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Testing Integrity in Online Courses: “Big Brother” Comes Home

Testing Integrity in Online Courses: “Big Brother” Comes Home. Online Education Comes of Age Students are Voting With a Click of the : “Mouse”. Between 2002 and 2007, online enrollments increased from 9.6% to 21.9 percent

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Testing Integrity in Online Courses: “Big Brother” Comes Home

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  1. Testing Integrity in Online Courses: “Big Brother” Comes Home

  2. Online Education Comes of Age Students are Voting With a Click of the : “Mouse” • Between 2002 and 2007, online enrollments increased from 9.6% to 21.9 percent • The annual rate of increase in online enrollments was 19% vs. 1.6% for all enrollments • 70% of public and 53% of private schools indicated DL critical to long term strategy • Major Universities are using DL • Borders have become insignificant • Education has become a competitive enterprise • Military programs

  3. Distance Learning—Wave of the Future • Convenience • Asynchronous • Changing role of technology • Is it the same, better, worse, harder, easier? • Academic freedom questions • Technology challenges • Student services • Integrity of the process?

  4. The Dilemma Online Student Authentication • How do you ensure online testing integrity for your Distance Learning program? • Is the student who is taking the test the one who is registered for the course? • Is the student using notes or books during the exam? • Is the student copying & sharing the exam? • Is there someone else in the room helping? • Is the student using the Internet to find the answers?

  5. H.R. 3746 PART H – PROGRAM INTEGRITY Online Student Authentication “(ii) the agency or association requires that an institution that offers distance education programs have processes by which it establishes that the student who registers in a distance education course or program is the same student who participates, completes academic work, and receives academic credit;”

  6. Market Forces Online Student Authentication • Desire to improve credibility and acceptance of online degrees and proficiency exams by various bodies: • Congress – Higher Education Act • Department of Education • Accreditation Organizations – North Central, SACS, etc. • Trade Groups • Testing Centers

  7. Online Authentication Goal • Ensure student authentication/identification • Prevent online cheating • Eliminate the need for students to travel to a facility to take an exam • Eliminate the need for students to have a human proctor for an exam • Exceed the Regional Accreditation and Federal Regulation requirements

  8. The Remote Proctor Unit Enter “Big Brother” Compact lightweight device 360 degree mirrored ball focused on web camera Biometric fingerprint scanner High gain microphone

  9. The Remote Proctor is plugged into the PC. Software and drivers are installed by the students. Online Student Authentication End users launch web browser via Securexam software. Securexam locks down computer and authenticates user in addition to recording video/audio during online test. Blackboard Learning Management System

  10. Blackboard and Securexam Remote Proctor/Browser Integration • All test information is handled by the Blackboard software: • Test • Scoring • Answers • Demographic information - Students name, picture, address, fingerprint and captured video are stored on a secure server at Securexam. • Note: Remote Proctor stores the students fingerprint in a mathematical algorithm on a secured server. No fingerprint images taken.

  11. What it Provides Online Student Authentication • A solution to one of the most troubling and problematic issues in online education….test integrity • Concerns of educators • Concerns of accrediting agencies • Concerns of Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance providers • Concerns of the Business Community • Addresses special accreditation issues with ACBSP and NCATE • Positions Educational Institution for reaffirmation

  12. Current Usage Online Student Authentication • The University has had over 2000 students successfully use the Securexam Remote Proctor System(SRPS). • All online graduate classes allow the use of the SRPS. • Currently 173 classes representing enrollments of 4000 students allow the use of the SRPS. (2009) • Beginning to rollout the SRPS into undergraduate classes and academic programs.

  13. Lessons Learned Student Surveys • Do you prefer the convenience of the Remote Proctor (SRPS) over having a human proctor? • Yes – 86% • No - 14% • Does the use of the Remote Proctor (SRPS) lessen the likelihood of you taking additional courses with Troy University? • Yes – 16% • No – 84% • Would you prefer the Remote Proctor (SRPS) in other online courses over other proctoring choices? • Yes – 85% • No – 15%

  14. Lessons Learned Student Surveys • Was the installation of the Remote Proctor (SRPS) successful the first time you tried to install it? • Yes – 55% • No - 45% • Did you have to contact Troy University technical support for any reason? • Yes – 54% • No – 46%

  15. Lessons Learned Faculty Surveys • Does the use of the Remote Proctor (SRPS) lessen the likelihood of you teaching courses with Troy University? • Yes – 13% • No - 87% • Do you feel the Remote Proctor (SRPS) adds academic value to the student’s degree by promoting academic integrity? • Yes – 59% • No – 41% • Do you feel the use of the Remote Proctor (SRPS) is comparable to the use of a human proctor? • Yes – 42% • No – 58% • Have you caught someone cheating by reviewing the Remote • Proctor (SRPS) video? • Have you caught someone cheating by reviewing the Remote Proctor (SRPS) video? • Yes – 2% • No - 98%

  16. Issues & Alternatives • Questions for NASPAA • Extensive privacy policy required • Question of cost and logistics • Alternatives • Testing Centers • Proctor U

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