ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic Integrity is a common concern for online and hybrid courses. In addition to using plagiarism checking software and proctored Exams/Tests, instructors can also consider alternative strategies to effectively assess student learning while reducing the tendency/possibility of academic integrity violations. See below some strategies and tools to design effective assessments.
Assessment (Re)Design with Integrity in Mind
Instructors sometimes combine two or more strategies to redesign their assessment activities to make the assessments relevant and manageable for students.
- Project-based learning and problem-based learning
Alternative assessments such as project-based learning and problem-based learning require students to demonstrate their achievement of learning outcomes by applying the new knowledge and skills and solving complicated problems. Such projects usually last several weeks. Therefore, it is recommended that faculty provide scaffolded assignments and quality feedback to support student learning. Read more on alternatives to the traditional exam as measures of student learning outcomes.
- Individualized assignments
When students are required to apply the course content to their real lives, it is almost impossible to cheat. In addition, students are more motivated and engaged in the learning process when they can 1) draw on their personal experience and 2) see the connection between the course and the real world problems or needs. Some examples include case studies, research projects, student-proposed projects, and service-learning projects.
- Require presentations or reflection videos
Instructors can require students to present their final project by presenting to the class or just the instructor. The presentation can be synchronous via a web conference tool (e.g., WebEx) or asynchronous (e.g., Kaltura video). It is recommended that instructors use specific guiding questions or structures and grading rubric to communicate their expectations. The presentation or individual reflection videos also provide valuable opportunities for students to organize their ideas and elaborate on what they have learned.
- Scaffolded Assignments
Many alternative assessment methods last from several weeks to a whole semester. To make sure students are on track, instructors often use scaffolded assignments. Scaffolded assignments can break down the large assignments into smaller and more manageable steps that build on each other. Instructors can also provide high quality feedback at the early stage and provide opportunities for students to make improvements. This strategy allows the instructor to:
- identify struggling students to provide the necessary support,
- identify the most challenging knowledge and skills, and
- focus on the learning process, instead of the final product.
- State how much collaboration is permissible
For each assignment or exam, stating clearly how much collaboration is permissible will help students understand the instructor’s expectations. Some departments or course instructors also arrange online help sessions or group study sessions to help students better prepare for assignments and exams. This is especially important for group projects. Instructors need to clearly communicate which part can be group work and which parts need to be individual work.
Testing Options
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Testing Services
Testing Services gives students a convenient and quiet location for proctored tests.
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Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor
Respondus LockDown Browser is a specialized Web browser that secures student's computer by preventing access to other browsers, chat programs, and other applications during an online exam. It is available for PCs and MACs. Use the information below to get started with Respondus Lockdown Browser:
- Instructor Guides:
- Student Guide: Download Respondus Lockdown Browser
Features:
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- Locks down the students’ browser during the test
- Video records the student
- Uses artificial intelligence algorithm to “flag” potential cheating behaviors
Advantages:
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- Use any kind of test
- Free for our students
- Works with Brightspace
- Can offer students a practice test
Disadvantages:
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- Students need high speed internet and webcam.
- This may seem intrusive to students
- Reviewing flagged tests may take considerable time
Support:
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- CELT and ITS can help you “turn on” this feature for your exams
- Testing Services personnel can help you review flagged tests if you have quite a few
More information here: https://web.respondus.com/he/
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Examity (not recommended except for very high stakes exams due to cost to students)
It is similar to Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor but can involve a live person.
Advantages:
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- Use any kind of test
- Works with Brightspace
- Probably most secure option
- Examity reviews flagged behaviors when you choose a live person or premium automated option.
Disadvantages:
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- Students need fast internet and webcam
- May seem intrusive to students
- As this is currently set up, students must pay a per hour cost ($6.00 for the first hour of automated premium to $12.50 for the first hour for the live person level).
- Students must schedule exams in advance and arrive early
- No practice tests offered
Support:
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- CELT and ITS can help you “turn on” this feature for your exams
- Testing Services personnel can help you review flagged tests if you have quite a few depending on the type of Examity proctoring you choose
More information here: https://www.purdue.edu/innovativelearning/supporting-instruction/instructional-technology/examity.aspx
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Turnitin for Academic Integrity
Turnitin is a program that checks for plagiarism. It can be used to educate students regarding appropriate citation and referencing techniques.
Here are some instructions for enabling Turnitin in your assignments [PDF]. This guide has 3 sections:
- Section 1: Enabling Turnitin
- Section 2: View Reports
- Section 3: More Options
Turnitin Resources:
- Turnitin Hosted Training Recording
- Instructor Guides
- Excluding quotes and bibliography
- File requirements
- Interpreting the Similarity Report
- Support Center - search for answers
- System Status - sign up for email notifications
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Remark Scantron Test Scoring Services
Test scoring services has moved to Testing Services office located in Kettler Hall, room 232.
Contact information can be found here.