Fact Check: Are wgu exams proctored?

Are WGU Exams Proctored?

The claim in question is whether exams at Western Governors University (WGU) are proctored. Proctored exams are typically supervised assessments designed to maintain academic integrity by ensuring that the person taking the exam is indeed the registered student. Given the rise of online education, the methods of proctoring have evolved, and WGU's approach is of particular interest.

What We Know

1. Proctoring Service: According to WGU's official website, objective exams are proctored using an online proctoring service called Examity. This service connects to the student's computer and webcam during the exam to verify identity and ensure a secure testing environment 1.

2. Assessment Policies: The WGU Knowledge Center outlines various assessment policies, but the specific page regarding proctored exams is currently unavailable, which limits access to detailed official policies 2.

3. Technical Requirements: WGU has specific technical requirements for students to ensure compatibility with their online systems, which includes the proctoring service 3.

4. Differences in Exam Types: An article from RM Connection explains that WGU offers both online tests and proctored exams. Online tests serve as practice and are less formal, while proctored exams are high-stakes assessments that cover comprehensive material 6.

5. Student Experiences: Various discussions on platforms like Reddit indicate that students have mixed feelings about the proctoring process at WGU. Some express frustration with the proctoring requirements, suggesting that the experience can be cumbersome 710.

6. Video Explanations: There are several YouTube videos that explain the proctoring process at WGU, providing insights from students who have experienced it firsthand 89.

Analysis

The claim that WGU exams are proctored is supported by multiple sources, particularly the official WGU website, which details the use of Examity for proctoring. However, the reliability of the information can be questioned due to the lack of access to specific policy details on the WGU Knowledge Center 2. The absence of this page raises concerns about the transparency of WGU's assessment policies.

The source from RM Connection provides a clear distinction between online tests and proctored exams, which is beneficial for understanding the context of WGU's assessment methods 6. However, this source is not an official WGU publication, which may introduce bias or inaccuracies.

Student experiences shared on forums and social media platforms like Reddit can provide valuable insights but should be approached with caution. These platforms often reflect personal opinions and may not represent the broader student body or the official stance of WGU 710.

The YouTube videos, while informative, are created by individual users and may not always present an objective view of the proctoring process. The credibility of these sources can vary significantly based on the creator's intent and expertise 89.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the claim that exams at Western Governors University (WGU) are proctored. The official WGU website confirms the use of Examity, an online proctoring service, to supervise exams and maintain academic integrity. This is further corroborated by various sources that differentiate between proctored and non-proctored assessments at WGU.

However, it is important to note that while the official information indicates proctoring, the lack of access to specific assessment policy details raises questions about the transparency of these practices. Additionally, student experiences shared on forums and social media reflect a range of opinions, which may not fully represent the official stance or the experiences of all students.

Readers should be aware that while the claim is substantiated, the evidence is not exhaustive, and the context surrounding student experiences may vary. As such, it is advisable for individuals to critically evaluate information and consider multiple sources when assessing the proctoring practices at WGU.

Sources

1. WGU ACADEMY - Western Governors University. Link
2. The policy - WGU Knowledge Center. Link
3. Computer Requirements | Online College Admissions. Link
4. Introducing The WGU Systems Check - Western Governors University. Link
5. An Online Degree That Works with Your Busy Schedule. Link
6. How Are WGU Online Tests Different from Proctored Exams. Link
7. Tired of WGU proctoring - non-proctored alternatives. Link
8. Proctored Exams at WGU: What To Expect - YouTube. Link
9. WGU || Proctored Exams - YouTube. Link
10. Proctored Exams : WGU - redditmedia.com. Link