Table of Contents
Digitization is the new trend!
Most physical processes are now remote, with organizations across the globe capitalizing on digital technologies to navigate through routine business operations. The education sector is no exception and has adapted to the remote environment seamlessly.
With the global e-learning industry poised to touch $325 billion by 2025, we can expect online education to thrive in the future!
Virtual classrooms, real-time video lectures, and online assessments are examples of this profound seminal shift. But the one raging question that everyone wonders is about the authenticity of examinations?
With the assessment system moving online from offline, it becomes imperative to develop foolproof methods of evaluating candidate performance objectively. A research study conducted in 2020 revealed that an online proctoring company switched from having 100 customers per year to 120 customers per day. This depicts the scale of the adoption of remote proctoring technology!
This is where online remote proctoring can help! Read on to know about online proctoring exam and why it is must-have business technology in the online education domain.
What Is An Online Proctored Examination?
Online remote proctoring is the process of invigilating an online test from any location to eliminate any unwanted candidate behavior. This makes your virtual examinations safer than paper and pen tests, ensuring fraud-proof behavior and zero chances of cheating.
In online exam proctoring, a candidate is monitored through the duration of the test through an audio mic, webcam, and screen sharing. There are various ways to conduct proctored examinations. Organizations should scan their internal environment and check what works best for their examination structure. The three main methods of proctoring remote examinations are:
Live Online Proctoring:
In a real-time proctored test, an experienced and qualified human proctor monitors the candidate. Typically, the remote examination service provider will have trained proctors who facilitate student authentication and prevent cheating. Presently, research has shown that human proctoring is the prevalent method; however, we can expect a seminal shift towards AI-driven tools in the coming future.
The most significant advantage of live proctoring is that it encourages the remote examination model as the proctor can effectively monitor tests from any location. Also, a single proctor can monitor more than one candidate simultaneously, making the process operationally productive.
Live proctoring involves a heavy amount of human effort, making it expensive and non-scalable in the long run. This is the prime reason most proctoring service providers are transitioning to automated methods that save time and money.
Auto Proctored Tests:
Many online examination providers are using artificial intelligence-enabled technologies to proctor tests objectively. These advanced methods involve audio/video access and screen sharing techniques to ensure the candidates do not indulge in any aberrant behavior.
With artificial intelligence-driven proctoring, an automated algorithm is used to detect irregularities, and a human review can be conducted to take a specific action. Research reveals that AI algorithms need constant monitoring to ensure assessment accuracy and fairness.
Auto-proctored examinations are generally beneficial when tests are conducted for many candidates as a single human proctor may not monitor bulk testing effectively. AI-powered tools utilize face recognition, audio analytics, and anti-cheating mechanisms to ensure fool-proof structured examinations.
Auto-proctored tests do not need to be scheduled in advance and remove location constraints for organizations. It does not require any human involvement, making it a fast and reliable proctoring technique that drives operational efficiency.
Recorded Proctored Tests:
Post-proctored tests or recorded proctoring is a method where a candidate is not monitored in real-time; instead, a representative plays back recordings to check for any suspicious online activity. The proctor views the audio and video recording at any convenient time and identifies any red flags that may compromise the integrity of the examination.
This method is not as safe as live or automated proctoring as there may be certain loopholes that candidates can exploit. It also requires a human proctor to conduct the examination review, making it an expensive and non-scalable process for organizations.
Why Online Remote Proctoring Is The Future Of Assessment?
Moving high-stakes examinations to the online mode comes with multiple challenges! A research study has revealed that an alarming 84% of students admitted to dishonest means while taking online tests. However, with online remote proctoring, no one can question the authenticity of the process and the integrity of the final assessment.
New-age online remote proctoring systems provide a technology-driven alternative to in-person exam invigilation that works well in the current virtual environment. Some key benefits of online remote proctoring include:
Flexibility:
The candidate can choose any time slots in a specific window – this avoids any inconvenience and enables test-givers to give the examination when fully prepared.
Objective Assessment:
Students score on an average of 17 points lower and take less time on online tests with proctored software – a guaranteed indicator of a transparent process! Online remote proctoring ensures that no other browser windows are open and also verifies candidate authentication.
Intelligent Reports:
Online remote proctoring software enables the candidate and proctors to get real-time reports on the performance during the examination. This makes the entire process highly transparent and effective.
Data Security:
Advanced online remote proctoring solutions do not compromise data integrity. They employ data encryption tools and safe browsing techniques to ensure that no unauthorized person can access critical intellectual property.
No Location Constraint:
It would be impossible to conduct structured online examinations without professional proctoring. Automated remote proctoring software removes the location constraints and empowers candidates to give examinations from anywhere in the world.
The Final Word
Online remote proctoring is the future!
Yes, remote examinations can be done right through automated proctoring tools. It is a smart way to streamline remote examinations and ensure candidates go through a fair structured assessment process.
So, go ahead and conduct online examinations without a second thought! Embrace online remote proctoring to witness a positive transformation in how you conduct tests and ensure objective candidate evaluation!
