Designing a Supervision Model for Internet-Based Remote Examinations to Reduce Student Cheating: A Qualitative Study

Mohammadi, Abbas; Haj Akbari, Seyyed Mahmoud

doi:10.22055/edus.2025.50189.3784

Designing a Supervision Model for Internet-Based Remote Examinations to Reduce Student Cheating: A Qualitative Study

10.22055/edus.2025.50189.3784

Volume 33, Issue 2
September 2026

Pages 141-156

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

abbas mohammadi ¹

Seyyed Mahmoud Haj Akbari ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

² Master's degree, Researcher of Social Innovation Research Group, Mehrpjohan, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a monitoring model for internet-based remote examinations in order to mitigate academic dishonesty among students. This qualitative research employed a grounded theory approach, following the systematic procedure proposed by Strauss and Corbin. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 experts and key stakeholders, including faculty members, managers, and specialists from university examination units. A purposive sampling strategy was adopted, supplemented by the snowball technique. The trustworthiness of the data was established through member checking and expert validation by professors, while dependability was assessed via the test-retest method. Data analysis was performed across three stages—open, axial, and selective coding—using MAXQDA software. The findings revealed that the monitoring model for online examinations is influenced by causal conditions (including weak oversight systems, individual and psychological characteristics, and cheating facilitators), contextual conditions (encompassing cultural and social factors, a deficient educational system, and economic determinants), and intervening conditions (such as poor internet infrastructure, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, limited educational facilities, and cultural-ethical challenges). Proposed strategies to counteract these issues include refining examination procedures, strengthening authentication mechanisms, deploying electronic proctoring systems, ensuring content security, establishing clear regulatory frameworks, and implementing training and awareness programs to foster a culture of academic integrity. Ultimately, a paradigmatic model was put forward to enhance the monitoring of online examinations and effectively reduce cheating behavior.

Keywords

Academic progress assessment

exam supervision

remote examinations

internet-based tests

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