In today's context, technology - more particularly, the Internet - is a force to be reckon with. As the Internet has been integrated in almost every aspect of our lives, the transfer of knowledge; education is no different.
By definition, e-learning is "learning that is facilitated by the use of digital tools (i.e. electronic devices and the Internet and content, involving some form of interactivity, which may include online interaction between the learner and their teacher or peers." E-learning also comes in various forms:
- Online Learning
- Virtual Classrooms
- Learning Management System
- Rapid e-Learning
- Simulation-based
- Mobile Learning
- Game-based
With a myriad of e-learning forms, it can impact how teachers teach and how students learn. When used properly, teachers can take advantage of the features e-learning provides to better engage the content and their students. [(or... at least that is what we learn in class (ironically)]
While I cannot deny that the Internet has made learning much more easier and convenient, I remember the days back in secondary school and in polytechnic. E-learning was always seen as a break day from school and not taken seriously. Time that was intended to self-learn via a computer was instead used for leisure and there was numerous of ways to cheat the system. But that was back then...
So, it came as a shock to me when I learn in class how e-learning systems are tracking "cheaters" now (and thank god, it is brought to my attention LOL)
1. Proctoring
As a means to verify a student's identity, institutions are implementing online proctoring during examinations/synchronous e-learning* (see footnote). Through the use of webcam, teachers can monitor a student's face and/or the computer screen as the student takes the examination/does the e-learning activity. Examples of online proctoring organisations are:
2. Keystroke Recognition Devices
Keystroke recognition programs have also been developed to certify a student's identification. In order to authenticate/verify a student's identity, one measure is by monitoring a student's typing pattern. Acting as a 'signature', computer softwares will track and measure the speed and rhythm of a student's typing in order to ensure whether the pattern matches up. Other measures include using tracking Wi-Fi signals as well as biometric technology such as iris recognition or fingerprint identification. Examples of Keystroke Recognition Softwares:
3. Plagiarism Detection Software
Ah, aren't we familiar with this one?
There you go kids, be sure to think twice before cheating. Especially so, for sociology majors who are taking SOC 293: Research Methods because there's a CITI training in the syllabus and if you cheat, you might do so well in the written exam. So make use of the e-learning session! Just a fair warning ;)
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