McGraw Hill Connect is a widely used online learning platform designed to deliver courses, assessments, and interactive learning experiences. However, with the rise of remote education, questions around academic integrity have become critical, and platforms like McGraw Hill have implemented various measures to detect and prevent cheating. This article explores how McGraw Hill detects cheating, the tools and technologies used, and common methods students use to try and circumvent these systems.
Proctoring Software and AI-Based Detection
One of the most powerful tools used by McGraw Hill Connect to detect cheating is its integration with proctoring software like Proctorio. Proctorio’s artificial intelligence (AI) analyzes a range of behaviors to identify suspicious activities during exams. For instance, it tracks students’ eye movements, detecting if someone is frequently looking away from the screen or focusing on an unusual spot, which could indicate the presence of unauthorized materials or assistance. The AI system also monitors body language, looking for erratic behavior that may signal cheating.
In addition to video surveillance, Proctorio includes noise detection features. The software captures ambient sounds and can flag unusual noises, such as conversations or typing, that do not correspond to the student’s test-taking behavior. This adds another layer of scrutiny, ensuring that even the audio environment is free of distractions or signs of collaboration.
Browser Locking and Monitoring
McGraw Hill Connect employs browser-locking capabilities to ensure students cannot navigate away from the test environment. When a student begins an exam, the browser is locked, preventing them from opening new tabs or windows. But the system goes beyond basic locking mechanisms. It also disables keyboard shortcuts like Alt+Tab or Cmd+Tab, which are often used to switch between programs during tests. Additionally, the platform can detect attempts to use incognito modes or take screenshots, immediately flagging these actions as potential cheating.
By limiting a student’s ability to access outside information or communication tools, McGraw Hill creates a controlled testing environment that is difficult to manipulate.
Cheating with Technology: Gadgets and Virtual Machines
Despite these robust systems, students have attempted various methods to cheat on the platform, often relying on advanced technological tools. One common method is using remote-controlled gadgets or hidden earpieces that allow communication with someone outside the test environment. These devices are small, discreet, and hard to detect without close physical monitoring. However, the platform’s focus on audio monitoring can pick up on these external communications, leading to immediate alerts for instructors.
Another approach is the use of virtual machines. Students may try to run a separate operating system within their computer to bypass browser-locking software or to access unauthorized resources. While this requires technical know-how, McGraw Hill’s system can detect the presence of additional software running in the background, such as virtual machines or remote-access tools, and flag these activities.
Advanced Cheating Methods and How McGraw Hill Counters Them
In response to modern cheating strategies, McGraw Hill has continuously updated its detection tools. One advanced cheating method involves using screen-sharing software to allow someone else to see and help with the exam in real-time. McGraw Hill’s response is to monitor the network and detect unusual connections or screen-sharing activities during a proctored session. If external access is detected, the system can automatically end the exam or notify the instructor for further review.
Furthermore, third-party software detection is another layer of defense. The platform can identify if students are using unauthorized software, such as calculators, notetaking apps, or other aids that may give them an unfair advantage during the exam.
Common Ways Students Attempt to Cheat on McGraw Hill Connect
Despite the various safeguards in place, students continue to find creative ways to try and bypass these systems. Here are some of the most common cheating methods:
- Using alternate devices: Some students try to use a second device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to search for answers during the exam. McGraw Hill combats this by monitoring network traffic and device connectivity during the session.
- Employing another person to take the test: Impersonation is a classic method, where a student may hire someone to take the exam in their place. Proctorio addresses this by using identity verification tools, including photo ID checks and facial recognition, to ensure the right student is taking the exam.
- Taking advantage of technical glitches: Students sometimes exploit technical difficulties to argue for more time or retakes. While this isn’t always intentional cheating, McGraw Hill tracks test activity logs closely to verify the authenticity of such claims.
Real-Time Detection and Plagiarism Checks
McGraw Hill’s system operates in real-time, meaning that behaviors such as tab-switching, application use, or even copy-pasting from unauthorized sources are flagged as they occur. For written assignments, McGraw Hill integrates plagiarism detection tools like Turnitin, which compares student submissions against a vast database of published works and student papers to ensure originality. Any matching content is flagged for further review, reducing the chance of plagiarism going unnoticed.
FAQs
- Does McGraw Hill Connect detect cheating in real-time?
Yes, McGraw Hill’s use of tools like Proctorio allows for real-time monitoring, with immediate alerts for any suspicious activities during an exam. - How can McGraw Hill detect if I open a new tab?
Browser-locking technology restricts a student’s ability to open new tabs or windows during an exam. Any attempt to do so is immediately detected and flagged.
Case Studies and Best Practices
Consider a scenario where a student tries to switch between tabs during an online exam. The browser-locking system immediately sends an alert to the instructor, and a review of the student’s test log shows multiple attempts to access external sites. After reviewing the flagged incidents, the instructor determines that the behavior was consistent with cheating, leading to the student receiving a failing grade.
For students looking to avoid false flags, the best approach is to maintain focus on the exam screen, avoid background noise, and ensure that no other devices or applications are running that could trigger suspicion. Practicing in a distraction-free environment can help reduce the likelihood of being flagged incorrectly.
Conclusion
McGraw Hill Connect uses a comprehensive suite of tools to detect and prevent cheating. From AI-driven proctoring to browser-locking and plagiarism detection, the platform ensures that academic integrity is maintained during online assessments. While some students may attempt to bypass these measures with advanced technology, the platform’s evolving security features make it increasingly difficult to cheat successfully. By understanding how these systems work and adhering to academic integrity guidelines, students can avoid the risks and consequences associated with cheating.
