Show students how to use StackOverflow appropriately to establish standards for using internet resources in your classroom and beyond.

  • It is highly likely that students will use StackOverflow to for help with programming problems, as such clear guidelines can encourage honesty and reasonable online help seeking.
  • Explain what is acceptable use and what constitutes plagiarism.
  • Students may be surprised by how many people have already asked the same questions they have.
    • Take this opportunity to explain that all programmers run into problems. Running into problems is a common part of programming.
  • You can use this activity to teach students how to search online for answers and resources, and to teach how to ask good questions in online forums.

More about this tip

External Source
Interview with Ellen Spertus