We encourage faculty to consider alternative forms of assessment in the online environment when possible. If an exam must be given, we recommend the following practices:
Provide clear directions
- State your expectations clearly about what is and isn’t allowed during an exam
Consider starting a quiz with an academic honesty pledge.
- “I affirm, upon my honor, that I have followed the stated rules of this exam. I affirm that I have clarified any questions I had about those rules before beginning the exam. I affirm that I understand the importance of academic integrity. I understand that if it is found that I have violated the stated rules in spite of signing this statement, I will receive [academic penalties]. I further understand that if I violate the rules of the exam, I am willfully engaging in dishonorable behavior.”
Consider breaking larger exams into smaller exams/quizzes.
- Smaller, lower point-total quizzes over time can be a more equitable and humane option during this disruption than larger, high point-total exams.
- Smaller, more frequent exams can help facilitate good study habits, can be cumulative, and can help instructors identify struggling students before it is too late.
- To make exams cumulative, create question banks in Canvas and then draw questions from multiple banks over time.
Within your exams consider adding variety to the types of questions.
- Add questions that provide a personal connection to students. For example, share a photo of your work space or describe their notes.
- Ask them to answer a question very specific to your course and/or your style of instruction.
Canvas Settings that can reduce opportunities for dishonesty
- Shuffle questions and/or answers
- Set a time limit for exams
- Require an access code
If you are interested in learning more about student honesty and online courses the following articles will be of interest.
- Academic Honesty and Online Education (Part 1): Understanding the Problem
- Academic Honesty and Online Education (Part 2); Strategies for Supporting Academic Honesty in the Digital Age
- Academic Honesty and Online Education(Part 3): UMUC’s Approach to Digital Academic Dishonesty
- Online Courses Shouldn’t use Remote Proctoring Tools. Here’s Why
- Best Practices to Reduce the Impact of Cheating in Online Assessment
