Is Active Monitoring Exams a Good Idea?

Online monitoring technology is used to certify the test taker’s identity and the integrity of the test-taking environment. It has grown in popularity as colleges and universities allow students to take final-year examinations online from home.

What is proctoring, and why is it necessary?

During college exams, invigilation is employed to keep track of students. Cheating is more prevalent while taking online exams from home. Several institutions have adopted a multiple-choice inquiry structure, allowing candidates to search the Internet for the proper answers quickly. Invigilation is required to ensure the accuracy of a student’s grades as a performance measure. Proctoring is a set of artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms and technologies that maintain track of candidates throughout online exams that aren’t conducted in a testing facility.

How does remote proctoring software work?

Verification of the test-identity taker’s

The software and live invigilator confirm the candidate’s original identification before an online proctored test.

The online examination will commence

The exam will commence immediately after the candidate’s verification has been finished and accepted by the system or the proctor. If the candidate’s authentication attempt fails, they must retry.

Monitoring functions are activated

The software is given prior access to turn on the necessary video and audio recording devices. Once the test begins, they are automatically turned on and screen sharing capability.

Auto-proctoring is enabled

Artificial intelligence capabilities allow the online exam proctoring software to enhance the security of the testing environment. This simplifies the task of keeping track of the following-

Candidate navigation through the browser and other tabs. Any changes in the candidate’s exam setting, whether oral or visual. Candidates’ motions and facial expressions.

An audit trail is created.

The test taker and the test administrator receive a detailed performance report after the test. This report summarizes the percentages and scores obtained in each test section. Additionally, it highlights proctoring details such as the number of red flags raised or any unusual activity seen during the test.

Active monitoring

In-Person

A trained proctor is responsible for electronically invigilating the applicants via audio-video live stream and screen share in the Active Online Proctoring method.

The invigilators are deployed in a remote place and are in charge of overseeing the entire test. Proctors are similarly educated to ensure correct student authentication and, in the event of a cheating attempt, to issue a cheat alarm. In a grid view, a proctor can watch a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 32 displays simultaneously. The most significant benefit of digital proctoring is bypassing all geographical and physical constraints.

By AI

One of the most advanced and latest proctoring forms is automated proctoring, commonly known as AI. The audio-video monitoring is also done here, and the test takers’ screen feeds are shared and everything recorded during the test.

The AI-based online proctoring software examines any suspicious behavior of the test taker through advanced analytics, in addition to all of the standard capabilities of proctoring.

 

The candidate’s attention should be completely focused on the screen during the entire test. In addition, the test-takers room’s light, background, and sound are constantly monitored. The system raises red flags if an unidentifiable object, such as a phone, book, or piece of paper, is changed or added. The test will automatically cease if the activity continues.

Candidate benefits

  • Candidates now have more exam scheduling alternatives. They can pick a time that works for them because the exam provider isn’t confined to a particular exam day but rather a few days.
  • Candidates can take the exam anywhere without leaving work to travel to a testing location.
  • The option to take the exam from home or work advantages candidates. Being in a familiar and pleasant place helps people focus during the exam.
  • Taking a test in private also has its advantages. Professionals prefer to take examinations at home rather than a crowded testing facility.
  • Like other online tests, candidates can work on a computer as they normally would. Use internet apps like spreadsheets and text editors without a hurting hand.

Organizational benefits

  • It eliminates the need for in-person invigilators and test centers, reducing administrative costs. This is especially true when trying to run test centers in faraway locations.
  • Exams can be held more frequently and closer to the semester conclusion, rather than cramming everything into a few big exam days.
  • Online invigilation allows the organization to expand globally, administering more tests and reaching more people.
  • Also, it’s harder to cheat when an invigilator is always watching you on a huge video screen, checking your ID and your surroundings for any irregularities. Major offenses may result in the removal of exam access. Because the exam is videotaped, the examining body can review it whenever they choose.
  • Universities value the benefit of reducing demand for test hall space during particular times of the year; therefore, remote invigilation is becoming more popular.

Conclusion

As a result of the pandemic’s disruption, a new normal has emerged, one in which long-term solutions are critical. The rise of EdTech and distance learning has revolutionized the education sector. Live online classrooms and e-learning are no longer exclusive to a select social group but are already commonplace. On a broader scale, institutions are employing remote proctored online tests. The use of an online test monitoring system promotes the online exam’s security, convenience, and integrity.

Nathaniel Villa
Nathaniel Villa

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