Abstract
There has been a growth in online distance learning programmes in Higher Education. This has led to an increased interest in different approaches to the assessment of online distance learners, including how to enhance student authentication and reduce the potential for cheating in online tests. One potential solution for this is the use of remote live invigilation. This work reports on a small scale pilot study where a group of 17 online distance learning Computer Science students from 7 different countries (Egypt, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, Zambia) took part in an online test using remote live invigilation. Some examinees expressed concerns about data security and privacy. Furthermore, some examinees expressed concerns about the extent to which the remote live invigilation process would be intrusive, and impact negatively on their online assessment experience. Overall, findings from this study suggest that the remote live invigilation did not affect the assessment experience of the examinees in any way, with some examinees reporting that knowing that a live proctor was present gave them “peace of mind” in case technical problems occurred during the online test. Additionally, examinees suggested that remote live invigilation should be used more widely in online distance learning programmes as a means to enhance credibility.
Highlights
Upholding academic integrity has always been a priority for academic institutions (Spaulding, 2009)
Findings from this study suggest that the remote live invigilation did not affect the assessment experience of the examinees in any way, with some examinees reporting that knowing that a live proctor was present gave them “peace of mind” in case technical problems occurred during the online test
This paper summarises the joint work between the School of Computer Science and UH Online at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) in evaluating the use of remote live proctors for the purposes of improved student authentication and invigilation in online tests
Summary
Upholding academic integrity has always been a priority for academic institutions (Spaulding, 2009). This paper summarises the joint work between the School of Computer Science and UH Online at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) in evaluating the use of remote live proctors for the purposes of improved student authentication and invigilation in online tests. The tests consisted of both multiplechoice and multiple-response questions Both assessments were password protected meaning only the proctor from the service provider was able to launch the assessment. There are a number of administrative steps that precede the remote live invigilation These include setting up the test with the service provider, which entails providing the necessary details of the examination such as dates, times, access information and crucially the examination rules. The service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week so there is potential
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