Massey University turn off cheating monitoring after major exam technical fails
Just three days into Massey University’s two-week exam period, it has shut down its cheating monitoring system after technical issues stopped students from taking exams.
At least 150 students faced issues including sitting an exam under another student’s name and ID, a gateway error, microphone access error, java script issue and the app being unable to download.
Students have been vocally against the Online Supervised Exams (OSE) since they were implemented at the start of 2023 to monitor artificial intelligence use.
Students' missed exams have been rescheduled for over the next 48 hours.
Victoria University previously tried to implement OSEs in 2020, but it was ditched after student opposition.
Massey University announced that the issues had been solved on Monday night, however, they continued on Wednesday when around 2000 students were meant to be sitting exams.
Murray booked a library room for his Monday exam in which he tried for around three hours to start but nothing worked.
As a class rep, he had many frustrated and confused students contacting him for help.
“There seems to be quite a united hatred for OSEs.”
Murray called the assessment services to which he was allegedly told that they received 180 calls within 15 minutes in regard to the online exams.
He said Massey’s response to the issues was “poor”, with many students waiting over 24 hours to hear back from the university.
Students flooded Facebook pages with questions and anger, many frustrated after taking leave, paying for childcare, or booking spaces to take their exams at the scheduled time.
Disappointly, 158 students from the survey said they were going to move universities because of the exams.
Murray said, “As soon as you start going into students bedrooms or workplaces and need them to showcase their ceilings, under their desk, put their phones away, show them their ID ... that’s being invasive.”
Students must download an app called Remote Proctor Now (RPNow) before exams, pan their webcam around their space, and have their camera and mic on throughout.
The app relies on human and AI monitoring to catch students that look away from their screen or where another person is heard or seen during the exam.
The exam recordings are sent to an overseas company who check for infringements.
Provost Giselle Byrnes said they were told by the provider that the Monday issues were solved, however, issues arose again on Wednesday.
“We are extremely disappointed in this failure of service.”
“I appreciate the exam period is already stressful, and many students are likely to have made specific arrangements to sit these exams, taking time off work or needing childcare.”
“We are committed to providing our students with exceptional service and this situation falls short of that.”
“We are also aware a small number of students had the name and email address of another student displayed to them in the process of accessing their examination paper, instead of their own. This is being taken very seriously.”
She said the university’s privacy officer had been engaged and the office of the privacy commissioner had been advised.
Massive asked the university if it will stop using OSEs considering the stress and issues students have faced this week, however, is yet to have answer.
