As the world adapts to the new normal of remote learning and working, businesses and educational institutions face new challenges in administering exams. With students participating in online classes from different locations and employees working remotely, the traditional method of in-person testing is no longer feasible.
This is why many organisations are turning to online proctoring to maintain the integrity of exams while ensuring privacy for the test-taker. In this blog post, we will explore how online proctoring can take the stress out of remote exams and help businesses and educational institutions administer exams with ease.
What is Online Proctoring?
Online proctoring is a technology solution that allows for remote supervision of exams to ensure that test takers are not cheating. This technology uses webcams, microphones, and software to monitor test-takers in real-time and record their exam sessions.
This eliminates the need for in-person proctors and provides flexibility for both the test-takers and testing administrators.
Benefits of Remote Online Proctoring
Proctoring remote exams provides several benefits to both testing administrators and test-takers. These include:
- Flexibility: With online proctoring, test-takers can take exams from any location at any time. This ensures that students and employees can participate in exams without disrupting their schedules.
- Cost-Effective: Online proctoring is a cost-effective solution as it eliminates the need for in-person proctors and reduces administrative costs.
- Exam Integrity: Online proctoring ensures the integrity of exams by preventing cheating through real-time monitoring of test-takers. This helps maintain the credibility of the exam and the institution that provides it.
Types of Online Proctoring
There are different types of online proctoring solutions available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Automated Proctoring: Automated proctoring uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor test-takers through their webcams. AI algorithms detect suspicious behaviour and flag it for review by a human proctor.
- Live Proctoring: Live proctoring uses a human proctor to monitor exam sessions in real-time. This type of proctoring provides a greater level of security as the proctor can intervene immediately if they detect any cheating.
- Recorded Proctoring: Recorded proctoring records the exam session and reviews it later by a human proctor. This type of proctoring is less invasive than live proctoring but can still prevent cheating.
Considerations for Choosing Online Proctoring
When choosing an online proctoring solution, there are some things to consider.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the online proctoring solution is compatible with your exam software and LMS (Learning Management System).
- Data Privacy: Ensure that the online proctoring solution is GDPR compliant and adheres to other data privacy regulations.
- Technical Requirements: Ensure that the online proctoring software is easy to install and use for both testing administrators and test-takers.
- Customer Support: Choose an online proctoring provider that offers round-the-clock customer support to address any issues that may arise during exam sessions.
In Summary
Online proctoring offers a convenient and cost-effective solution to administer exams remotely. With flexible exam schedules and increased exam integrity, students and employees can take exams from any location at any time without compromising their privacy or credibility. When choosing an online proctoring provider, consider the compatibility, data privacy, technical requirements, and customer support to ensure a seamless exam experience for all parties involved.
