Try alternative proctoring options

Canvas and Zoom are popular platforms for virtual teaching, and students tend to be more comfortable with them than proctoring solutions like LDB and Monitor, or Proctorio. The Zoom chat feature allows communication with the instructor or proctor during exams, and it's recommended to provide alternative ways to contact the facilitator in the event chat issues arise, such as email, phone calls, or Microsoft Teams.

Options when proctoring in Zoom include:

When using Zoom for proctoring, options include showing the students' work area or sharing their screen, restricting chat options, and utilizing breakout rooms for answering questions or checking in on students.

Combining Tools

Some faculty have found success by combining Collaboration (using Microsoft 365 in Canvas) with Zoom, which provides flexibility in controlling file access for students. Instructors can also share a link that is only accessible in a scheduled Canvas quiz that is available to only a specific group of students. This approach can be further enhanced by holding a synchronous Zoom session during the exam.

Strategies to Reduce Academic Dishonesty During Quizzes

If online proctoring services are not suitable or available for your class, there are alternative strategies to reduce academic dishonesty during exams:

1. Create large question pools: Generate a variety of questions on the same subject and have the system randomly select a few for each student, ensuring different exams for everyone.
2. Shuffle choices within questions: Randomize the order of answer choices to prevent students from sharing answers based on their position.
3. Use a time limit: Set an appropriate time limit for the exam to discourage cheating but avoid unnecessary extensions.
4. Use a small testing window: Schedule the exam within your regular class meeting time to keep it accessible for a limited duration, unless proctoring is employed.
5. Ask open-ended questions: Incorporate essay-type questions where answers may vary between students.
6. Assign open-book questions: If you can't prevent textbook use, design questions that require open-book referencing.
7. Use Zoom for assessment: While not a replacement for proctoring, Zoom offers polling as a way to assess student understanding during web meetings. Results can be saved for grading and record-keeping.

By implementing these strategies, you can promote academic integrity and ensure fair evaluations during online exams.

Further Reading

• Academic Integrity Alternatives to Proctoring Software - Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship (CNDLS), Georgetown University
• Alternatives to Online Proctoring - Office of Distance Learning, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 
• Alternatives to proctored exams - Rutgers Information Technology

For Further Discussion