There will always, no matter how generous you are, that have to test the boundaries and cheat. I am usually pretty hard core but decided this semester to be more laid back. By that, I mean that I decided that since the course is an elective and interesting (to me) because it is in my area of expertise, that I would give exams online and allow the use of book and notes. I made it very clear, however, that working together or using the web while taking the exam would result in serious sanctions for academic dishonesty.
This was just the first exam of the semester and I've got a boyfriend/girlfriend duo that think they're slick. Those idiots took the exam from the exact same computer one right after the other, got the exact same score (e.g.., the same questions were answered incorrectly and they chose the same incorrect responses), and the girl managed to respond to 75 multiple choice questions in under 7 minutes and score a B.
Now the psychological warfare begins. I emailed each of them individually to let them know that they have been identified as having cheated on the test. I advise in the email that they should contact me immediately to set up a meeting with me regarding the possible sanctions listed in my syllabus.
My prediction: they will come to me whining that it was all a big misunderstanding and that they did not cheat. I will tell them to try again, they will come clean, and I will come down on them harshly.
I hate cheaters. I really do and the worst part is that I gave them an online exam that all they had to do was read the chapters and have their book and notes in front of them during the exam. For deciding to ignore my warnings (written and verbal) about what would happen if I discovered cheating, they will be dealt an excruciating blow that will make it impossible for them to get above a C in my course.
I hope they drop the course. That will make my life a lot easier.
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