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by Fran Redstone, Ph.D.

I have been teaching hybrid classes for several years and have always thought it was more worthwhile to spend time interacting with the students rather than proctor exams. Therefore, I give tests online. Academic integrityÌýregarding test taking is something I have always considered. The FCPE is giving a workshop and for promoting student honesty and integrity. I am writing this article to demonstrate howÌýI have put these concepts into practice.

During the first session of each course a discussion takes place regarding the importance of learning what isÌýbeing taught, the meaning of ethical behavior in the students’ chosen field, and the consequences of cheatingÌýand plagiarism at this university. Since I want students to learn and retain certain concepts, I believe that studying is crucial. Therefore, prior to administering a test online I tell students that studying is essential, because there are several forms of the test, all questions are scrambled, all responses in a multiple-choice testÌýare scrambled, and the time frame is quite short. I open tests for a slightly shorter period within a larger timeÌýframe (e.g. the test is open from 1:00 to 2:15 for 60 minutes). The slightly larger time frame is to diminish theÌýanxiety for needing to open the test at a specific time. In addition, if they spend time asking classmates forÌýanswers, if they begin to flip through their notes and/or text, or if they spend time taking screen shots of theÌýtest, they will probably not complete the test. In addition, I give a very short quiz on the same material duringÌýthe class session following the online test. This not only assures that studying takes place, but it also aids in theÌýretention of studied information.

Another worthwhile suggestion that was made by the FCPE is that students’ grades should not be whollyÌýdependent on tests. Students should also be required to participate in group work, class discussions, andÌýpresentations which are also part of their final grades.