Quizzes in Canvas
Instructors can administer online exams using the tool in , Ƶ Boulder’s learning management system. The tool has several question types available, including Multiple Choice, Matching, Numerical, Formula, and Essay. Most of the question types can be auto-graded. Instructors can control when a quiz is available and how much time students have to complete a quiz, as well as which results are released to students and when they are released. makes it easy to adjust the exam availability window, time limit, and number of attempts for individual students (e.g., if a student needs to take an exam at a different time or needs extra time to complete it). also integrates with .
Instructors can get support for setting up their exams in Canvas from . OIT offers both as live sessions and as .
Exam setting and configurations strategies to minimize academic dishonesty:
- Set exam time limit
- Randomize the order of multiple-choice question answers
- Randomize the order of questions
- Create a question bank and set the exam to pull a randomized set of questions for each student
- Set the exam to not release correct answers to the students until all the students complete the exam
Assignments in Canvas
The Assignments tool in Canvas can be used to evaluate papers and a variety of project formats, including video. Assignments has a flexible rubric tool that can help make grading faster and more consistent. Rubrics are also a great way to set student expectations for the quality of work. allows instructors to leave comments and annotations directly on student papers, as well as to provide overall text and video comments on student submissions.
Online Exam Proctoring Software: Proctorio
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) supports , an online exam proctoring software that is available for faculty to enable in their Canvas courses. Proctorio simulates an in-person testing experience through automated user authentication and monitoring of the test taker. Proctorio requires that exam takers have a computer with camera, speaker and microphone. Proctorio is a robust platform that meets Ƶ’s privacy and security policies; however it must be noted that some faculty and students have expressed concerns about its use in college courses.
Uses for Proctorio
Faculty may choose to use online exam proctoring out of concerns for academic integrity, for verifying the test-taker’s identity, or for administering multiple-choice exams to courses with large enrollments. Ƶ faculty who use the tool say that it is easy to use and reduces cheating. Proctorio gives instructors granular control over the types of test taker behaviors they would like to monitor. For information about Proctorio’s features and training sessions, visit .
Concerns Ƶ Online Exam Proctoring
Online exam proctoring has from educators and student privacy rights proponents over the invasive methods that the platform uses to monitor student body and eye movements, access the student’s computer, and surveil the student’s surroundings. Instructors and students have likewise noted inequities such as students’ limited access to technology or bandwidth, stressful test conditions or shared living spaces with no access to private places to take the exam. Online proctoring platforms like Proctorio can also be incompatible with assistive technology such as screen readers, tablet computers, or outdated computer systems.
In July 2020, the Remote Exam Working Group in the College of Engineering & Applied Science recommended against using Proctorio, citing privacy concerns and the sense of mistrust that its use can create between students and instructors. For more information and recommendations, read their report, Remote Exam Best Practices.
If You Decide to Use Proctorio...
Offer a practice exam before the actual test. This will help reduce stress, as well as work out any potential issues. Step-by-step instructions on how to set up a practice test as well as a pre-built practice test that you can upload to your course are available in on the OIT website.
Provide an alternate arrangement. If remote proctoring must be used in your classes, allow exemptions or alternatives for students who have limited connectivity or do not have access to the technology or equipment required for using Proctorio, and for those who need to take the exam in another time zone. Alternatives will also need to be extended to students with disability accommodations, students who do not feel safe exposing their environment, and those who express mental health concerns. Please consult for information about limitations of the tool for users with disabilities.
Include a statement about online proctoring in the syllabus. It is recommended that instructors include information about Proctorio in the course syllabus, as well as link to the Proctorio security and privacy information and explain what to expect should students need an . OIT provides that you can adapt to your course.
Above all, do not require a higher level of proof of learning in an online class than you would in a face-to-face course.