Top 10 Rules to Implement to Avoid the Use of Unfair Means During Online Exams

Online exams have now become very common in the academic world. From competitive exams to schools, online exams have taken over. But with the exam being online, there come a lot of issues related to the unfair means of answering. And ensuring that there are no such issues faced there, a set of rules can be helpful. Not only will the rules help prevent the use of any unfair means, but they will also bring seriousness to the process. Students often look for online exam help to find easy solutions to questions. However, by utilising a basic and important set of rules, the exams can become a safe and fair method of testing. Hence, this article will point out a few key rules to avoid any blunders. So, let’s have a look at them.

List of 10 Rules That Can Help You Avoid Unfair Means

1. Using secure platforms: Having a secure platform is important when it comes to online exams. It should be reliable with built-in tools to help control the process. Having a secure platform solves many problems and offers tools to ease the process. They should include a timer setting, browser lockdown, and a feature to randomise the questions. This helps in keeping the students from opening other tabs or apps during the test.

2. Enable webcam monitoring: This helps in keeping a check on a student during the exam. And this way, the invigilator keeps an eye on the student and also records the session. It becomes a vital tool to keep a check on students and prevent them from cheating. The invigilator gets to see the student’s behaviour and surroundings, which makes it helpful for them to reduce the chance.

3. Verify student ID: Verifying a valid ID card is an old norm in exams. Hence, do the same in the online process; ask the students to show their ID. They can either show it so the system can log them in or upload it to the site. This can change from one platform to another; however, the idea behind it is the same. Further, this step helps in making sure that the person appearing for the exam is the right one. 

4. Set a time limit: Setting a strict time limit for each section is the key to preventing students from searching for answers. This also keeps them on their toes, so they don’t have time to wander. Further, this is also great to encourage quick thinking in students. And because there is a timer running, it becomes difficult for students to find external help.

5. Use a different set of questions: The seating arrangement can only do so much to prevent students from copying. But to limit the chances of that as well, using random sets of paper is important. To do this, easily use a question bank, which can shuffle the questions and answers. This way, every other student gets shuffled questions. More than preventing students from copying, this step also helps assess their knowledge.

6. Limit navigation: Moreover, this step alone can prevent the students from switching from one site to another. By limiting the navigation, the students do not get time to verify and change the answer. So, this method locks each answer after submission, making it difficult for students to go back. 

7. Random spot checks: Another thing that can help invigilators maintain their control is spot checks. So, during the session, they can randomly ask any student to show their surroundings. This can make sure that there are no devices around or people next to them. Further, it also keeps the students alert and helps them take the exam seriously.

8. Support ethical learning: Before the exams, the teachers should show the importance of ethical learning to students. Make them understand the importance of honesty and really learning the concepts. This can help create the right and strong learning mindset that teaches them the idea beyond memorisation. 

9. No discussion policy: It is important that teachers communicate that talking during the exam is not allowed. To ensure there are no such unfair activities, teachers can make students take an honesty pledge. Further, to keep a check on their surroundings, teachers can monitor their audio using a microphone. 

10. Keep open-book learning: Lastly, the other option can be to allow students to give open-book exams. This way, they can refer to materials to answer the questions. The teachers can set analytical questions that do not need memorisation. This way, the students will not focus on cheating but on learning and understanding. Other than the traditional materials, students can also check out statistics assignment help online for some more ideas.

Conclusion

Online exams are the new normal, and they are here to stay. And to maintain the integrity of the exams, the teachers have to come up with new ways. And that's how these 10 rules can be helpful in reducing the chances of students copying. Further, more than anything, the teachers should also show the importance of ethical learning to students. And encourage them to give exams fairly with the right mindset. Lastly, for more such tips and solutions, find easy assistance from online exam help.