In 2023, a prominent theme in higher education was finding the right balance between academic integrity and the student experience. This balance sparked vital discussions within the higher-ed community and was a key focus in the resources you engaged with the most. As we review these resources, we’ll explore why these topics are still significant, how they’ve evolved, and what they might reveal about broader higher-ed trends.
Let’s dive in!
Top Resources About Academic Integrity
1) Article: What Are the Negative Impacts of Cheating on Students in College?
This article explores the potential consequences of academic dishonesty on those who cheat, ranging from educational to moral and professional implications. It also describes how even those who don’t engage in academic misconduct are adversely affected by a culture of cheating. Outlining key strategies for mitigating exam-related misconduct, the article emphasizes the role of institutions in fostering integrity among their students.
The rising rates of academic misconduct in higher education—driven in part by access to new technologies like ChatGPT—coincide with a decline in both the perceived value of college degrees and the career readiness of graduates. These trends point to a critical need for institutions to examine their educational priorities and integrity policies in the context of modern workforce demands and technological advancements.
2) Article: The Reputational Effects of Academic Dishonesty in Higher Education
How does academic misconduct negatively impact the reputation of higher-ed institutions? This article uncovers the institutional consequences of academic dishonesty, including both isolated instances and widespread events, and shares strategies for deterring them. Some of the potential consequences explored include:
- Loss of accreditation
- Declining enrollment
- Damage to employment credibility
This article is even more relevant now than it was when we wrote it. Why? Because the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) released a report in mid-2023 highlighting inconsistent accreditation standards among higher-ed institutions. As accreditation bodies scrutinize institutional quality and integrity, the risks associated with academic dishonesty become even greater. It’s important for institutional staff to be diligent in upholding academic standards and ensuring fair practices. This will help maintain the quality of education and protect the institution’s reputation, which can be significantly impacted by perceptions of integrity and academic rigor.
3) Article: What Is the Total Cost of Low-Cost Remote Exam Proctoring?
This article scrutinizes the hidden costs associated with software-only remote proctoring solutions. It argues that these solutions, which appear cost-effective, often impose extra burdens on institutional staff and fail to effectively prevent academic cheating. The article also highlights the importance and benefits of human-centered proctoring solutions.
New guidelines for AI usage have emerged in the past year, including some by federal authorities. Among these guidelines, there’s unanimity in the need for human oversight in AI-driven systems, like software-only proctoring solutions. As such, higher-ed staff must consider the implications of these new guidelines when using software-only solutions. These considerations are important not only for ethical compliance but also for maintaining student trust and confidence in the integrity of the testing process.
4) On-Demand Webinar: Maximize Exam Security Using the New Guardian Browser
In this webinar, Meazure Learning’s Director of Operational Excellence shares his insights into exam security, the test-taker experience, and the integration of technology to address these issues. In addition to describing how our new secure testing browser—the Guardian Browser—protects exams against evolving threats, this webinar also emphasizes the importance of continuous adaptation in security measures to combat cheating and protect exam content integrity.
The growing number and sophistication of exam security threats underscore the continued relevance of this webinar topic. As these challenges evolve, those involved in the testing process—including administrators, instructors, and faculty—must understand and implement advanced technological solutions to maintain academic integrity and ensure fair testing environments.
Top Resources About the Student Experience
5) Article: A Closer Look at the Guardian Browser: Benefits, Functions, and Future Plans
This article explores how the Guardian Browser provides an intuitive user experience and offers customizable security settings for administrators and instructors. It also answers frequently asked questions about the browser’s functionality, its integration with the ProctorU Platform, and future plans for its development.
Since publishing this article, we’ve launched numerous Guardian features and functionality—all designed to enhance the test-taker experience. Updates include:
- Integrated channel for proctor communication
- Ability for test-takers to guide themselves through some of the exam launch process
- Support for multiple browser windows
- Ability to enter “kiosk mode,” providing greater control over the virtual testing environment
Our team is thrilled with the adoption of Guardian as well as the increased security, enhanced functionality, and improved test-taking experience that it provides. In fact, we’ve recently reached a major milestone, delivering over one million sessions through the browser!
6) Article: ProctorU Proctoring Platform Myth Busters: 4 Ways We DON’T Invade Our Test-Takers’ Privacy
This article debunks common misconceptions about data security and privacy related to the ProctorU Platform and Guardian Browser. It clarifies that the platform does not sell student data, cannot access files without consent, only collects necessary public record information, and uses human proctors to assess AI flags in exams. This piece aims to reassure students and educational institutions about the safety and integrity of our online proctoring process.
Over the years, we’ve found that resources about data security and privacy continue to be valuable for students as well as institutional staff. This is partly due to the growing use of digital platforms and tools throughout the educational journey, but it also reflects broader societal concerns about data privacy and the continued need for awareness, transparency, and stringent security measures.
7) Success Story: Helping Deliver a Customized Testing Program for a Non-Traditional Student Body: A Case Study About Thomas Edison State University
Exploring a unique collaboration, this case study demonstrates how Meazure Learning helped address the needs of TESU’s diverse student body and non-traditional semester structure. Meazure Learning’s Live+ proctoring service offered 24/7 support and live proctoring to not only improve student satisfaction but also ease TESU’s administrative workload.
It’s increasingly important for higher-ed institutions to adapt to student needs, especially when faced with fluctuating national enrollment rates. Recent research indicates that online students, like TESU’s, value convenience and flexibility the most. This finding underscores the need for educational models and assessment strategies that accommodate diverse schedules and commitments, ensuring access to quality education while balancing life’s other demands.
Conclusion
As we conclude our journey through 2023’s most impactful content for higher education, it’s clear that the balance between user experience and exam integrity remains vital. We hope these resources offer a roadmap for navigating the current higher-ed landscape and empower institutional staff to continue evolving their approaches, ensuring academic integrity and a positive testing experience for all.
Let’s carry these learnings forward, shaping a more secure and user-friendly testing process in the future. Here’s to continuing to learn and grow together in 2024!