A request from an AutoCAD instructor at a local community college. He
has a concern about students who might copy AutoCAD drawings from
other students, and then hand them in as complete assignments. Has
anyone else had to deal with this concern? What strategies would be
helpful?
His idea was to have each student begin an assignment on a template
which has the student's initials on it. He would need a method of
attaching the initials, such that they could not be erased or
changed. Possibly an AutoCAD R12 "XREF" command could do this?
We'd appreciate any suggestions.
Most teachers can spot evidence of cheating. In drawing and design,
it's often the same mistakes that give away the cheaters. When I
detect it, and it's usually at the very end of the term, I give both
students involved and automatic F on that assignment. No questions.
Giving drawing quizzes and tests, to be done in class while the
teacher is in attendance, cuts down on cheating.
The more little tricks, hidden symbols or marks you add the the
assignments, the more complex it is for you to grade student work.
Terence Shumaker Clackamas Community College Oregon City, Oregon