Online proctored exams have surged due to the sudden switch to online learning during the pandemic. Many colleges, universities, and companies are encouraged to do remote proctoring using services such as proctoredu.com. The product offered by these for-profit proctoring services are comprehensive in range, and the prices have dropped due to the increased competition.
Exam proctoring is watching people take an exam and making sure they don’t cheat. An online proctored exam (sometimes referred to as remote invigilation), on the other hand, is an exam that people take while a proctoring software monitors the computer desktop, including the webcam video and audio.
How Does Online Proctored Exam Work?
Aside from monitoring your desktop, video, and audio during the examination, below are some of the things online proctored exams can do:
Set Rules and Guidelines on the Software
Before the exam, instructors or institutions can set rules and guidelines when taking the exam. These include no talking, allowing specific websites, and no using of cellphones and other secondary devices.
Authentication of the Examinee
The proctoring software checks and validates the authenticity of the examinee and eliminates them for suspicious behavior during the exam. Before the exam starts, the online proctoring system usually requires the examinees to present their identification cards. It also ensures that the examinee is sharing the screen, video, and audio recording.
Real-Time Monitoring of Examinees
Some systems use an algorithm that monitors examinees consistently for doubtful cases such as unusual eye movement, another person in the room, the presence of mobile devices, and candidates not appearing on the screen. Some service providers have certified live proctors to supervise the test while watching the desktop and background to rule out cheating.
Data Storage and Review
After the examinations, the data recorded by the software is transferred to a proctoring service for review.
What Are the Benefits of Online Proctored exams?
To better understand why many educational institutions and companies transitioned to online test-taking, below are the benefits:
Make Education Accessible for All
Many educational institutions today offer online courses or virtual learning for their students. This makes education accessible for any student from anywhere around the globe, with a stable internet connection. The examinees can take the exams no matter where they are located.
Ensure a Secure and Safe Examination Environment
The exam invigilator, exam proctor, or exam supervisor can keep track of any suspicious activities during the entire duration of an examination. It also establishes a cheating-free environment and makes sure that the examinee takes the exam efficiently and adequately.
Large Scale Supervision
Many online-proctored examinations can monitor up to 30 participants or more simultaneously.
3-Point Authentication
There are a series of identity checks to verify the authenticity of the examinee or candidate appearing on the exam. Before starting the test, they need to register, upload a picture of identification cards, and take a real-time snapshot.
Boosts Credibility
While using online-proctored exam software, the candidates cannot open other windows while the exam is ongoing.
Suitable for All Types of Exam
It is used for any test or exams, be it essay writing, aptitude tests, objective or subjective types. It can also help in conducting digital exams.
Disable Sharing Options
While using this software, the individual cannot share any information during the examination. It can disable viewing of websites, search engines, screen sharing to other people, data sharing, copy, cut, and paste options.
Data Privacy and Security of Information
Before the test, the examinees will have to enter specific information for authentication. The data will be stored in the system and can be retrieved when needed. Service providers use various encrypted systems and technologies to protect the confidentiality of the information gathered.
Detailed Video and Audio Reporting Helps Institutions Understand Test-Taking Behavior
The in-depth reporting can give the institution staff information to identify patterns of test-taking behavior and understand how examinees engage with online exams. This can improve future online exams and drive toward better exam outcomes.
360 Degrees Tour to Prevent Cheating
The software will require candidates to have a 360-degree tour of the examination area. This will help the invigilator detect any disturbances or suspicious behavior and eliminate possibilities for cheating.
Flexible Exam Scheduling
This is one of the best benefits of online exams. It removes hassles in exam schedules. With automated proctoring, examinees can schedule their online exams in their free time.
Resource for Instructors and Students
Examinees should see an online-proctored exam as a resource because it ensures a fair testing environment and can provide help if any problems occur. They can also make sure that the exams are protected and can save time in the review process.
Conclusion
During this time of global health crisis, online distance learning and online courses are becoming popular. With this type of learning, online-proctored exams can be beneficial for students and institutions to encourage learning and prevent cheating.
WRITTEN BY
Sophie H.