The integrity of online examinations in Undergraduate Programmes
A Systematic Review
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22257312 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anele Mabovana (0009-0005-2907-0883, Walter Sisulu University), Tshepo Rabotapi (0000-0003-1008-2567, Walter Sisulu University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 677 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-15 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | E-Journal of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2720-7722 • E-ISSN: 2720-7722 |
| Publisher | Noyam Publishers (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.38159/ehass.2026733 |
| OpenAlex | W7154746331 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 44 |
This systematic review, conducted using PRISMA guidelines, investigates the validity of online assessments in undergraduate programs. The study aimed to explore the current state of the literature on online exams, including the types of assessments employed, the mechanisms implemented to ensure academic integrity, and the effectiveness of these strategies. It further examined the prevalence of cheating in online assessments and the potential impact of these exams on student learning outcomes. The findings indicate that while online exams offer several advantages for both students and educators, substantial concerns remain regarding their validity and fairness. In particular, the review highlights challenges in contexts where access to technology and internet connectivity is limited. The study concludes by emphasising the need for further research to develop and evaluate robust methods for safeguarding academic integrity and ensuring equitable assessment practices in online environments. This study contributes to scholarship by systematically reviewing and synthesizing the current evidence on online exam integrity in undergraduate education. It identifies critical gaps in the implementation of secure online assessments in rural and resource-constrained settings and provides evidence-based recommendations for enhancing academic integrity in emerging online learning environments
Academic integrity · Best practice · Cheating · Online assessment · Online course · Online learning · Safeguarding · Scholarship · The Internet · Academic integrity and plagiarism · E-Learning and COVID-19 · Technology-Enhanced Education Studies
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Online Delivery and Assessment during Covid-19
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Using Analytics to Identify When Course Materials Are Accessed Relative to Online Exams during Digital Education
A systematic review of online examinations
Trustworthy remote assessments
In the nexus of integrity and surveillance
The fear of big brother
Students cheat more often from those known to them
Two Sides of the Coin
| Highly cited | No |
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