done MUST be in APA format only with scholarly articles listed as references. and MUST not be older then 5 years.
Title: Analyzing the Requirements of an Online Course: Format, Scholarly Articles, and Reference Guidelines
Introduction:
Online courses have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a flexible and accessible platform for students to pursue higher education. To ensure the quality and integrity of online coursework, various requirements and guidelines are in place, including the format of assignment papers, the use of scholarly articles as references, and the time restrictions for selecting sources. This paper aims to explore these requirements in the context of an 8-week online course, focusing on the assignment papers and discussion posts.
Assignment Paper Formats:
In an 8-week online course, students are typically required to complete a variety of assignments, ranging from PowerPoint presentations to five-page papers. To maintain consistency and facilitate effective communication, it is essential for students to adhere to a specific format. The American Psychological Association (APA) format is commonly adopted in academic writing due to its clarity and standardized structure. Therefore, as specified by the course, all assignment papers must be presented in APA format.
The APA format provides guidelines for various sections of an assignment paper, including the title page, abstract, main body, and references. It emphasizes the use of clear and concise language, appropriate citation and referencing, and proper formatting of tables and figures. By following the APA format, students can enhance the readability and professionalism of their work, facilitating better assessment and understanding by instructors.
Use of Scholarly Articles as References:
In an academic setting, the use of scholarly articles as references is crucial to maintain the rigor and credibility of research. Scholarly articles are scholarly or peer-reviewed publications that have undergone rigorous evaluation by experts in the field. These articles provide well-researched and reliable information, making them valuable sources for academic writing.
In an online course, it is essential for students to use scholarly articles as references to support their arguments and analysis. These articles should ideally be published within the last five years to ensure the inclusion of current and relevant research. By utilizing recent scholarly articles, students can demonstrate their awareness of the latest developments within the field and engage with contemporary discourse.
References Time Restriction:
To ensure that students engage with current research, an important requirement in this course is that the references cited in the assignment papers and discussion posts should not be older than five years. This time restriction encourages students to explore recent scholarly publications and gain up-to-date knowledge from reputable sources.
By restricting the time frame for selecting references, students are encouraged to develop a strong understanding of contemporary issues and developments within their respective fields. This requirement prevents students from relying on outdated research or concepts that might have been superseded by newer findings or theories. Consequently, students are compelled to critically evaluate the latest research and incorporate it into their assignments, enhancing the quality and relevance of their work.
Conclusion:
The requirements for online courses, including format guidelines, the use of scholarly articles as references, and time restrictions for selecting references, play a vital role in ensuring the quality and academic integrity of students’ work. By following the APA format, students can effectively communicate their ideas, while incorporating peer-reviewed scholarly articles enhances the credibility and accuracy of their arguments. Additionally, limiting the use of references older than five years encourages students to engage with current research and stay abreast of the latest developments within their fields. These requirements collectively contribute to the academic growth and success of online students in this 8-week course.