When universities transitioned to online learning last year, students found themselves taking classes not in traditional classrooms, but from their parents’ living rooms, bedrooms, or any makeshift space they could manage. With five classes per semester requiring at least fifteen hours of Zoom meetings weekly, plus additional meetings with professors and peers, many students felt overwhelmed. Annie Stearns, a sophomore at St. Mary’s University in California, shared with NPR, “If you’re in class and then have to go to office hours, that’s yet another Zoom call. People got so burnt out that they just opted out.” Consequently, for numerous students, cheating became a simpler option than seeking help.
Cheating Today
Cheating today is not merely about submitting a friend’s paper; it has evolved significantly. Detecting academic dishonesty requires more than just a quick Google search. Professors have begun using proctoring programs, many of which infringe on student privacy, creating a convoluted situation.
Reports of Cheating on the Rise
Instances of cheating have surged across the nation, particularly in collaborative environments such as those at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where unauthorized sharing of exam questions occurred via apps like GroupMe. This app was also involved in significant cheating incidents at the University of Missouri, where over 150 students shared answers. At California State University Los Angeles, students used GroupMe to take credit for each other’s work, as noted by The Golden Gate Express.
Then there’s Chegg—a platform popular among university students that offers “homework help.” For a subscription fee, students can post questions, and Chegg promises answers from experts within 30 minutes, though the average response time is 46 minutes. A study revealed a staggering 196.25 percent increase in questions posted in STEM disciplines from April to August 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Reports of cheating using Chegg have arisen from institutions like Texas A&M and Georgia Tech, where students utilized the platform during exams.
The Rise of E-Proctoring
In response to the cheating crisis, many universities have turned to e-proctoring services like HonorLock and Proctorio. These programs monitor students’ computers and can identify suspicious behavior, such as excessive eye movement or unusual typing patterns. By October 2020, over 400 universities, including prestigious institutions like Harvard and Columbia, had implemented Proctorio, which has faced significant backlash.
Proctorio requires students to use a high-quality camera and microphone for identity verification, followed by a 360-degree scan of their surroundings. Critics argue that this software raises serious privacy concerns. Once installed, Proctorio remains active, collecting data without clear guidelines on its usage. Students have expressed unease, fearing that it may access more than just their test-taking environments.
Students Oppose Intrusive Surveillance
Students are vocal about their dislike for such intrusive software. Many argue that it unfairly targets those who may not have access to quiet spaces or high-quality equipment. One student shared their struggles with AD/HD, stating that Proctorio exacerbates their condition by making them feel constantly monitored. This has led to a growing number of petitions demanding the removal of Proctorio from university systems, highlighting issues of classism and ableism.
Despite the increasing adoption of e-proctoring systems, the real question remains: why are students cheating in the first place?
Rethinking Education
Ken Leopold, a chemistry professor at the University of Minnesota, acknowledged the necessity of tools like Proctorio but emphasized the importance of upholding academic integrity. However, the current educational approach—focused on rote memorization and standardized testing—leaves much to be desired. Why not foster an environment that encourages collaboration rather than competition? Why are rigid exams still a requirement?
As we shift back to in-person learning, these questions become critical. Instead of invasive monitoring, we should explore innovative educational methods that promote genuine learning. If students are finding ways to cheat and still succeed professionally, we must reevaluate the value of these classes and the knowledge they impart.
In summary, the rise in online cheating among college students highlights significant flaws in our educational approach. As we return to traditional learning environments, it’s crucial to address the underlying issues that lead students to cheat rather than resort to invasive monitoring solutions.