Canvas Data, Student Engagement and Cross-Border Investigations - 28th May, 5 to 6pm UK time

The next BAEF session is going to be of interest to a wide audience with a subject close to many of our hearts, essay mill cheating. Our speaker, Phil Rothwell (Teaching and Learning Academy, LJMU), will outline how Canvas data can be a powerful tool for the analysis and enhancement of student engagement, system development, and teaching, learning and assessment. In this case, it also proved to be a powerful aid to police investigation.

Phil will tell the story of how Canvas data was used to initiate and support an investigation into an essay and exam mill that was operating across multiple international borders and involving over 25 UK HEIs and more than 500 students. The investigation ultimately led to the seizure of millions of pounds.

The presentation will explore how simple data forensics and triangulation techniques were used in partnership with Merseyside Police to help bring an end to large-scale fraud and misconduct. This was enacted via the implementation of the Skills and Post-16 Education Act, which criminalised the operation of essay mills in England. The legislation aims to protect students from deceptive practices and uphold the integrity of higher education.

(Image created by chat GPT under guidance)

About the Speaker

Phil has worked in the Teaching and Learning Academy at LJMU for nine years. His key areas of focus are Learning Analytics (LA), online learning, micro credentials, and GenAI innovation and policy development. He is a published researcher and is involved in multiple national and international research projects in these areas and is close to completing a doctorate in the field.

For this, and future events if you wish, sign up here: MSForm

The session is free and open to all.