Why Online Learning Platforms Lack Secure Exam Mechanisms: An Analysis of Coursera, FutureLearn, and Others
Online learning platforms like Coursera and FutureLearn have revolutionized the way we acquire knowledge, but one critical aspect often overlooked is the provision of secure exam mechanisms. This article explores the challenges and underlying reasons why these platforms do not typically offer secure exam options.
Assessing Learning: Quizzes vs. Exams
When evaluating the effectiveness of an educational program, exams are a trusted method for assessing a student's understanding and retention of knowledge. However, many well-known online learning platforms such as Coursera and FutureLearn primarily rely on quizzes and other assignments rather than formal exams.
One of the main reasons behind this choice is rooted in the educational philosophy guiding these platforms. There are two predominant models: the behaviorist model and the constructivist or constructionist model. The behaviorist approach emphasizes the transfer of knowledge from the instructor to the student, typically through memorization and the use of tests to assess the student's ability to recall that information.
The Behaviorist Model
In a behaviorist model, the instructor serves as the primary source of information, and students are expected to absorb this information and demonstrate their knowledge through traditional quizzes and exams. This methodology often relies heavily on the retention of specific facts and figures, using objectively scored questions that measure the depth of study.
The Constructivist Model
On the other hand, the constructivist and constructionist models place a greater emphasis on active learning and creating knowledge through hands-on experiences. These models encourage students to engage deeply with the material, often through project-based work, discussions, and collaborative learning.
Within this framework, exams often fall short as a means of evaluation. Exams in the traditional sense are less effective for assessing the ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, and they may not accurately reflect a student's understanding and ability to integrate new information. Instead, exams can sometimes create a false dichotomy between rote learning and true understanding.
Challenges in Implementing Secure Exams
While some online learning platforms do offer final exams, they often come with significant challenges in terms of security and integrity. Here are the primary reasons why secure exams are not widely implemented:
Technological Barriers
One of the biggest hurdles is the technical infrastructure required to administer and proctor secure exams. Traditional test conditions such as timed environments, separate proctoring teams, and secure environments are difficult to replicate in an online setting. Ensuring that students are taking the exam under the exact same conditions as in a physical classroom adds immense complexity.
Fraud and Cheating Prevention
Another challenge is the prevention of fraud and cheating. In a secure exam environment, such as a physical classroom, measures such as identity verification, time constraints, and constant proctoring help maintain integrity. Online, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring students are not seeking help online or using outside resources is a significant challenge.
Educational Philosophy Misalignment
The fundamental educational philosophy of many MOOCs (massive open online courses) further complicates the adoption of secure exams. These platforms often prioritize deeper learning and critical thinking over rote memorization and standardized testing. As a result, the philosophy of secure exams may not align well with the pedagogical goals of these platforms.
Alternatives and Future Directions
Despite the challenges, there are alternative methods to assess student learning without compromising the educational philosophy. These include:
Peer Assessment
Peer assessment has gained popularity as a way to promote active learning and critical thinking. Students evaluate their peers' work based on predetermined criteria, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Project-Based Assessments
Many courses now incorporate project-based assessments where students work on real-world problems or design projects. Such projects allow students to demonstrate their application of knowledge in a practical context, complementing the goals of the constructivist and constructionist models.
Mixed Method Assessments
A balance between traditional assessments and more modern methods can also be effective. For instance, combining final exams with peer assessments, project-based evaluations, and quizzes can provide a well-rounded understanding of the student's capabilities.
Future Outlook
As online education continues to evolve, secure exam mechanisms are likely to become more sophisticated and accessible. Advances in technology, such as AI and blockchain, may play a role in ensuring the integrity of online exams while maintaining the pedagogical philosophy. However, for the time being, the lack of secure exams on platforms like Coursera and FutureLearn reflects the current educational paradigm and the technical and philosophical challenges associated with their implementation.
In conclusion, while the absence of secure exams on online learning platforms like Coursera and FutureLearn is a reflection of their underlying educational philosophy, the discussion around this issue highlights the importance of reevaluating and integrating modern assessment techniques that align with both the technology and the pedagogical goals of these platforms.