What Is the Need for Automated Proctoring for Online Exams?

The phrase ‘’survival of the fittest’’ originates from the Darwinian evolutionary theory that signifies the continued existence of organisms by adapting to the environment. Furthermore, the phrase applies ubiquitously in all contexts; for instance, the education sector could not function the same way it did ten years ago; hence, it had to embrace new techniques.

Schools and colleges recognized the ongoing crisis and adapted to the changes as per the requirement. Besides, they incorporated unique instructional methodologies, including hybrid classroom sessions, which combined traditional in-person classes with online classes. However, institutes still needed to address the need to establish an effective evaluation technique.

Although paper-based assessments have been used for the longest time, it is about time to integrate a modern mechanism such as an online examination system. Besides, the evolution of automated proctoring ensures the authenticity of the examination procedure. Also, the students are under remote surveillance, making sure they don’t rely on improper practices.

What is Automated Proctoring?

Distance learning has existed since a few decades ago but did not receive the same respect and stature until the recent few years. Moreover, as e-learning grew in popularity, the demand for well-structured assessment systems subsequently increased. So, the institutes opted for an automated proctoring mechanism, which enables institutes to facilitate exams remotely.

Apart from educational institutes, corporate organizations also use software to carry out automated proctored exams. In fact, the tool has proven to be immensely useful because it helps enhance the process's security and accuracy. Additionally, it allows the institute or the exam administrator to:

• Determine the exam candidate’s identity throughout the exam course.
• Send and raise automated alerts on detecting suspicious action or behavior.
• Provides a sense of flexibility and exam integrity for students and institutes.

Moreover, an online proctoring system uses artificial intelligence (AI), which helps schools and colleges implement hybrid or remote learning environments. As a result, it becomes convenient for them to schedule and conduct exams accordingly. On the other hand, students can plan their time in sync with the upcoming exams.

Why Do Institutes Need Automated Proctoring For Online Exams?

1. Advanced User Verification

A lot of elaborate processes ensue within the traditional examination process, including setting up dates, assigning students seats in particular classrooms, allocating invigilators, etc. However, one of the most important tasks for the administrators is to issue admit cards pertaining to individual students. Besides, students need to carry the cards because it helps the examiner check the test taker’s identity.

However, paper-based cards become less effective during online exams, so that is where the virtual identity verification process becomes useful.

Moreover, schools and colleges have encountered many instances where students sought the help of others to complete a test. Unfortunately, without adequate measures, the former cannot verify if the registered students have been sitting for tests. The software has an AI-powered identification system that continuously confirms if the test taker is who they claim to be.

Also, one of the crucial ways of user verification includes facial recognition, wherein the tool scans the student's eyes and face to match the pre-recorded image of the examinee.

2. Prevention of Cheating

Slips of paper hidden under socks and communicating in gestures with classmates are some of the maneuvers students use to help themselves in the exam halls. Although invigilators do their best to prevent malpractices, some students still succeed in their ploy. In contrast, automated proctored exams are conducive to cheat-free exams.

Since the tool uses multiple ways to monitor students during the examination system, it makes it impossible for them to indulge in malpractice. For example, it employs live proctoring, wherein the examiner observes students in real-time through a webcam. Also, it includes examining the students’ surroundings before the examination and sharing the screen during the exam.

On the other hand, the software also records the test-takers’ screens throughout the exam procedure, which the examiners can check thoroughly. After the end of the exam, they can check the recorded pictures or videos to detect suspicious behavior. Similarly, it uses automated features, including audio and video observation, to monitor student activity.

3. Preserves the Exam’s Integrity

What indicates the school's success? Is it the number of student enrollments or the increasing popularity of an institute? It is noteworthy that both aspects depend on the institute's organizational structure, including the teaching and learning methodologies implemented in the classroom.

However, one of the most significant attributes of institutional success relates to student performance. Therefore, continuous poor performance often impacts the institute's reputation, as do the unregulated practices during an ongoing exam. But the good news is that they can ensure the integrity of online assessments with the help of proctoring software.

In fact, the software makes sure that students don’t use online resources to help themselves; the tool restricts browsing activities, allowing them to be only on the exam portal. Additionally, it disables the shortcut keys, which prevent copying and pasting or other such activities.

4. Eliminates Repetitive Administrative Activities

Due to several essential tasks, the administrative department's responsibilities double during the months leading up to the exam. However, their obligation continues during the exam, as they must ascertain that everything is going according to schedule. For example, they need to ensure the pre-allotted number of exam question papers reaches a specific exam hall.

However, the most remarkable thing about the online examination system is that institutes can automate most of the administrative tasks. Besides, they can prepare and store questionnaires, schedule exam dates and times, and carry out multiple assessments within the same day. Also, institute invigilators can monitor the exams remotely without the pressure of such manually intensive tasks.

5. Assures Convenient Evaluation

Teachers can use the online platform to implement summative and formative assessments and help create productive teaching and learning practices. It is a smart and strategic move to include the digital format, as it will help instructors take exams remotely. At the same time, students can appear for particular tests at their convenience.

Moreover, teachers can constantly evaluate the students’ learning and progress levels, allowing them to keep track of individual achievements and academic goals.