Securexam does the impossible!

gregh — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 02:08:42 -0500

From the folks who brought you the botched New York Bar Exam, I found this gem:

Technology has created improved methods of cheating, but it can be used to prevent cheating as well.

For example, our Securexam product suite prevents students from cheating on exams -- blue book or within course management systems like Blackboard and WebCT. In fact, it is widely used in law schools in large part because the students want it. They want the level playing field that the assurance that no one can cheat provides.

And just as importantly, technology like Securexam lets the professor focus on his principal job -- teaching the students and assessing their performance, not performing a forensic investigation to determine whether or how students may have cheated.

Ignoring for a moment the unsupported claim that students love their technology, I'm amazed a company would claim that they've created a product that "prevents cheating." I wonder how they've done that. I am particularly curious about how they've done that simply by locking down the computer sitting in front of a student while an exam is being taken.

In part, it's clear they believe that cheating can be prevented by observing a student; just look at their Remote Proctor:

The Method: Through a unique combination of Software Secure’s patented Securexam Browser software in combination with a patent pending USB-connected device which performs fingerprint authentication and real time video and audio monitoring of the exam time conditions, SRP is able to provide both convenience and integrity to test takers in remote locations.

SRP locks down online quizzing and testing tools so nothing else can be accessed on the computer during a test.

SRP’s fingerprint scanner authenticates the identity of a test-taker before gaining access to the test.

SRP’s real-time video and audio of the exam room captures all suspicious behavior for a remote exam proctor to review.

Clearly, they're really trying to instill a false sense of security and honesty. They do nothing to combat low-tech approaches to cheating. And in the process of foisting their crappy software on unsuspecting students everywhere, they increase exam anxiety, the costs of giving exams, and limitations of user choice.

Now, were law students really clamoring for this software? I doubt it. What I'm sure they've been clamoring for is a solution to handwriting exams in bluebooks.

They aren't offering perfect security; far from it. It's clear from their propaganda that they have absolutely no clue what security it. What they're selling is a facade. They help people feel that things are secure by limiting the easy paths to cheating. Clearly, many people have been duped.

Otherwise Occupied - cheating

Securexam does the impossible!