How can digital assessment avoid cheating and plagiarism?

1 Define clear expectations

One of the first steps to avoid cheating and plagiarism is to set clear expectations and guidelines for digital assessment. You should communicate the learning outcomes, assessment criteria, and academic integrity policies to your learners before they start working on their tasks. You should also explain the consequences of violating these rules and the procedures for reporting and resolving any cases of misconduct. By defining clear expectations, you can help your learners understand what is expected of them and what is considered cheating and plagiarism.

2 Design authentic tasks

Another way to avoid cheating and plagiarism is to design authentic tasks that require learners to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful and relevant contexts. Authentic tasks are more engaging, challenging, and personalized than traditional tests or assignments. They also reduce the opportunities and incentives for learners to copy or share answers, as they have to demonstrate their own understanding and creativity. Some examples of authentic tasks are case studies, portfolios, simulations, projects, and presentations.

3 Use multiple sources of evidence

A third strategy to avoid cheating and plagiarism is to use multiple sources of evidence to assess learners' performance and progress. Instead of relying on a single test or assignment, you can use a variety of methods and formats to collect and evaluate learners' work. For example, you can use formative and summative assessments, self and peer assessments, oral and written feedback, and rubrics and checklists. By using multiple sources of evidence, you can gain a more comprehensive and accurate picture of learners' learning and reduce the chances of cheating and plagiarism.

4 Implement technology tools

A fourth option to avoid cheating and plagiarism is to implement technology tools that can help you monitor and verify learners' work. There are many tools available that can help you prevent, detect, and deter cheating and plagiarism in digital assessment. For example, you can use proctoring software, plagiarism checkers, secure browsers, timers, and randomizers. These tools can help you ensure that learners are following the rules and submitting their own original work.

5 Foster a culture of integrity

A fifth and final suggestion to avoid cheating and plagiarism is to foster a culture of integrity in your digital learning environment. You can do this by modeling ethical behavior, promoting academic values, and encouraging collaboration and reflection. You can also involve learners in creating and reviewing the academic integrity policies and practices, and provide them with support and resources to develop their academic skills. By fostering a culture of integrity, you can help your learners develop a sense of responsibility, honesty, and respect for themselves and others.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?