Perceptions of Portuguese higher education professors about security and privacy in online assessments

This research aims to identify and differentiate the perceptions of higher education Portuguese teachers on security and privacy issues in online assessment. This study developed 22 interviews, conducted online between 06/15/2021 and 07/09/2021, which were analyzed through coding, categorization, and content analysis. There was homogeneity in the perceptions of teachers regarding the need for safety in online evaluation processes, to ensure the identity of students, and avoid accessing unauthorized materials and plagiarism. However, professors disagreed on how and if the strategies and tools employed for these purposes violate student data protection and privacy laws. The research concludes that the instructional design of online and hybrid courses should include, regarding e-assessment, strategies and tools that consider both the security of the process, as well as respect for data protection and privacy standards. Future studies can replicate the questions and methodology of this research for broader samples.