Proctoring software monitors a student’s computer or phone while they write exams. These programs have been around for some time but became ubiquitous during online learning in the pandemic. Proctoria, Respondus and Proctor U, the most popular programs, have enjoyed a 500% increase in usage since the start of COVID-19 and proctoring software is now a US$19 billion […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
Universities shouldn’t use software to monitor online exams: here’s why
Mature students in universities face 3 kinds of barriers — here’s how to address them
Since the onset of the pandemic, many colleges and universities have reported record numbers of applications from mature students — adults who return to school on a part- or full-time basis while maintaining responsibilities like employment, family and other adult life responsibilities. Both students and post-secondary leaders cite the chance to attend school remotely or to rethink one’s career in […] … learn more→
University anti-racism policies: Use shared decision-making to hear BIPOC student insights
“I did not consider a career as a university professor or a position in academic leadership because I have never been taught by someone who looked like me!” A graduate student shared this comment with me in 2016. Reflecting on my academic journey towards becoming a clinical assistant professor in occupational therapy at D’Youville University […] … learn more→
Can artificial intelligence predict a student’s grade without the need for an exam?
Artificial intelligence and data analytics impact our lives on virtually every level. The educational context is no exception. This is how what we call Learning Analytics arises , a research discipline that tries to apply data analysis to improve the teaching and learning process. Among many other types of studies, there are several research initiatives that work with increasingly […] … learn more→
Students returning to campus want the ‘university experience’ missed during COVID-19
Universities are implementing COVID-19 safety plans to maintain safe and healthy environments — through protocols like enhanced cleaning or a focus on ventilation and air quality — for the imminent return of students to in-person learning on campuses. While these plans include extensive efforts to help students safely return to pre-pandemic learning, focused attention should also be given to “university experience” […] … learn more→
How PhD busy work is like vegan junk food
Hello dear reader! It’s been a busy winter and I am suffering a bit of post-election exhaustion. Last month, For the first time in 12 years, I did not get around to doing a Thesis Whisperer post. While I felt bad about breaking such a long streak of self-imposed discipline, I consoled myself that the previous […] … learn more→
How do we teach journalism today?
Traditionally, knowing how to write and having a good agenda were the main skills that a journalist who started working in a newsroom had to prove. The context has changed. Active audiences and multiplication of offers characterize the market. Journalism tries to adapt to the demands of new audiences, increasingly more dispersed. The media wants to capture your […] … learn more→
Women are better at statistics than they think
Women in statistics classes do better academically than men over a semester despite having more negative attitudes regarding their own abilities, according to our recent study in the Journal of Statistics and Data Science Education. Using data from more than 100 male and female students from multiple statistics classes, my colleague and I assessed gender differences in grades over […] … learn more→
The real-world benefits of volunteering for College students
It’s factually proven that contributing to each other's community and helping one another in a positive approach and in strong ways makes them feel good. Having impactful actions always does good, and when it comes to college students, you can never ignore how helpful volunteering is. Spending some genuine time volunteering in college can be […] … learn more→
Proclaim debt amnesty throughout all the land? A biblical solution to a present-day problem
Student loan debt is one of the most burdensome forms of debt in America today. According to oft-cited statistics, approximately 43 million Americans have student loan debt, cumulatively amounting to around US$1.7 trillion. The exorbitant costs of higher education in the United States, combined with the fact that educational credentials serve as a ticket to decent employment, require […] … learn more→
