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Preventing Networked Gizmo Use During Exams?
bcrowell writes "I'm a college physics professor. My students all want to use calculators during exams, and some of them whose native language isn't English also want to use electronic dictionaries. I had a Korean student who was upset and dropped the course when I told her she couldn't use her iPod during an exam — she said she used it as a dictionary. It gets tough for me to distinguish networked devices (iPhone? iTouch?) from non-networked ones (calculator? electronic dictionary? iPod?). I give open-notes exams, so it's not memory that's an issue, it's networking. Currently our classrooms have poor wireless receptivity (no Wi-Fi, possible cell, depending on your carrier), but as of spring 2011 we will have Wi-Fi everywhere. What's the best way to handle this? I'd prefer not to make them all buy the same overpriced graphing calculator. I'm thinking of buying 30 el-cheapo four-function calculators out of my pocket, but I'm afraid that less-adaptable students will be unable to handle the switch from the calculator they know to an unfamiliar (but simpler) one."
As my drill sergeant told me many years ago, "If you ain't cheating, you ain't trying. And if you get caught, you weren't trying hard enough."
Cheating is a part of all cultures.
THL phish sticks
I cannot believe the "english only" vibe of this crowd. Its rather harsh considering there's no official language of the US. I cant speak for private universities, but for any state and or federally funded school culture shouldnt be offended or punished.
Anyways, as far as the topic is concerned, I would consider making the method part of the correct answer. After all, if the problem is complex enough or requires the use of a particular theory of equation Its not going to come from the top of your head. Googling a question or using an online calculator might give you an answer, but I have seen very few that will break down the process for you. If there are questions for which the answers can be regurgitated, set an appropriate timeline. Students may find some of the answers through references, but they wouldnt have time to look up everything. As someone mentioned previously, I dont know many jobs that require you to have all the answers without having reference materials
In work, getting answers matters most. In school, being forced to THINK (not copy) is what matters most.
But I'm glad the cheating worked out for you.
A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
No shit. That's because you're not god. You've no right to judge people guilty and ban their stuff, or even force them to change their behaviour, without investigation, evidence, and a trial. Even with all that, many would question whether true justice was present.
face time.
No loss there, Asian chicks usually have small tits anyway.
Small, perky, firm, and shapely > large, droopy, soft, and amorphous.