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Session 3275

Writing On-Line Exam Questions that Discourage Dishonesty

Barbara Christe Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Abstract

How does an instructor create assessment tools which will promote individual student work within the on-line learning environment? What techniques will diminish the success of students who attempt to circumvent restrictions on information access? How can instructors limit the opportunities for students to cheat? This paper will focus on the design of assessment tools, papers, quizzes and exams, which are appropriate for the unique conditions and circumstances of the web-based learner. Areas of concentration include the assumptions that must be made when designing exam questions and other assessment instruments, suggestions for the construction of test questions and techniques for successful test administration. The paper will also explore indicators of successful assessment in the on-line environment.

Introduction

Typically, one of the first questions that an on-line educator receives is “How do you handle cheating?” After more than thirty course offerings over four years, the author replies, “Carefully!” There are many aspects of instructional security that can be explored and this paper addresses only one of them. All of the techniques to promote appropriate academic conduct are carefully interwoven. It is important to consider a multi-layered approach. Aside from testing security, on-line classes require other measures which include • Behavioral objectives • Deadline establishment • Clearly identified expectations and policies for the particular class • Superior communication between student and instructor (anonymity encourages dishonesty) • Web-tracking tools to monitor student activities • Identification of university policies and expectations for proper academic performance • Enforcement of policies and procedures • Outline of the benefits of the information available within this course (job, etc.)

Efforts must all work toward the accurate representation of student comprehension of the material. Combining techniques and procedures adds to the ability to ensure individual student work. However, in the same way that traditional classrooms differ in the success of promoting “Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2003, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Christe, B. (2003, June), Writing Online Exam Questions That Discourage Dishonesty Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--12455