Višja strokovna šola Academia, also known as Academia College of Short-Cycle Higher Education, is a prominent institution in Slovenia that offers professional, practice-oriented programs.
Focused on fields such as business, media, and engineering, Academia equips students with the practical skills and knowledge required for career advancement. The institution’s mission emphasizes hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and producing workforce-ready graduates.
As a forward-thinking college, Academia embraces modern educational trends, including offering courses in both in-person and online formats. This dual-mode delivery aims to accommodate a diverse range of students, from full-time learners to working professionals seeking further education. However, with this flexibility came significant challenges in maintaining academic integrity during remote examinations.
The Challenge: Ensuring Integrity in Online Assessments
The shift toward online learning brought an increasing demand for remote examinations. While this flexibility was a boon for many students, it created challenges for Academia, particularly in maintaining exam integrity and security. Ensuring fairness in assessments for students studying online was difficult without effective monitoring solutions.
Previously, Academia relied on other proctoring tools that lacked comprehensive features such as multi-angle monitoring and detailed reporting. This made it challenging to identify and address potential misconduct during online assessments.
The absence of robust safeguards posed a risk to the institution’s reputation and the credibility of its academic programs.
The Solution: Partnering with SMOWL
Recognizing the limitations of their existing tools, Academia chose SMOWL for its innovative and flexible proctoring capabilities. The decision was driven by SMOWL’s reputation for customizable solutions, seamless integration with academic systems, and comprehensive monitoring options.
Andrej Sterniša, Student’s Office Officer at Academia, played a key role in the implementation of SMOWL. As part of his responsibilities, he conducted test runs, configured the software, and ensured smooth deployment for both students and faculty. His experience with SMOWL highlighted its ease of use and the effectiveness of its features.
Why SMOWL?
Academia selected SMOWL for its standout capabilities, including:
- Customizable Proctoring Options: SMOWL offered flexible solutions tailored to Academia’s needs, from monitoring live exams to analyzing exam recordings.
- Comprehensive Monitoring Features: Key functionalities included webcam monitoring, dual-camera setups, computer activity tracking, and audio capture, all of which enhanced security during exams.
- Detailed Reporting: SMOWL’s post-exam reports provided actionable insights, enabling faculty to identify and address irregularities with confidence.
- Seamless Integration: The software integrated effortlessly into Academia’s existing systems, reducing technical challenges during implementation.
Implementation and Use Cases
SMOWL quickly became a cornerstone of Academia’s online assessment process. Its primary application was for online exams, where security and integrity were paramount.
However, the software’s versatility also enabled it to support oral examinations and student presentations, further enhancing its value.
The dual-camera feature was particularly impactful, offering a dual view of the student’s environment and computer activity. This feature not only deterred dishonest behavior but also reassured students and faculty that the assessment process was fair and unbiased.
Impact: Transforming Online Assessments
The introduction of SMOWL at Academia led to a transformative shift in its assessment practices. The benefits extended across multiple dimensions:
- Strengthened Academic Integrity: SMOWL’s comprehensive monitoring significantly reduced incidents of academic dishonesty. By ensuring a secure testing environment, Academia was able to uphold its reputation for fairness and rigor.
- Enhanced User Experience: Students appreciated the flexibility of taking exams online, particularly those balancing work or studying from remote locations. The system’s user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process further contributed to a positive experience.
- Cost and Time Savings: Remote proctoring reduced the logistical expenses associated with traditional in-person exams, such as venue bookings and travel costs. Additionally, automated features like detailed reporting saved time for examiners during post-exam evaluations.
- Expanded Capabilities: Beyond written exams, SMOWL enabled Academia to conduct secure oral examinations and presentations, broadening the scope of its online offerings.
Feedback from Users
Feedback from both students and faculty has been overwhelmingly positive.
Students valued the convenience and efficiency of online exams, with many appreciating the ability to take tests without traveling to campus. Faculty members highlighted the detailed reporting feature as a game-changer, providing valuable insights to improve the evaluation process.
However, some students initially expressed concerns about being monitored. To address this, Academia ensured transparent communication, explaining the purpose of proctoring and how the system worked. This approach fostered trust and acceptance among students.
Advice for Future Users
Based on its successful implementation, Academia offers the following advice to institutions considering SMOWL proctoring plans:
- Conduct Pilot Testing: Test the software thoroughly before rolling it out institution-wide to identify and resolve potential issues.
- Communicate Clearly: Provide students with detailed information about how the proctoring system works, including its benefits and privacy safeguards.
- Leverage Technical Support: Work closely with SMOWL’s support team to address any challenges during implementation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Online Assessment at Academia
As the demand for remote learning grows, Academia plans to expand its online examination offerings. SMOWL will play a critical role in this expansion, ensuring that all assessments meet the highest standards of integrity and security.
Andrej Sterniša envisions a future where remote proctoring becomes a standard feature of higher education, blending flexibility with accountability:
“The right proctoring tool can significantly enhance the integrity, security, and flexibility of online examinations, creating a seamless experience for both students and institutions.”
Academia’s partnership with SMOWL exemplifies how technology can revolutionize short-cycle higher education. By embracing SMOWL’s advanced proctoring solutions, Academia has created a secure, fair, and adaptable assessment process that meets the diverse needs of its students.
This case study underscores the importance of aligning technology with institutional goals to achieve transformative outcomes.
For Academia, SMOWL has not only addressed immediate challenges but also paved the way for a future of innovation and excellence in online education.
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