Implementing Technology to Prevent Online Cheating: A Case Study at a Small Southern Regional University (SSRU)

Abstract

Online education programs at colleges and universities continue to grow in popularity. As a result, major accrediting agencies require online programs to demonstrate rigor and integrity equivalent to that of similar on-campus programs. Federal Regulations also require online programs to positively identify the student taking course exams. Some universities are turning to technology to combat cheating and verify the identity of the person taking tests. They also use the same technology to monitor the testing environment for evidence of cheating. This paper provides a case study of the process used to evaluate, adopt, and implement Remote Proctor at a small southern regional university (SSRU). Remote Proctor is a device that verifies the student’s identity through the use of biometric and photographic comparison.