Cheating during online remote assessments can undermine the integrity of the evaluation process. Understanding the various methods students might use to cheat is crucial for educators and institutions to implement effective countermeasures. Here’s an exhaustive list of potential cheating tactics to help enhance your proctoring and assessment strategies.
Unauthorized Resource Use:
Using Internet next to test tab: Using search engines to find answers.
Notes and Textbooks: Consulting physical or digital notes and textbooks.
Software Tools: Utilizing unauthorized software like calculators, code editors, language translators, etc.
Use of additional mobile / tablet / computer: Keeping additional device with internet or answers next to the computer they're writing test on and comfortably finding answers.
Collaboration:
Group Chats: Collaborating with others via messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.), forums, or social media.
Phone Calls and VoIP: Discussing answers over phone calls, Zoom, Skype, etc.
Shared Documents: Using Google Docs, OneDrive, or other shared document platforms to collaborate in real-time.
Technical Manipulation:
Multiple Devices: Using additional devices (smartphones, tablets, another computer) to access information.
Virtual Machines: Running virtual machines to perform unauthorized activities without detection.
Screen Sharing: Sharing screens with another person who assists with answers.
Remote Desktop Software: Using remote desktop tools to allow someone else to control the computer.
Identity Fraud:
Impersonation: Having someone else take the exam in place of the registered candidate.
Fake IDs: Using forged identification documents to pass identity verification.
Hardware and Software Tricks:
Hidden Earpieces: Using Bluetooth earpieces to receive answers from an outside source.
Smartwatches and Wearables: Storing information or receiving answers on smartwatches or other wearable technology.
Cheating Software: Employing software that overlays answers on the screen or provides real-time assistance discreetly.
Keyloggers: Using keyloggers to capture and share answers entered.
Screen Mirroring: Mirroring the computer screen to another device where someone else can view and provide answers.
USB Devices: Using USB devices preloaded with information or software to assist during the exam.
Environmental Manipulation:
Camera Manipulation: Adjusting the camera angle to hide unauthorized materials or activities.
Distraction Techniques: Creating environmental distractions to manipulate proctoring software or human proctors.
Covering the Camera: Temporarily covering the camera with an object to perform unauthorized activities.
Pre-arranged Materials:
Pre-written Notes: Preparing and strategically placing notes or cheat sheets out of the camera’s view.
Annotated Texts: Highlighting or annotating textbooks for quick reference during the test.
Invisible Ink: Using invisible ink on paper that can be revealed with a special light.
Printed Papers: Printing notes or cheat sheets on papers hidden within reach.
Exploiting Platform Weaknesses:
Bugs and Glitches: Exploiting software vulnerabilities or glitches in the assessment platform.
Timing Exploits: Taking advantage of time lags, delays, or incorrect time settings to access additional resources.
Professional Services:
Hiring Experts: Paying professional services or individuals to take exams or complete assignments.
Essay Mills: Using websites that provide pre-written essays or custom assignments.
Freelancers: Hiring freelancers from platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, etc., to assist or complete assessments.
Physical Environment:
Hidden Cameras: Setting up hidden cameras to capture the exam questions and send them to an outside helper.
Mirrors: Using strategically placed mirrors to view hidden notes or screens.
Hidden Screens: Using multiple screens where one is hidden from the camera's view.
Audio Assistance:
Speakers: Using hidden speakers to play pre-recorded answers.
Morse Code: Tapping out answers using Morse code or other subtle signals.
Voice Assistants: Using voice-activated assistants like Siri or Google Assistant to search for answers.
Memory Techniques:
Memory Palaces: Using advanced memory techniques to recall large amounts of information without notes.
Mnemonics: Using mnemonic devices to quickly recall information during the test.
Psychological Tricks:
Bluffing Proctors: Convincing proctors that technical issues or misunderstandings are legitimate to gain leniency or additional time.
Body Language: Using subtle body language signals to communicate with a nearby accomplice.
Emotional Appeals: Pretending to have an emotional or medical crisis to gain sympathy and extra time.
Miscellaneous:
Temporary Tattoos: Printing tiny notes or formulas on temporary tattoos.
Wearable Cheat Sheets: Using items of clothing (e.g., long sleeves, hats) to hide notes.
Water Bottles: Placing notes inside the label of a water bottle.
Disguised Items: Hiding notes in everyday items like calculators, pens, or other stationery.
Sticky Notes: Placing sticky notes with information on the wall or desk out of the camera's view.
Writing on Body Parts: Writing notes on body parts that are not visible to the camera.
Bathroom Breaks: Using bathroom breaks to consult notes or devices.