학술논문

'Out of my control': science undergraduates report mental health concerns and inconsistent conditions when using remote proctoring software
Document Type
article
Source
International Journal for Educational Integrity, Vol 19, Iss 1, Pp 1-22 (2023)
Subject
Online learning
Undergraduates
Mental health
Testing environments
Academic integrity
Theory and practice of education
LB5-3640
Language
English
ISSN
1833-2595
Abstract
Abstract Efforts to discourage academic misconduct in online learning environments frequently include the use of remote proctoring services. While these services are relatively commonplace in undergraduate science courses, there are open questions about students’ remote assessment environments and their concerns related to remote proctoring services. Using a survey distributed to 11 undergraduate science courses engaging in remote instruction at three American, public, research-focused institutions during the spring of 2021, we found that the majority of undergraduate students reported testing in suboptimal environments. Students’ concerns about remote proctoring services were closely tied to technological difficulties, fear of being wrongfully accused of cheating, and negative impacts on mental health. Our results suggest that remote proctoring services can create and perpetuate inequitable assessment environments for students, and additional research is required to understand the efficacy of their intended purpose to prevent cheating. We also advocate for continued conversations about the broader social and institutional conditions that can pressure students into cheating. While changes to academic culture are difficult, these conversations are necessary for higher education to remain relevant in an increasingly technological world.