11 Common Ways Students Cheat in Online Exams: A Guide for Educators

As online exams become more common, students are finding creative ways to cheat. Understanding these methods can help educators and institutions take steps to prevent dishonest behavior. Here are some of the most common ways students might try to cheat during online exams:

1. Using a Second Device: Students might use a second device, like a phone or tablet, to search for answers during the exam. To prevent this, ensure that students show their entire workspace before the exam starts and use monitoring software that can detect multiple devices.
2. Impersonation: A student might ask someone else to take the exam for them by sharing their login details. Institutions can combat this by requiring students to show their ID on camera and using biometric authentication tools.
3. Screen Sharing: Some students may use screen-sharing software to let someone else see their screen and help them with answers. Exam software should prevent screen sharing and monitor for any suspicious activity.
4. External Assistance: Students might have someone off-camera helping them during the exam. Proctors should require students to show a 360-degree view of their room to ensure they are alone.
5. Using Cheat Sheets: Despite proctoring, students may hide small notes or cheat sheets in their workspace. A thorough inspection of the workspace before the exam can help mitigate this risk.
6. Manipulating Exam Software: Some students attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the exam software to cheat. Institutions should regularly update and test their exam platforms to ensure they are secure.
7. Fake Technical Issues: Students might pretend to have technical issues to delay the exam or hide cheating attempts. Proctors should have a clear protocol for handling such situations.
8. Copying and Pasting Answers: In some cases, students copy answers from other sources and paste them directly into the exam. Educators should use plagiarism detection software to catch copied content.
9. Switching Between Tabs or Windows: Students may try to switch to other browser tabs or applications to look up answers. Secure browsers can lock the screen to prevent this.
10. Using Unauthorized Software: Some students use software designed to provide answers or help them cheat during the exam. Institutions should use monitoring tools that can detect and block such software.
11. Wearing Hidden Earbuds: Students might wear small earbuds connected to a device that provides answers. Proctors should ask students to remove any earbuds or headsets before starting the exam.

Preventing Cheating in Online Exams

To protect the integrity of online exams, educational institutions can implement several strategies:

• Use secure proctoring software that monitors the student’s environment and activities.
• Train proctors to recognize and address suspicious behavior.
• Require students to thoroughly check their surroundings and devices before the exam begins.
• Implement strict exam rules and clearly communicate them to students.

By understanding these cheating methods and taking preventive measures, educators can help ensure that online exams are fair and that all students are assessed honestly.