As the use of WebCT grows, the need for security in the classroom to control the possibility of digital cheating during online examinations is developing into a top priority.  McGill University, Albany State University and Lewis & Clark Community College have demonstrated effective use of Software Secure's Securexam Browser to make exam time less stressful for students, faculty and administrators.

It was the collective desire of our faculty to use computers for high stakes testing with WebCT but were unable to do so because of issues associated with digital cheating.  Our objective was to obtain a security application that would 1) easily integrate with WebCT, 2) not present a significant learning curve for faculty and students, 3) not substantially change the way exams are delivered without security and 4) not require any extra hardware.

With the use of Securexam Browser, students can use computers to take exams with WebCT without being able to cheat (e. g., curtailing web-surfing, stopping instant messaging).  The students are happy because they test better on computers, and faculty members are happy because they can garner the benefits of WebCT gradable testing (e.g., auto-graded multiple choice) knowing that the work was completed entirely by the student.  Securexam is loaded directly on the computer, doesn't affect the server or network, and is very easy to use.

We will discuss what led to the decision to purchase Securexam Browser-in short, why security was needed in the first place.  We then plan to conduct a live demonstration of the software.  Following this, we will discuss Securexam deployment and finish with questions and answers.

There is no question that digital cheating is a hot-button issue right now, especially as it relates to WebCT examinations.  Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the solution at our session.