Straighterline requiring PROCTORED examinations

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by RugbyMan187, Oct 6, 2012.

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  1. RugbyMan187

    RugbyMan187 New Member

    Starting November 1st, Straighterline will require proctored examinations. This is total bait and switch to loyal customers. Straighterline was known for being self paced, go on your own leisure. They will start flagging accounts prior to Nov 1, if they notice a student dramatically progressing through the course. Even if you know about the subject or are unemployed and have 24+ hours devoted to a course to complete it, you will be flagged prior Nov 1 to retake the final exam. They are even looking at past accounts to see if they progressed the courses dramatically, your account will be possibly flagged.

    The proctor will cost more money. Even if you already signed up for an account and you were told you would only pay a monthly fee of $99 +$39 per class. Now everyone will have to pay more money to complete their class. Each proctored test will be $30 requiring a 72 hour notice, and if you want it the same day, they tack on $8.75. If you rush through the last week you will probably be flagged and most likely you will be charged another $99 for the next months subscription if you don't complete that course within 27 days. Also, it's hard already for individuals to schedule time to take a proctor. I for one, like to take my tests half naked or in my pajamas at the leisure of my own home. We are subjected to use a for profit company called "Proctor U" to take these exams. They have control of your computer and view you through webcam. You will need identification and make sure you meet at the appointment you scheduled or you will be charged again.

    I for one only agree if a partner college with Straighterline requires proctored examinations. If a college doesn't have a rule requiring proctored examinations than so be it. The student is aware, for example, if they choose WGU they would have to go by proctors for each exam. But if one goes to TESC, they don't need a proctor for Straighterline courses. This move is more about making money than academic integrity. Even many community college courses in many states do not require proctors, why make proctoring mandatory if not all current partner schools require it!

    This has become a big issue on the sister forums, so I would like to post it here as well. Their is a petition up if you would like to sign it, please.

    Petition | Straighterline: Stop the new policy requiring PROCTORED examinations. | Change.org

    P.S: Yes , I do like to take my exams half naked. It's just how I am :)
     
  2. AV8R

    AV8R Active Member

    I wouldn't exactly call it a bait and switch. I have no problem with them requiring proctored exams. I am, however, disappointed that this will require the payment of an additional fee per course.

    The flagging of accounts for working too quickly doesn't seem to be that big of a deal as Straighterline indicates...

    http://www.straighterline.com/faq/online-proctoring.cfm
     
  3. RugbyMan187

    RugbyMan187 New Member

    Right, I don't have a problem with proctored examinations either. Heck, I'll be more comfortable if they let me choose my local college or library as my proctor. I have taken many Penn Foster courses where I choose my local community college as a proctor destination. I am just furious that they are charging for this fee. Not only that, imagine if one is in the last week of the course and we need to schedule an appointment for Proctor U to take that exam. If Proctor U does not have an appointment at your convenience your pretty much screwed and have to pay another $99 for the next month for Straighterline since you passed your deadline.
     
  4. contactmail

    contactmail New Member

    Same thing happened with my account. Wait until you pay and then switch it on you. As far as I am concerned, StraighterLine is a fraud.
     
  5. RugbyMan187

    RugbyMan187 New Member

    Straighterline, okay keep the proctors, but why make us pay for it and use a for-profit organization called Proctor U to view me through webcam and have access to my computer? I rather take the proctor examination at my local college or university. I am 100% uncomfortable having some one access my computer. If that is the case, you guys should be paying me for that. Unbelievable.
     
  6. recruiting

    recruiting Member

    The remedy is, don't use them anymore... It is just that simple.
     
  7. contactmail

    contactmail New Member

    Except people have aready paid for classes that were nonproctored and then one day they find out they will have to get it proctored and they owe more money
     
  8. AV8R

    AV8R Active Member

    I agree with this 100%. The unique selling position of Straighterline is its super-low prices. It you tack on an additional $30 fee per course, you will alienate a lot of people.

    Also, it is pretty tacky of you to suddenly require a proctor for those who signed up for classes prior to the new policy. Not a good move.

    Why not let students use a local proctor for free like so many colleges and universities that offer online and independent study courses do and have done for years?
     
  9. LearningAddict

    LearningAddict Well-Known Member

    Indeed.

    Tacky, unprofessional, inconsiderate, probably fraudulent since it can be argued that prior students will have had SL's services misrepresented to them because the policy changed after the fact.

    My guess is, because they can't make money off of that.

    Sorry Straighterline, but you dropped the ball with this one. What were you thinking?
     
  10. AV8R

    AV8R Active Member

    The more I think about this development, the less sense Straighterline makes for students. You say you flag students' accounts if they work too quickly through a course, but why? What difference does it make if a student studies for a week and passes a CLEP exam or if he burns through a Straighterline course in two weeks?

    Under your current pricing model, if a student does take two months to complete a course, that's $99 per month plus the enrollment fee of $39, plus an additional $30 for the proctored exam. That's a total of $267 per course.

    $267 per course is in the community college tuition range. Now, why would anyone choose Straighterline over a local community college when Straighterline courses are only ACE evaluated for credit and CC courses have regional accreditation?

    What's the comparative advantage?
     
  11. RugbyMan187

    RugbyMan187 New Member

    Good one AV8R. Waiting for Straighterline to respond to that.

    Oh and that also includes "online courses" from local community colleges, Straighterline. I don't want to hear the ole' "Students don't have to travel to class" trick.
     
  12. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    This is exactly correct. I have no love for SL. In addition to there being limited transfer, they are expensive, require the purchase of edition-specific text books, have errors in the quizzes, a multiple two step drop box cluster junk, and are full of security issues. In addition, the use of a proctor is a joke- these are open book tests for crying out loud.

    FWIW, the places that take SL credits already take everything else (CLEP, PLA, DSST, ECE, ALEKS, CC transfer, etc) save your money. SL is the new kid on the block, has been growing too fast, and may not even be here in 2 years. Let them figure out a plan and revisit in a year or two.
     
  13. Does that mean students can expect a greater number of schools that are willing to accept these credits for transfer? As in, is Straighterline actively seeking to add additional partner schools? Was this something that was proposed by potential partner schools or was this based on the assumption of Straighterline?
     
  14. LearningAddict

    LearningAddict Well-Known Member

    I'm in favor of proctored exams, but the whole idea of going back and telling people their credits are no good and they now have to retake exams after they've earned their credit, is completely out of control.
     
  15. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    Exactly, and to the folks who like to post about completing X credits in X days, they should re-think that. It's easy enough to figure out who people are, and SL trolls these boards like crazy. They've already said they're going back and flagging people who finished quickly and will require a final exam re-take. Complete joke. And no, I've never taken a SL class, so I've no fear of being flagged.
     
  16. AV8R

    AV8R Active Member

    Looks like there's now a change of policy on the new exams...

    StraighterLine’s New Online Proctoring Policy | Burck Smith's CEO Corner
     
  17. AV8R

    AV8R Active Member

  18. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I just signed the petition, it does not affect me...but eventually my wife. I want to her to get a Bachelor degree and Nursing license. I agree that StraighterLine is not a granting institution; therefore, proctor exam is absolutely require.
     
  19. Last edited by a moderator: Oct 9, 2012
  20. rebel100

    rebel100 New Member

    kinda reminds me of the netflix price hike. just becoming a meltdown....my bet is they stick with their guns as this is an enticement to some big fish they are attempting to reel in.
     

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