Taking a domestic violence or Batterer Intervention class online offers flexibility, but it can also create an important question: How can an online provider verify that the registered student is actually the person completing the course?
At Stop DV Class, we offer an optional attendance verification system for certain students taking court-ordered classes. When this verification is required or selected, the system uses text messages at different points during the course to help confirm the identity and participation of the student.
How Online Attendance Verification Works
When a student registers for a Stop DV Class program, we ask for a valid mobile phone number. For students using the attendance verification system, this number becomes part of the verification process while they progress through the course.
At various points during the class, the system temporarily stops the student's progress and displays a verification prompt.
At the same time, a unique verification code is sent by text message to the mobile phone number provided during registration. The student must enter that code into the course before being allowed to continue.
This verification can occur periodically throughout the program rather than only once at the beginning or end.
When Attendance Verification May Be Used
The text-message attendance system is not required for every student. It is an optional feature available for certain students completing a class for a court or other referring agency.
Depending on the circumstances, a student may want an additional method of documenting that they personally participated in the online course. The verification system provides an extra layer of accountability without requiring live video sessions or special software.
Students who use this option should have regular access to the mobile phone number entered during registration, since verification codes may be requested while they are completing the course.
Why Verify Attendance Throughout the Course?
For a court-ordered domestic violence class or Batterer Intervention Program, simply creating an account does not necessarily demonstrate that the registered student personally completed the coursework.
Periodic text verification helps provide additional confirmation that the student remains present and involved throughout the program.
Because each verification code is sent to the student's registered phone, the system makes it more difficult for someone to simply hand the course over to another person to complete.
The process is also straightforward. There is no separate app to install or complicated identity-verification software to manage. The student receives a text message, enters the code, and continues the class.
Supporting the Integrity of Online DV Classes
Online education should offer convenience while still providing reasonable methods of documenting participation. This can be particularly important for students completing domestic violence or Batterer Intervention classes for court, probation, an attorney, or another referring organization.
Stop DV Class gives eligible students the option to add text-message attendance verification to their online course experience. This allows students to maintain the convenience of an online program while adding another method of confirming personal participation.
A More Accountable Online Learning Option
An online domestic violence class should provide more than course material and a certificate. For students who need or want additional participation verification, text-message authentication provides a simple and practical option.
By periodically requiring a code sent to the student's registered mobile phone, Stop DV Class can provide an additional level of attendance verification for certain court-ordered students without taking away the flexibility of online learning.