Online Class can be an easy "A" for cheaters

RainingAgain
Thu, 04 Jul 2013 07:30:36 +0000

I’ve developed and taught online courses. I also have an instructional design background.

Course developers understand that online testing = open book test and collaboration. This is not necessarily a bad thing unless tests are the only types of assessments in the course. Open book tests can be useful to at least encourage students to engage content, and use resources in a meaningful way.

Course developers are encouraged to reduce the grade weights of online tests, and to use other types of assignments in order to assess student performance. For example, students can give presentations and participate in discussions in order to demonstrate the ability to synthesize information and respond with original answers.

Some institutions provide better support and training for online faculty and course developers. Some online courses and many institutions truly suck and fail, but many are wonderful and successful.