Online Proctoring – Live, AI (Auto) or Recorded? [Comparison]

Online proctoring is great in today’s world. Technology has enabled us to keep things light and easy so that we could process things much faster than before.

With that mentioned, online proctoring can be done in three ways. These are live, AI (auto), and recorded proctoring. Before we get into the comparison between the three, let’s discuss the definition of an online proctored test first.

What is an Online Proctored Test?

Online proctored tests, simply put, are online timed or untimed examinations or assessments with anti cheating mechanisms in place. These are great alternatives to physical on-site testing, which involves a great deal of stress, hassle, and manpower for the proctors conducting the test. The online approach not only lessens the fatigue associated with such on-site testing, but it also encourages better proctoring since technology enables us to do multi-tasking at this scale.

You see, online proctored tests come with AI technology. This artificial intelligence enables the proctor to have an assistant which is able to multi-task with ease. Specifically, this artificial intelligence will be your go-to when it comes to identity verification of the individual, anti-cheating measures, and detailed reports on unusual behavior on the candidate’s side. This technology will enable the proctor to check if the test results are legitimate and if that individual is truly qualified for the school or workplace, depending on the setting.

Online proctoring is the method of preventing cheating in these tests.

With that information in mind, there are a lot of ways to go about this. In fact, there are three. Online proctoring can involve the live, AI (auto), and recorded options. These types of online proctoring differ from one another on the way they’re made. Let’s compare the three and see what their differences are from each other.

Live Online Proctoring

Live proctoring in an online exam means that a real human person is there to proctor the test. In simple terms, it is a live proctored test. He/she monitors the test as well as the candidates that are taking it, making sure that no acts of fraud or cheating are taking place. This is the most common type of proctoring that comes into mind when it comes to online examinations. 

Other terms for it may include live exam proctoring and live remote proctoring. It is just an online version of a normal proctored exam.

Usually used in the school setting, this type of proctoring is slowly fading from service in the employment setting, where the other two methods are preferred of the bunch.

  1. Real-Time Monitoring: Live proctoring involves a human proctor overseeing the exam in real time, ensuring higher security.
  2. Interaction: Proctors can interact with test-takers, verifying identity and addressing any immediate issues during the exam.
  3. Resource Intensive: Requires more resources in terms of human labor and can be costlier compared to automated solutions.
  4. Response Time: Immediate intervention can be made in case of any suspicious activity, reducing the likelihood of cheating.

(AI) Auto Proctored Tests

An auto proctored test means that the remote, online test was done with AI technology involved. In contrast to live proctoring, auto proctoring can be beneficial when many candidates are involved in taking the test. Usually, this type of test is used in bulk or mass testing, where a single person cannot monitor each individual from his/her screen.

AI technologies involve a lot of things, such as security measures, audio analytics, anti-cheating measures, and automated detailed reports. The possibilities are endless. Thus, this type of test is popular in today’s world, as it is more efficient, fast, and reliable as compared to the live counterpart.

  1. Scalability: AI proctoring can scale easily to accommodate a large number of test-takers simultaneously.
  2. Behavioral Analysis: Uses AI algorithms to detect patterns in behavior, eye movements, and anomalies during the test.
  3. Limited Human Intervention: Reduces the need for constant human oversight, making it cost-effective.
  4. Data-Driven Insights: Provides detailed analytics and reports based on test-taker behavior.

Recorded Proctored Tests

Recorded proctored tests are sometimes called “post-proctored tests”.  The proctor just takes a look at the records of the test, such as video and audio, without managing the test itself. While this is easier, it can lead to loopholes that candidates may make. The other two options above are still the safer approach when it comes to examinations.

  1. Post-Exam Review: Allows for later review of the exam session for suspicious activities or irregularities.
  2. Privacy Concerns: Raises concerns about the storage and usage of recorded data, especially in terms of privacy regulations.
  3. Non-Real-Time Monitoring: Lack of immediate intervention means issues may not be addressed during the exam.
  4. Resource Efficiency: Requires fewer resources during the actual exam but might demand more for post-exam review if suspicions arise.

What’s Best, Live, AI (Auto) or Recorded?

With all those said above, the answer is simple – all of them!

A combination of live, AI, and recorded online exam proctoring can provide the safest and most efficient way to deal with online examinations and assessments. The way to do this is through an online exam proctoring software.

Luckily, Exam Online offers a reliable online exam proctoring software! Introducing Remote Proctor, an integrated AI-based remote proctoring software that helps you conduct cheating free exams!

Take your online proctoring to the next level; choose Doctor Proctor as your buddy in online proctored exams.

  1. Growth of Online Education: The surge in online learning has led to a proportional increase in the need for secure online exams.
  2. Adoption Rates: Statistics on the adoption rates of different proctoring methods across various educational institutions and industries.
  3. Prevalence of Cheating: Reports or surveys showcasing the prevalence of cheating in online exams and the impact on academic integrity.
  4. User Feedback: Surveys or feedback from students and institutions regarding their experiences with different proctoring methods

Refer our Blog for How Do Online Proctored Exams Work?

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