What Is Online proctoring & How Does It Work?

Summary

Online proctoring is a technology that uses software and services to prevent cheating during tests and support test takers. It has evolved to include features like browser lock, video monitoring, identity verification, and sound detection. Advanced options can detect cell phones, block browser extensions, and automatically find leaked test questions. There are various types of proctoring, including basic, AI-only, live, and blended (AI with human oversight), each with its pros and cons. Blended proctoring stands out as cost-effective, efficient, and less intrusive, offering a win-win solution for institutions looking to enhance the test-taking experience and reshape online learning.

Takeaways

• 🔐 **Online Proctoring Basics**: It involves using software and services to prevent cheating on tests and support test takers.
• 🔍 **Advanced Features**: Some platforms can detect cell phones, block browser extensions, find leaked test questions, and detect voices.
• 📊 **Pros and Cons**: Each type of proctoring has its advantages and disadvantages, making it important to choose the right solution for specific needs.
• 💰 **Cost Considerations**: Cheaper software like browser lockdown may not effectively prevent cheating, as it lacks comprehensive features.
• 🤖 **AI-Only Proctoring**: Uses artificial intelligence for 24/7 monitoring, but lacks human oversight and may generate many false flags.
• 👀 **Live Proctoring**: Involves a human proctor watching multiple test takers, which can be distracting and may miss some cheating behaviors.
• 💸 **Costly Live Proctoring**: Can be expensive with additional costs for extended test durations.
• 🤝 **Blended Proctoring**: Combines AI with human proctors, providing effective monitoring with cost efficiency and reduced false flags.
• ⏰ **24/7 Availability**: Blended proctoring is available around the clock, saving time for test administrators.
• 🌟 **Transformative Potential**: Online proctoring is an opportunity to reshape the test-taking experience and transform online learning.

Q & A

What is online proctoring and what does it aim to do?

Online proctoring, also known as remote proctoring, is the use of software and services to prevent cheating on tests and to support test takers. It has evolved to include various tools and features to ensure the integrity of online assessments.

What are the basic features offered by most online proctoring platforms?

Most online proctoring platforms offer basic features such as browser lock, video monitoring, identity verification, and sound detection to prevent cheating during tests.

What advanced capabilities do some proctoring platforms have that go beyond the basics?

Some advanced proctoring platforms can detect cell phones, block browser extensions, automatically find leaked test questions, and differentiate between voices and other sounds to enhance cheating prevention.

What are the pros and cons of each type of online proctoring?

The pros of different proctoring types include cost-effectiveness, 24/7 availability, and the ability to deter cheating. The cons can include lack of human oversight, potential for false flags, and the intrusiveness of live monitoring.

Why might browser lockdown software not be the most effective at preventing cheating?

Browser lockdown software might not be the most effective at preventing cheating because it does not prevent test takers from using cell phones and other resources during tests.

How does AI-only proctoring work and what are its limitations?

AI-only proctoring uses artificial intelligence to monitor behavior during tests. It is available 24/7 and can detect and deter cheating. However, it lacks human oversight, which can lead to a high number of false flags that require review.

What is live proctoring and what are its potential drawbacks?

Live proctoring involves a human proctor watching multiple test takers simultaneously. The potential drawbacks include the intrusiveness of being watched, the risk of a proctor missing problematic behavior due to the number of test takers being monitored, and the potential for additional costs if tests exceed the allotted hours.

What is blended proctoring and how does it combine AI with human oversight?

Blended proctoring uses artificial intelligence to monitor test takers, alerting a live proctor if potential cheating is detected. The proctor then reviews the situation and intervenes only if necessary, providing a balance between technology and human judgment.

Why is blended proctoring considered cost-effective and efficient for test administrators?

Blended proctoring is cost-effective and efficient because it is available 24/7 and only requires test administrators to review important flags, thus saving time and reducing the need for constant human oversight.

How can online proctoring reshape the test-taking experience for institutions?

Online proctoring can reshape the test-taking experience by offering a range of tools and services that not only prevent cheating but also enhance the overall integrity and efficiency of online learning and assessment processes.

Outlines

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🔐 Online Proctoring: Tools and Features

Online proctoring, also known as remote proctoring, is a software and service-based approach designed to prevent cheating during tests and support test takers. It has evolved over the years, offering various options such as browser lock, video monitoring, identity verification, and sound detection. Advanced platforms can detect cell phones, block browser extensions, automatically find leaked test questions, and distinguish between voices and mere sounds. Each type of proctoring has its pros and cons, making it essential to choose the right solution based on specific needs. Cheap software like browser lockdown may not effectively prevent cheating, while AI-based proctoring can detect and deter cheating but may result in false flags without human oversight. Live proctoring involves human monitors watching multiple test takers simultaneously, which can be distracting and prone to oversights. Blended proctoring combines AI with human oversight, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution that only intervenes when necessary, enhancing the test-taking experience.

Keywords

💡Online Proctoring

Online proctoring refers to the use of software and services to monitor and manage test-taking environments remotely. It is designed to prevent cheating and support test takers. In the video, it is the central theme, with various methods and tools discussed to illustrate how it can reshape the test-taking experience and online learning.

💡Remote Proctoring

Remote proctoring is a subset of online proctoring where the proctoring is done from a distance, typically using video monitoring and other technological tools. It is mentioned as an alternative term for online proctoring, emphasizing the distance aspect of the supervision.

💡Browser Lock

A browser lock is a feature of online proctoring software that restricts the use of the web browser to the test-taking platform, preventing students from accessing other websites during the exam. This is highlighted in the script as a basic tool to prevent cheating.

💡Video Monitoring

Video monitoring involves the use of webcams to observe test takers during exams. It is one of the foundational features of online proctoring platforms, ensuring that the test is taken in a controlled environment, as mentioned in the script.

💡Identity Verification

Identity verification is the process of confirming the identity of the test taker to ensure that the person taking the test is the one registered for it. The script mentions this as a basic feature of most proctoring platforms, crucial for maintaining the integrity of the test.

💡Sound Detection

Sound detection is a feature that allows proctoring software to pick up on any unusual sounds that could indicate cheating, such as whispers or noises from external devices. The script discusses how advanced platforms can use this feature to enhance the detection of cheating.

💡Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence in the context of proctoring refers to the use of machine learning algorithms to monitor and analyze test-taker behavior. The script mentions AI proctoring as a method that can effectively detect and deter cheating, though it lacks human oversight.

💡False Flags

False flags are instances where the proctoring software incorrectly identifies non-cheating behavior as suspicious. The script points out that AI-only proctoring might lead to a higher number of false flags, such as detecting a cough or a dog barking as potential cheating.

💡Live Proctoring

Live proctoring involves a human proctor supervising multiple test takers simultaneously. The script describes it as potentially creepy and distracting for test takers, and it may also be prone to oversights due to the number of test takers being monitored.

💡Blended Proctoring

Blended proctoring combines AI with human oversight, where AI monitors test takers and alerts human proctors to potential issues. The script praises this method for being cost-effective, efficient, and less intrusive, as it only requires human intervention when necessary.

💡Test Administration

Test administration refers to the process of managing and overseeing the conduct of exams. The script discusses how blended proctoring can save time for test administrators by reducing the need to review all test sessions and focusing only on flagged incidents.

Highlights

Online proctoring uses software and services to prevent cheating on tests and support test takers.

The technology has evolved to offer various options including browser lock, video monitoring, identity verification, and sound detection.

Advanced platforms can detect cell phones, block browser extensions, find leaked test questions, and detect voices.

Each type of proctoring has its pros and cons, making it essential to find the right solution for specific needs.

Cheap browser lockdown software is available but does not effectively prevent cheating as it doesn't block cell phones and other resources.

AI-based proctoring offers 24/7 availability and a variety of tools to detect and deter cheating.

AI proctoring lacks human oversight, potentially leading to a high number of false flags that require review.

Live proctoring involves a human proctor watching multiple test takers simultaneously, which can be distracting and prone to oversight.

Live proctoring can be expensive, with costs increasing if tests exceed the allotted hours.

Blended proctoring combines AI with human proctors, using AI to alert live proctors to potential cheating.

Blended proctoring is cost-effective, available 24/7, and saves time for test administrators by focusing on important flags.

Online proctoring is more than just a tool to prevent cheating; it's an opportunity to reshape the test-taking experience and transform online learning.

Innovative proctoring platforms can automatically detect and deter cheating, enhancing the integrity of online assessments.

The choice between different proctoring methods should be based on the specific requirements and resources of the institution.

False flags from AI proctoring can be an annoyance, highlighting the need for more sophisticated detection algorithms.

Live proctoring's effectiveness is limited by the number of test takers a single proctor can monitor effectively.

Blended proctoring offers a balance between technology and human oversight, potentially reducing the likelihood of false flags.

The cost of proctoring services should be considered in the context of the value they add to the test-taking process and the overall educational experience.

Transcripts

online proctoring, or sometimes called remote  proctoring, involves using software and services  

to prevent cheating on tests and it can even help  support test takers. it's evolved a lot over the  

years, and now you have many different options to  choose from so in terms of tools and features most  

platforms offer the basics like a browser lock,  video monitoring, identity verification, and sound  

detection. but some of the more advanced platforms  can detect cell phones, block browser extensions,  

find leaked test questions automatically, and  detect voices instead of only detecting sounds.  

each type of proctoring has pros and cons, so it  can be tricky to find the right solution for your  

needs. if you're just looking for cheap software  that checks the box, browser lockdown software  

is a good option. but just remember: you get  what you pay for because it doesn't really  

prevent cheating since test takers can still use  cell phones and other resources during tests.  

then there's proctoring that only uses artificial  intelligence to monitor behavior during tests.  

this is usually available 24 7 and it offers a  variety of tools that can effectively detect and  

deter cheating. this sounds pretty good, but the  problem is that there's no human oversight which  

means you'll probably spend a lot of time  reviewing false flags. for example, if the  

proctoring platform uses sound detection instead  of voice detection, you may end up reviewing flags  

for unimportant noises like a test taker coughing  or a dog barking, which is pretty annoying, right?  

the next type is called live proctoring this  is when a human proctor watches multiple test  

takers at once, but just imagine how creepy  and distracting it would be to have a stranger  

watching you the entire time you take a test  and how easy it would be for a proctor to miss  

problematic behavior because they're watching  about a dozen test takers at the same time.  

and last but not least, it can be expensive and  unexpected costs can add up quickly if you go  

over your allotted hours, like when tests take  longer than expected. then there's proctoring  

that blends artificial intelligence with  human proctors. it monitors test takers  

with artificial intelligence which will alert a  live proctor if it detects potential cheating.  

once they're alerted, the proctor can review the  situation and they'll only intervene if necessary.  

otherwise, the test taker won't get interrupted  and they aren't being watched the whole time.  

and in addition to that, blended proctoring  is cost effective it's available 24 7 and it  

saves test administrators time because  they'll only need to review important  

flags. it's really a win-win for everyone. keep  the information in this video in mind as you're  

evaluating all of the software and services  out there, and remember, online proctoring is  

much more than a tool to prevent cheating.  it's an opportunity for your institution  

to reshape the entire test taking experience  and transform how online learning takes place