Millions of students
worldwide have signed up in the last year for online courses. But when those
students take the final exam in calculus or genetics, how will their professors
know that the test-takers on their distant laptops are doing their own work,
and not asking Mr. Google for help? The issue of online cheating concerns many
educators.
Technology plays a big role in solving this
problem. Squads of eagle-eyed humans at computers can monitor faraway students
via webcams, screen sharing and high-speed Internet connections. The developing
technology for remote proctoring may end up being as good — or even better —
than the live proctoring at bricks-and-mortar universities. Having a camera
watch you doesn’t seem any worse than an instructor at the front constantly
looking at you, and it may even be more efficient.
Other remote proctoring services offer different
solutions. At Software Secure in Newton, Mass., test-takers are recorded by
camera and then, later, three proctors independently watch a faster-speed video
of each student. Compared with services where proctors are monitoring students
in real time, this combination of recording first and viewing later gives
greater latitude for the institution to adjust the timing of exams to whenever
they want.
Employees say they are well versed in the sometimes-ingenious
tactics used to dodge testing rules. “We’ve seen it all,” said Matt Jaeh, vice
president for operations. “After you’ve sat there a while watching people, the
patterns of behavior for normal people versus the people trying to sneak in a
cellphone to look up information are very clear.”
Beyond the issue of proctoring, online courses
are also addressing the problem of making sure that credit-seeking test-takers
are the same students who enrolled in the course. Some companies now offer the
service that confirms students’ identity by matching webcam photographs as well
as pictures of acceptable photo IDs. Students also type a short phrase, which
is analyzed by a software program. It takes note of the typing rhythm and other
characteristics, like how long the keys are pressed down. Then, when a student
submits homework or takes a test, the algorithm compares a bit of new typing
with the original sample.
What do you
think about the services? Do you think schools should use those technologies
for monitoring their online courses’ students? Do you think that’s ethical?
I totally understand the need to monitor students in these situations, I just don't know if I could concentrate knowing that I was being watched through a webcam. In a physical classroom, the students know they are being watched by the professor, but the professor isn't standing and watching in front of their desk the entire time. The lesson here is obviously not to cheat. But I guess those who exhibit questionable behavior have to be monitored through questionable methods.
ReplyDeleteGood point! But I think it shouldn't be a big problem since you can barely feel anything about the webcam.
DeleteWith the rapid trend towards more and more online schooling, I can see where cheating would be a huge issue. However, I'm not sure "eagle-eye" webcams are the answer...
ReplyDeleteMany schools require tests for online courses be taken in a regulated, proctored setting (in a testing center). However, a lot of schools don't. I know when I took Statistics over the summer at CPCC, I was not required to test at a center. To me, this is likely the best "answer" to the cheating dilemma within online schooling. However, I'm not sure every school and every professor could require that tests be taken that way. Part of the appeal to taking classes online is that students are able to complete coursework within the comfort of their home. Flexibility and being able to work at your own pace are other factors in online courses.
Thank you for your comment!
DeleteI think electronic monitoring technology works perfectly based on my personal experience. I took the General Record Test a month ago in a test center in Uptown, there were only two proctors being responsible for test taker identifying, checking in and monitoring. Test takers' behavior is recorded by webcam, so test takers will not be distracted by any noise made by proctors.
ReplyDeleteThis model should be used in schools and E-courses.
Exactly! I think some people may need time to get use to the idea of being monitoring by their webcam. But I believe it will be used for online courses commonly soon!
DeleteI agree using webcams too try to catch cheaters seems a little off to me. I like the idea of testing centers at nearby community campuses or at the campus better. If I got accused of cheating I would would irrefutable proof that I had committed the act, not just being told it looks like you were cheating and I feel that this is basically impossible just using a webcam.
ReplyDeletei believe there is a huge difference in the way people act when they are cheating or not. But yes I think you are right, we still need more evidence.
DeleteI think that implementing such precautions are important since there are many loop holes in the system for internet education. I think they should use any precautions to be able to canvas the area for cheaters and rule breakers. It would be hard to catch everyone but I think putting rules in place would help. Great Article!
ReplyDeleteExactly! Thank you for your comment!
DeleteI think this is great! And yes, of course it's ethical, cheating is not! I work full time and have a very busy life outside of work and school. So, anything that would allow for additional online classes would be a huge help for me. If having someone monitor me taking tests via my laptop camera means I could take classes and tests online in the comfort and convenience of my own home, I'm all for it!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I believe this webcam monitoring idea will make online courses more popular in colleges! It does offer more opportunities to people like you!
DeleteI understand the reasoning why schools may want this. However, it seems it could be invasive for watching webcam if testing from home. If done in test center it seems okay because that way is basically the same as in regular classroom; I think that way is ethical. If using it makes more schools comfortable with more classes being online, then I think they should use it.
ReplyDeleteYes! It may not be the best way to solve the cheating problem but it is an effective way!
DeleteGreat article! I don't think I would be comfortable having someone watch to see if I were cheating though my webcam but I think that tests should be proctored at a testing center to avoid cheating.
ReplyDeleteIt is understandable! But some people do like the idea of webcam because they believe it can help colleges offer more online courses. Im just curious, compares with online courses, do you prefer traditional ones?
DeleteI think the whole testing online concept encourages students to use the resources given to them through the internet. This is yet another example of how the digital world continues to attempt to merge with life offline. Unfortunately, if online testing becomes the norm; and students do cheat by searching answers on the web; my biggest concern is a less intelligent generation that doesn't retain information, but instead "googles" everything.
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea! That is so true! Students who cheated will be the biggest victims!
DeleteWhen I was in CPCC I used to take some online courses, and my economics professor used to monitor faraway students via webcams, I didn’t have any problem with this, because I knew I was not cheating. Cheating can be a huge issue, when taking classes online, but it depends on the person if they want to cheat or not, if they want to learn and be honest they won’t cheat. I think if more schools develop this technology it will prevent cheating, may be able to bring an end to all the academic dishonesty, and I will be good to monitor students in this situations. NICE TOPIC!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I totally agree with you!
DeleteWhat an interesting thought, thank you for posting. I personally think that online testing should use a camera instead of screen-sharing program. This is because even if you are not looking up information on that screen, who is to say you do not have another device that you are using to search? Or that you are not asking a friend for help? Being watched online would be a little creepy at first, so I am sure the student will look uncomfortable. However, as you mention, the student will be at ease over time so it will be easy to spot a cheater.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I think students who don't want to cheat at the first place will be fine with this webcam setting!
DeleteIt seems a little excessive to me to have students being watched by webcam while they are taking online tests. If teachers are concerned about students cheating, they should have the students complete the exam at a designated testing site. I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable taking a test while I'm being watched on a web cam. However, if the students are aware that this will occur before registering for a course then why not? I do realize that cheating on tests for online classes is a huge concern and professors are constantly looking for ways to mitigate the risk.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think it’s perfectly ethical for schools to block student’s ability to view other websites during a test process. I do not think it is ethically acceptable for institutions to gather personal information on students or monitor webcams, microphones, or home screens. Before I transferred to UNCC my accounting teacher at my previous school used a homework application call My Accounting Lab. After we installed the program we would then have to instal a browser lock which would freeze our ability to access other web pages during quizzes or tests. Although If you were smart enough you could always instal another browser.
ReplyDeleteExactly! It seems like we can never find a ethical but strong enough way to prevent students from cheating if they really want to. So maybe webcam will be the only way. If students can't have flexible schedule for school then they must make some sacrifices too.
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