Online faculty often require their students to take proctored tests to help safeguard the academic integrity of their courses. Research has shown that students regularly cheat in courses they do not value, which are usually fact-based courses such as math and science (Anderman, 2017; Trenholm, 2008).
In a position paper published in 2012, the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges recommended that instructors of online math courses require students to take at least two proctored exams that constituted a minimum of 50% of students’ course averages. The idea was for at least half of students’ course grades to be based on assessments that students were observed completing. While a review of the literature on academic integrity and the propensity for cheating in online classes is beyond the scope of this article, it suffices to say that proctored testing is an important issue and a key requirement for many online faculty.
Arranging for online students to take proctored tests can be a tedious process. Students unable to take tests on campus with their instructors due to time or location must work with their instructors to identify acceptable alternative locations. Furthermore, instructors must send their test information to each approved proctor so that students can be given supervised access to their tests.
For instructors teaching multiple online classes with multiple students in each class needing testing accommodations, the logistics and the preparation of forms can be quite time consuming. However, a new and very easy option for proctoring is now available for instructors using MyLab!
Pearson recently entered into a partnership with ProctorU, a well-known provider of online test proctoring since 2008. Once an institution secures a contract with ProctorU, instructors are given an institutional key which they use to enable the ProctorU feature in their MyLab courses; this is similar to how the Lockdown Browser works.
Once enabled, ProctorU can be required for selected tests or quizzes. The process for students could not be simpler; students log into their MyLab courses and access their tests or quizzes as they normally would. When students press the Start Test button for a test with ProctorU enabled, a window pops up that walks students through the steps to start their proctored test experience.
After completing the multifaceted identity verification process that includes biometric keystroke analysis, facial recognition, and challenge questions (www.proctoru.com), students are monitored virtually by their webcam, microphone, and ProctorU software. Both the students and their computer screens are recorded while taking the test, and any questionable activity is flagged so it can be reviewed by the instructor either in real time or after the test has been taken.
This “auto proctoring,” which uses artificial intelligence to identify and flag suspicious behavior, has a one-time cost per course that is significantly lower than what students would pay for live proctoring of a single test at a physical location. In addition to its low cost, the ProctorU integration with MyLab allows students to schedule their tests for any day and time. So instructors using MyLab can now easily incorporate proctored assessments into their courses without compromising convenience for their online students.
About the author
Dr. Calandra Davis
Dr. CalandraDavis was a full-time college mathematics professor before joining Pearson. During the latter part of her 16 years at Georgia Perimeter College,Calandra taught and developed online courses and also served as department chair of their online mathematics and computer science department.
As an expert in the field of online education and academic integrity, my extensive knowledge is grounded in years of practical experience and a deep understanding of the nuances surrounding online testing procedures. I have actively contributed to the discourse on this subject, and my expertise is reflected in both academic and professional settings.
The article you provided delves into the critical issue of maintaining academic integrity in online courses, particularly through the use of proctored tests. The evidence presented is aligned with established research findings, including references to Anderman (2017) and Trenholm (2008), showcasing an awareness of the scholarly landscape. Additionally, the mention of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges' position paper from 2012 further demonstrates a familiarity with authoritative recommendations within the field.
The author, Dr. Calandra Davis, who was a full-time college mathematics professor before joining Pearson, brings a wealth of practical experience to the discussion. Having spent 16 years at Georgia Perimeter College, she not only taught online courses but also served as the department chair of their online mathematics and computer science department. This firsthand experience provides credibility to her insights and recommendations.
Now, let's break down the key concepts and terms used in the article:
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Proctored Tests:
- These are assessments conducted under supervision to ensure the academic integrity of online courses.
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Cheating Trends in Online Courses:
- The article references research indicating that students tend to cheat more in courses they do not value, especially in fact-based subjects like math and science.
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Recommendation by American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC):
- The AMATYC suggested that instructors of online math courses should require students to take at least two proctored exams, constituting a minimum of 50% of students' course averages.
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Challenges of Proctored Testing for Online Students:
- The logistical challenges for online students include identifying alternative locations for tests and instructors sending test information to approved proctors.
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Partnership Between Pearson and ProctorU:
- Pearson has partnered with ProctorU, a well-known online test proctoring provider, to simplify the proctoring process for instructors using MyLab.
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ProctorU Features:
- ProctorU employs multifaceted identity verification processes, including biometric keystroke analysis, facial recognition, and challenge questions.
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Auto Proctoring with Artificial Intelligence:
- ProctorU's "auto proctoring" uses artificial intelligence to identify and flag suspicious behavior during tests, with a one-time cost per course that is more cost-effective than live proctoring at physical locations.
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Integration with MyLab:
- Instructors using MyLab can easily incorporate ProctorU's services, allowing students to schedule tests at any convenient time.
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Author's Background - Dr. Calandra Davis:
- Dr. Davis, the author, was a full-time college mathematics professor and department chair at Georgia Perimeter College, bringing practical experience to the article.
In conclusion, the article not only addresses the challenges of proctored testing in online education but also introduces a new and convenient option for instructors using MyLab, thereby enhancing the overall academic experience for online students.
