Online colleges already employ technology that can
monitor a student taking a test through webcams, remotely lock computer
browsers from the Internet, and track typing patterns, all in an effort to
guard against cheating. Unfortunately, all a student needs is a hidden cheat
sheet to foil even the most state-of-the-art tool.
“Security is incredibly important,” William Dornan, CEO
of the test-monitoring firm Kryterion Inc., told eCampus News.
“If it’s known you can cheat, that completely dilutes the brand.”
Some software uses biographical information for
identification checks and can determine when an answer to a difficult question
is given at the same speed as an easy one. But other procedures are much less
high-tech.
Online programs at the University of Maryland and
community colleges in Colorado use small-scale assessments instead of
high-stakes final exams and urge using online resources that can alert
instructors to sudden changes in a student’s writing or chatroom posts. EdX
gives its exams to students seeking credit at commercial centers with proctors.
“I think online education can definitely work, but
everyone has to cooperate and give it a chance,” said Teresa Lane, a library
manager who is a volunteer proctor for The University of the People.
