Examinations have been traditionally conducted offline in physical centres where ‘proctors’ or invigilators monitored the examinees. This helps keep the integrity of the examinations intact by preventing prohibited activities like cheating, which in turn ensures fairness in assessing all candidates.
Everything in today’s world is going digital, including the way examinations are held. There is a transformation from physical to computer-based exams that deploy a critical feature called remote proctoring.
Understanding Remote Proctoring
Remote proctoring is done when candidates appear for exams online. In this process, supervisors who are located at a different remote site use technology to remotely watch the candidates.
This procedure is meant to stop candidates from engaging in any kind of malpractice, including cheating when taking an online test.
Various Types of Remote Proctoring
Several forms of remote proctoring can be used for online examinations, such as image-based, audio-based and video-based proctoring to mention a few.
1. Image-Based Proctoring
During image-based proctoring, technology is used to take and examine pictures of the test taker and their environment. This can assist in spotting any questionable actions or behaviours that might point to cheating.
2. Audio-Based Proctoring
Using technology to record and examine the test taker’s audio during the test is known as audio-based proctoring. This can assist in identifying any odd sounds or verbal exchanges that can hint at cheating.
3. Video-Based Proctoring
Video-based proctoring means employing technology to record and analyse video of the exam taker during the exam. This can provide a full perspective of the candidate’s activities and behaviours, making it easier to detect any cheating.
4. Automated Proctoring
Automated proctoring is a virtual proctoring solution that employs technologies to supervise a candidate remotely. In the two-part remote proctoring option of record and review, the automated system actively observes and records the candidates for subsequent use of the recording in case the examiner feels it is necessary.
AI-Powered Remote Proctoring: What It Is and How It Works
AI is a critical tool for improving the reliability and neutrality of online proctoring applications. Remote proctoring uses techniques such as facial detection, object recognition and setting up chatbots to manage candidates who will be writing online tests.
1. Facial Recognition Technology
AI algorithms are applied to recognise the exam taker’s face and match it with the photos submitted beforehand to check the identification of the exam taker. It can help prevent impersonation and ensure that only the right people authorised to take the exams have access to them.
2. Object Detection Technology
This employs AI algorithms to recognise and track objects in the exam taker’s vicinity, such as smartphones or prohibited materials. This can help avoid the usage of such items during the exam, ensuring that the test is fair and devoid of malpractices.
3. Chatbots
They are artificial intelligence tools that emulate natural human interactions through text or call and can provide instant responses to candidates. This will go a long way in helping deal with any technology or organisational issues that may crop up during the exam, effectively seeing to it that it is conducted optimally.
How Is Remote Proctoring Implemented?
A remote proctored test mostly employs technologies such as image capture test, audio capture test, and video capture test to capture the behaviours and actions of the exam-taker during the online examination. This may help enhance safe online exam proctoring by being able to identify any suspicious actions or actions that suggest cheating like using banned materials or collaborating with other students.
The process of taking a remote proctored exam follows a common pattern, regardless of the proctoring system provider:
- A test provider will send the candidate a list of requirements before the exam, including technical specifications and directions for registering on specific portals or platforms. A systems test is frequently part of this.
- Once a candidate has signed up on all essential platforms, they will typically be prompted to schedule a remote proctored exam.
- When the exam day and time arrive, candidates will log in to the designated portals and provide identification to the remote proctor.
- Once the proctor is satisfied with the authenticity of the candidate’s identity, they will request a room scan.
- After all security checks are finished, the proctor will let the exam begin. The candidates can start the test by following the instructions on the screen.
Conclusion
Online remote proctoring is likely to remain a popular option in the future due to the benefits it provides not only to candidates but test publishers as well. With AI rapidly advancing every day, automated and aided proctoring will become even more capable and serve as a valuable asset to human proctors in detecting malpractices during tests.
Future AI capabilities can also include deeper behavioural analysis, better personalisation, and improved accuracy in identifying suspicious behaviour, all the while minimising false positives. These developments hence make remote proctoring a highly secure, scalable, and adaptable solution that is capable of complementing human oversight. They will also contribute to maintaining a secure online testing environment across organisations and educational institutions.
FAQs
1. Can the proctor see your screen?
Online exam administration systems allow remote proctors to monitor applicants’ real-time activity in a seamless manner. Candidates’ background applications are disabled, and the exam screen is locked.
Remote proctors can monitor online examination candidates through audio/video recording, live streaming, and other features.
2. Can remote proctoring be applied to critical exams?
Yes, remote-proctored advanced-level tests are fairly prevalent.
3. What happens if there is a technical problem during a remotely proctored exam?
The candidate can notify the proctor via audio or live chat functions, who will guide them through the next steps. Test takers must understand the technical requirements that should be met prior to the exam.
4. Does remote proctoring support candidates with disabilities?
Yes, most remote proctoring platforms offer accessibility features to meet the needs of candidates with disabilities, ensuring a fair and inclusive testing experience. Candidates can request specific changes based on their requirements.
5. Is remote proctoring secure?
Yes, remote proctoring platforms prioritise security by adhering to data privacy regulations and storing recorded data in secure, encrypted environments. Candidates are generally informed about data handling and privacy measures to ensure transparency.
