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Today, the number of candidates opting for online examinations has increased. Most of the schools, colleges, corporate, etc conduct online exams. However, the main reason why it is difficult to invigilate the integrity of online examinations is that the majority of candidates tend to cheat in the exam. Cheating is the biggest cause that hinders the purpose of this examination. It can give an undue advantage to an undeserving candidate by letting them score good marks even if they have not prepared for the exam sincerely. Since more students are opting for online exams, the need for Remote Proctoring has increased significantly
An Online Proctored exam plays a vital role in such a scenario. To understand this concept, we need to first understand What is a Proctored Exam? It is where an invigilator (proctor) can keep an eye on the candidate if they cheat during the examination. A Proctoring software is installed on the candidate’s device where the invigilator can check the activity of the candidate. If anything is found suspicious, the proctor can immediately stop the examination.
The purpose of this is to ensure integrity during an online exam. Remote Proctoring allows the proctor to invigilate the examination regardless of geographical boundaries. It is a very flexible process as they can assess the candidate from anywhere. The only prerequisite to conducting such an Online Proctored Exam is a device such as a computer/laptop and a stable internet connection. With the use of high-end technologies like AI, this process has become feasible for many institutes and organizations.
What are the Features of Remote Proctoring?
1. Authentication
This is the first step where a candidate has to authenticate themselves. They have to submit a valid Identity Proof which is detected by the software. The facial recognition feature is started immediately after the candidate has submitted an ID Proof. This feature is AI-based which helps detect whether the same candidate is appearing for the exam or not.
2. Proctor Authorization & Control
This feature lets the proctor control the candidate’s screen. If anything is found suspicious on the candidate’s part, the proctor can stop the exam immediately and can report the candidate. The feature of red flags allows the proctor to warn/report the candidate.
3. Browsing Tolerance
This feature is able to detect if the candidate has opened any browser on their device. If it is found that the candidate has opened multiple tabs on their browser, it immediately stops the exam.
4. Generates Report
This feature generates a report after a candidate has given the exam. In this report, a detailed analysis of a candidate’s performance is recorded. The exam result is provided to the candidate via this report. There is another report which is preserved by the proctor. In that report along with the candidate’s marks, a video is recorded depicting the candidate’s behavior in the exam like any suspicious activity. The report is also made available offline to the proctor as proof in a CD or a Pendrive.
Hence, it is also important to choose a good proctoring software which will help to carry out the process effectively.
What are the various types of Remote Proctoring?
Remote Proctoring is broadly divided into three types:
- Live Online Proctoring
- Recorded Proctoring
- Automated Proctoring
# 1st – Live Online Proctoring
The concept of this type of proctoring is similar to the one which we discussed above. There is an invigilator (Proctor) who examines the whole exam. They can keep an eye on the candidate and can warn them or stop the exam if the candidate attempts to cheat. Features such as audio-video and screen sharing are enabled here to examine the process.
# 2nd – Recorded Proctoring
Here, the entire examination is recorded by using the real-time audio-video and screen sharing feature. In recorded proctoring, no proctor is required to actually sit and examine the exam. Instead, they can watch the recordings of the exam and can flag the activity if found suspicious. Note that this feature also provides playback and fast-forwarding the recording.
# 3rd – Automated Proctoring
This is a more advanced type of proctoring where again no proctor is required to keep an eye on the candidates. Here, candidate’s behavior is recorded using audio-video and screen sharing. Also, there is a separate system that monitors the candidate by making the use of advanced audio-video analytics.
The traditional examination approach is not feasible as institutes and organizations have to manage the exam center, conduct exams, evaluate candidates, check the exam papers, etc. Proctored Exam is the future as online exams are going to hold a significant part. This technology will be boon as it ensures total integrity and conducts the process smoothly.
