Saturday, October 26, 2024

Note: Avoid Cheating Especially During Qur'an Subject Online (ChatGPT and Meta AI)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
❓Question: During an online exam for Qur'an subject via Google Meet or Zoom application, if an examinee is instructed to recite some Ayaat verses from the Noble Qur'an without looking at the Mushaf or Qur'an application as they are having an online test, would it be considered cheating if they read from a note in which they wrote only some parts of the Ayaat verses from the beginning part of a verse and the last words of each verse so they know how to continue reciting smoothly? 

What are some methods for students to prove they are not cheating during an online test if they are commanded to recite some Ayaat verses from memory?
💻 ChatGPT: In the context of an online exam for reciting verses from the Noble Qur'an, yes, the use of notes, even if they contain only parts of the verses, may be considered cheating, particularly if the examinee is expected to recite solely from memory. If the instructions specify that students must recite from memory without aids, using any form of notes would likely violate those guidelines.

To prove they are not cheating during such an online test, students can consider the following methods:

1. **Camera Placement**: Position the camera to show a clear view of the student and their workspace, ensuring that no unauthorized materials are present.

2. **Screen Sharing**: If applicable, students can share their screen to show they are not accessing any materials on their device.

3. **Oral Defense**: After reciting, students can be asked to explain the meaning or context of the verses, demonstrating their understanding.

4. **Random Selection**: Instructors can randomly select verses for students to recite, making it harder to rely on pre-prepared notes.

5. **Peer Monitoring**: Having fellow students observe each other during the recitation can add a layer of accountability.

6. **Recording Sessions**: Instructors can record the session to review if needed, ensuring a fair assessment of the student's performance.

By adhering to these methods, students can help ensure a fair examination environment.

🌐 Meta AI: In an online exam setting, using notes with partial verses to aid recitation could be considered cheating, as it:

1. Violates the instruction to recite from memory.
2. Provides an unfair advantage.

To prove integrity during an online test, students can:

1. Use a clean desk policy: Ensure the workspace is clear of any materials.
2. Share their screen: Allow the instructor to monitor their screen activity.
3. Use a webcam: Enable video to show their face and surroundings.
4. Provide a verbal declaration: State their commitment to honest recitation before starting.
5. Use memory aids allowed by the instructor: If permitted, use approved methods like mind maps or mnemonic devices.

Instructors can:

1. Conduct random checks: Monitor students' screens or video feeds.
2. Set clear guidelines: Specify allowed and prohibited resources.
3. Use live interaction: Engage with students during the exam to assess their knowledge.

For reciting Qur'an verses from memory, students can prepare by:

1. Practicing regularly.
2. Using flashcards (without looking at them during the exam).
3. Creating mental associations or mnemonics.
4. Focusing on understanding and applying the verses' meanings.

Instructors can also consider:

1. Open-book exams: Allow students to use approved resources.
2. Oral exams: Conduct live recitation assessments.
3. Authentic assessments: Evaluate students' understanding and application of the material.

Communicate clearly with your instructor or exam administrator to understand their specific expectations and guidelines.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

*Why using notes could be considered cheating:*

1. Violates instructions: The exam specifically requires reciting from memory.
2. Unfair advantage: Notes provide access to information that others don't have.
3. Lack of assessment integrity: The exam aims to evaluate students' ability to recall and recite Qur'an verses from memory.

*Methods for students to prove integrity:*

1. Clean desk policy: Ensure no unauthorized materials are nearby.
2. Screen sharing: Allow instructors to monitor computer activity.
3. Webcam usage: Enable video to show face and surroundings.
4. Verbal declaration: State commitment to honest recitation before starting.
5. Approved memory aids: Use instructor-approved methods like mind maps or mnemonics.

*Instructor strategies:*

1. Random checks: Monitor students' screens or video feeds.
2. Clear guidelines: Specify allowed and prohibited resources.
3. Live interaction: Engage with students during the exam.
4. Open-book exams: Allow approved resources.
5. Oral exams: Conduct live recitation assessments.
6. Authentic assessments: Evaluate understanding and application.

*Preparing for Qur'an recitation from memory:*

1. Regular practice.
2. Flashcards (without looking during the exam).
3. Mental associations or mnemonics.
4. Focus on understanding and applying verse meanings.

*Additional suggestions:*

1. Use online proctoring tools.
2. Conduct mock exams to familiarize students with the format.
3. Provide clear instructions and communicate with students.
4. Consider alternative assessment methods, like written exams or projects.