While institutions often view academic dishonesty as a policy problem, student anxiety, high-stakes pressure, and harmful confusion are major triggers that lead to disengagement and shortcuts. Join experts in instructional design and educational technology to explore how supportive assessments can transform testing into a transparent, low-stress experience.
By shifting toward human-centered design, educators can balance meaningful rigor with student confidence. Experts will examine how to distinguish between productive challenge and harmful confusion while opening honest conversations that build trust. Attendees will leave with practical approaches to scaffolding assessments, fostering inclusion, and thoughtfully integrating technology to reduce emotional friction, supporting both academic integrity and student success.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluate assessments to eliminate design-driven friction and cognitive overload while maintaining academic rigor.
- Design supportive, incremental evaluation structures that build confidence and reduce test anxiety prior to high-stakes exams.
- Implement transparent expectations and supportive feedback mechanisms that encourage accountability and authentic student work.
- Pair online proctoring with clear instructional pathways to create a reliable space where students feel safe showing what they truly know without feeling overwhelmed.
Intended Audience
Instructional designers, academic technologists, online assessment professionals, faculty, and academic integrity officers looking to balance meaningful academic rigor with supportive, human-centered testing design.
Presenters
Heather Medley | Instructional Designer, South Plains College
As an Instructional Designer at South Plains College, Heather has been enhancing online learning experiences since 2019. Heather holds a Master’s degree in Education from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from Missouri Southern State University. Known for her expertise in e-learning and content development, she is dedicated to creating engaging and effective educational environments that empower students and promote their success.
Tyler Stike | Sr. Director of Content and Product Marketing, Honorlock
Tyler is Honorlock’s Sr. Director of Content & Product Marketing, and a doctoral student at the University of Florida focused on educational technology. His research explores how emotion recognition AI can create adaptive online learning experiences that improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Before Honorlock, Tyler worked at Blackboard for six years across markets and products and led brand marketing efforts for top universities at an educational services company.