Online Test Proctoring: Is It Really Fair and Just?
Online test proctoring is gaining popularity among educational institutions across the country as it offers convenience and cost-effectiveness. Proctorio, a third-party proctoring company, claims to provide a “learning integrity platform” that ensures fair testing for students. But is it really fair and just? The Spodek Law Group, led by Attorney Todd Spodek, takes a closer look at the issues.
Proctorio’s Mission: Catching Cheaters
Proctorio’s high-flying language and claims of using state-of-the-art technology may sound impressive, but their mission is simple: catching cheaters. While Proctorio uses machine learning and facial detection technology to make its service affordable, its reliance on technology removes human understanding from the process. This raises questions about the fairness and accuracy of the test results.
Proctorio’s Proctoring Options
Proctorio markets its services as “scalable.” Their services start with automated proctoring, which is a software-only offering that supposedly eliminates human error and bias. However, their next option, live proctoring, involves remote monitoring by a human proctor. The final proctoring option is a professional review, which includes a human being. Offering human options at all seems to imply that Proctorio’s software is something less than perfect.
The Importance of Due Process
A student accused of cheating should not be labeled a cheater and suffer consequences just because a computer program found their eye movements “suspicious.” The Spodek Law Group, led by Todd Spodek, ensures that institutions know these accusations are serious and that a full and thorough examination of the facts is a must before branding someone a cheater. Due process is critical to protect students from false accusations, and school administrators must provide it to the accused.
The Insidious “Suspicion Ratings”
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Proctorio is the “suspicion ratings” assigned to test-takers based on analysis over the entire length of their academic careers. Such a rating could have far-reaching consequences, even affecting future employment or educational opportunities. The Spodek Law Group can help you fight a negative label with no expiration date and ensure that you have the best possible outcome of an academic misconduct proceeding.
How to Fight a Cheating Accusation
If you are accused of cheating, it’s crucial to take certain steps to positively affect the outcome of the incident. The Spodek Law Group has extensive experience representing students accused of cheating, and Todd Spodek ensures that the administration takes a student’s defense seriously. An institution’s administrators may be tempted to save time and resources by taking Proctorio reports at face value, but Todd Spodek knows how to negotiate with administrators to ensure that all aspects of a student’s situation are taken into account. Contact the Spodek Law Group at 212-300-5196 to discuss your case today.
Table:
| Proctorio’s Proctoring Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Automated Proctoring | A software-only offering that supposedly eliminates human error and bias. |
| Live Proctoring | Involves remote monitoring by a human proctor. |
| Professional Review | Includes a human being |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while online test proctoring may offer convenience and cost-effectiveness, it raises questions about the fairness and accuracy of the results. Proctorio’s reliance on technology removes human understanding from the process, and the “suspicion ratings” assigned to test-takers could have far-reaching consequences. The Spodek Law Group, led by Todd Spodek, ensures that institutions provide due process to the accused and fights for the best possible outcome for students accused of cheating. Contact the Spodek Law Group at 212-300-5196 to discuss your case today.
Steps to Fight a Cheating Accusation:
- Do not admit to anything.
- Understand the information administrators are using and the full details of the allegation.
- Save texts, emails, and screenshots, along with contact information of any witnesses.
- Keep notes of events that happened, and when.
- Get copies of the institution’s policies and review them for disparities with the allegation.
- Get in touch with an attorney-advisor specializing in academic misconduct matter