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How is an online exam proctored? Tips & Techniques

 

The last pandemic has made us humans adapt to learn and work through online mediums. All Online Classes Hub has seen a more than 70% rise in online learning and remote working, all thanks to the invention of the internet. Because of the pandemic, it is now abundantly evident that we will have no alternative but to embrace the digitalization of education in the years to come.

Learning in the future will primarily take place online. According to projections, the global e-learning market is expected to reach a value of USD 325 billion by the year 2025. The online education market is expanding at a breakneck pace, which has resulted in an increased demand for various ancillary technologies like remote proctoring products and help with proctored exams

Congratulations to the educational institutions in the US, including schools, colleges, and universities, that have effectively conducted online teaching and learning classes by deploying revolutionary e-learning software. Nonetheless, there is still much room for development in terms of malpractice-free and regulated online examinations and assessments. Exams with online proctors are all the rage in the academic world.

The realm of virtual proctoring is becoming more significant as time goes by. If it weren’t for e-learning, online video proctoring probably wouldn’t be as standard now. Nevertheless, considering the risks associated with online course programs, the number of people looking for this service has increased at lightning speed.

If you are considering opting for an online proctored instead of a conventional one to save time and commute, this blog has all the required information. First, we will discuss what an online proctored exam is. We will move on to discuss how online exams with proctoring technology function, and finally, we will give you some pointers and strategies on what to do and what not to do during an online proctored exam.

Let’s Answer the Most Common Question: What Is an Online Proctored Exam

One form of online exam is the proctored online exam, which allows instructors to keep tabs on students’ online behavior in real-time. So, with artificial intelligence-powered technology, online proctored exams can monitor and follow students, allowing institutions to reduce or eradicate exam cheating.

If you still did not get it, here is another definition of a proctored exam. Proctoring, also known as a proctored test, is a method whereby a third party (the proctor) is present throughout an examination to verify the test taker’s identity and avoid any instances of cheating.

Examinees’ computer screens, webcams, and audio are all recorded and analyzed in real-time during a proctored online exam. Online proctoring can be done in two different ways. First, data will be recorded by proctoring software and sent to an external proctoring agency for inspection. With the latter, an actual person serves as a proctor and watches over the exam via a live video feed.

Candidates require the following to take a proctored online exam from afar:

  1. A computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
  2. A 256-kilobit-per-second (kbps) or faster Internet connection
  3. A camera and microphone that works
  4. Any current browser on a desktop/laptop computer

Confused About What Does ‘Proctored’ Even Mean?

Oh! I am reading this blog; all I see is proctor, proctored exam, or proctoring—no need to fret, as we are here to provide you with a brief about it.

Proctoring is the process of supervising applicants while they are taking an examination. This process is also sometimes referred to as invigilation. Proctoring is required to ensure that the examination process is honest and open to participation from all candidates. When there is a lot on the line, it is necessary to take extra precautions to prevent people from cheating, impersonating a student, or copying answers to share with others.

Most of us are already familiar with the procedure behind proctoring and invigilation. We have experienced it at some point, whether in the classroom or on the job. The method of monitoring the activities of exam applicants is converted into a digital format so that it is helpful in examinations carried out online through proctoring.

When taking an online exam, the test can be proctored either by a piece of software developed explicitly. Or by a person invigilator who supervises the applicants through webcams and remote computer access (more information on these various forms of online proctoring is discussed below.)

Multiple Types of Exam Proctoring

Live Online Proctoring

An invigilator oversees test takers remotely via live audio/video/screen sharing in a live proctored exam. The invigilator’s job is to ensure that each student is who they say they are and to watch for any irregularities.

They can keep an eye on anywhere from 16 to 32 students. Yet, like an in-person exam, this proctoring approach needs human intervention. Because it still necessitates scheduling the tests and involves human intervention similar to offline proctoring, it is also the most expensive and least scalable option.

Recorded Proctoring

In the method of recorded proctoring, there is no participation of human beings in invigilation. In its place, recordings of the candidates’ audio, video, and screen activity are present to asses and investigate.

The moderator can see this at a faster pace later on as a reference for any potentially suspicious behavior that may have occurred. After administering tests using an online exam platform, it is still necessary to have human involvement in the proctoring process; however, this eliminates the requirement to schedule tests.

Advanced Automated Proctoring

In automated proctoring, all aspects of the exam, including screen share, audio, and video, are recorded. The software authenticates users by recognizing their faces and listening to strange sounds or movements in videos. It also scans for background voices.

Using sophisticated video and audio analytics, it monitors the student and looks for any signs of unethical behavior. It is unnecessary to schedule or have human assistance in the proctoring process.

Thousands of kilometers can separate the student and proctor. The All Online Courses Hub is at the forefront regarding this type of service.

7 Steps Summary of How Proctoring Online Exams Function

An online assessment platform and proctoring software are required to administer a proctored exam online (Or a service that provides a live proctor to oversee test takers.)

The steps involved in administering a proctored exam online are as follows:

  1. The proctoring service and exam are both created and administered in an online environment.
  2. Before taking an exam, candidates must download and install any necessary proctoring software. That is if any software is required.
  3. Identities are verified before the exam begins To ensure no one else is taking the test in a candidate’s place. A human invigilator verifies identification in the case of live proctoring. At the same time, candidates use a camera to snap a photo of themselves and their ID in the case of software-based proctoring.
  4. Once students’ identities confirm, proctors or invigilators will check their proctoring space for any signs of cheating.
  5. Authorities brief the candidate on what to expect from their proctored online examination. This briefing usually involves not being allowed to share exam content with others through talking, utilizing notes, or using other applications on a computer.
  6. Candidates are observed closely throughout the examination to ensure they follow the rules. A human invigilator may monitor candidates via camera and screen share. Alternatively, if needed, the software monitors everyone’s online behavior, including webcam videos and audio.
  7. The service provider will review the record exams if proctoring records and reviews employ.

These methods guarantee a fair test and avoid test fraud.

Online Proctored Exams: The DOs and DON’Ts

We created a table and divided the tips and techniques into the dos and don’ts of a proctored exam.

DO’s DON’Ts
The online exam room should be well-lit. Students should stay within the webcam range.
The candidate should be alone for the exam. Students should not wear masks.
Prevent technological difficulties. It would be best if you did not navigate the exam screen.
Students need a microphone and webcam. Students should not share the screen or answers with anyone.
Clear the background. The exam should be silent.
Provide stable internet and power. It’s malpractice to use multiple gadgets at once.
Work using very rough sheets. Do not Eat or Drink.
Clear exam instructions aid students. Don’t leave early.
No electronic devices are nearby. Use a secure browser.
Mock examinations prevent online exam difficulties. Only a technical fault should allow a retake of the exam.
Log on to the exam portal at least 15 minutes before the exam. Don’t wait for help. Ask immediately.

 

The Takeaway

The institutions ensure the best standards and provide exam fairness thanks to real-time monitoring. As a stopgap measure, proctoring technology helps eliminate dishonesty in the testing environment.