If an online school allows unproctored open-book exams is it a diploma mill?

Not necessarily. While unproctored open-book exams can make it easier for students to cheat, they do not necessarily indicate that a school is a diploma mill. Diploma mills are institutions that award degrees or diplomas without requiring students to complete rigorous academic coursework. They often charge high tuition fees and provide little or no educational value.

There are several factors to consider when evaluating an online school, including its accreditation status, student reviews, and faculty credentials. If a school is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, it means that it has met certain quality standards. Student reviews can also provide valuable insights into the school's academic rigor and overall quality. Additionally, it is important to consider the credentials of the school's faculty to ensure that they are qualified to teach the courses they are offering.

It is also worth noting that some reputable online schools may offer unproctored open-book exams for certain courses, especially those that emphasize self-learning and critical thinking. In such cases, the exams are designed to assess students' understanding of the material and their ability to apply it in practical scenarios.

Therefore, it is important to conduct thorough research and consider multiple factors before concluding that an online school is a diploma mill solely based on the presence of unproctored open-book exams. Accreditation, student reviews, and faculty credentials are among the key indicators of a school's credibility and academic standards.