Addressing Possible Cheating
As we all begin to explore the possibility of more online classes, cheating is a problem that we will encounter. In an attempt to reduce this problem, below is a list of suggestions that will help in your development of online classes.
Blackboard offers several test options when configuring an exam.
- Select the option “show one question at a time” – this discourages students from copying and pasting the questions into a document and later printing out the exam
- Select “randomizing” from the test options — each student will get the same questions in a different order
- Select “random block” from a pool of questions — each student will get a different set of test questions
- Select “no backtracking” on the part of the students — students will not be able to go back and see prior questions
- Set a low point value for the exam – this will reduce pressure to cheat since exams do not represent a large percentage of their grade
- Create a large number of exams — students will probably not persuade a friend to help take several exams
- Use a small “log-in period” to the exam – this prevents a student who has completed the exam from telling other students what was covered on the exam
- Select the smallest time frame possible for the students to complete the exam — students will not have time to look for answers
- When using the course cartridge, select multiple questions from multiple chapters multiple times — there will be a less chance of questions appearing in sequential order
- Use Safe Assignment software within Blackboard to detect plagiarism — student papers are compared to multiple sources
Additional resource
Online testing: Best practices from the field