5 remote proctoring things you should know about

Remote Proctoring: why is it signficant?

The rapid growth of the e-learning industry has affected a big surge in demand for remote proctoring solutions. Machine learning and facial detection services serve as a deterrent to a breach of academic integrity. Institutions such as the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Florida, and Texas Tech University have utilized AI-powered technologies to ensure the integrity and security of their online exam assessments. By applying remote proctoring systems, learning institutions are able to record their students’ environment automatically and detect irregular facial and eye movements and fraudulent impersonation, allowing them to conduct trustworthy assessments remotely. According to Research and Markets forecasts, e-learning will grow to US$325 billion by 2025

With this growth expected, the educational industry is inclined to opt for advanced remote proctoring solutions to ensure a robust process in high-stake exams and a seamless experience both for invigilators and students. Let’s dive deep into five essential things you should know before considering online proctoring solutions using the example of the IRIS invigilation system.

#1 Online Proctoring Eliminates Cheating

According to the International Center for Academic Integrity, 64% of students admitted cheating on exams. Consequently, it is a big concern for learning centers and universities to accurately evaluate students’ learning progress. Nowadays, advanced technologies make it easier for students to breach academic integrity. Besides cheating, one more challenge is content leaking when students distribute exam documents improperly. All of these factors significantly hinder academic honesty and integrity. 

Online proctoring software is an excellent solution to monitor students’ environments during exams with the possibility to flag unusual behaviours and curb cheating. How exactly can an online invigilation system help avoid cheating? For instance, the IRIS AI-powered invigilation system records audio and video, captures screenshots of the students’ computer screen, and tracks head and eye movements with facial markers. ML algorithms foster analysis of captured information for further processing. 

#2 All data relating to the exam is stored on secured servers

If any infringements were detected during the proctoring process, all data is recorded and stored on a secure server via encrypted (HTTPS) protocol. Only authorized members can review recordings since they are confidential and staff only access recordings in the case of misconduct to ensure the integrity of the assessment. There is no possibility to share this information publicly as IRIS never share data with third parties. All recordings serve as evidence of suspicious students’ behaviours allowing them to get a holistic view of non-compliance if it is raised. The IRIS invigilation system is committed to responsible data management and they securely handle and store all data on servers in Sydney, Australia. The members of the IRIS invigilation process comply with Australia’s Privacy Act. 

#3 You do not need 'heavy' software installation

Since proctor exams are browser-based, all you need is a computer or laptop with a webcam and microphone. So that you do not need to download costly software packages. One more important thing is a good internet connection. For IRIS invigilation system implementation, you just need the Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser to download the IRIS plugin extension (it is free). Then, once you receive your exam assessment link from your institution’s LMS, you take your exam while being invigilated by IRIS. After your exam, wait until your recording has uploaded and then you can delete the plugin if you wish. 

#4 Online proctoring saves times and money

Due to the travel ban and lockdown in many countries, a significant number of institutions have been forced to digitize learning processes and go online. Remote invigilation is a good solution to handle online assessments remotely with the guarantee of having them conducted properly without misconduct. This, in turn, has positive impacts on other resources required to arrange exams. For example, online proctoring reduces logistics hassles. Remote proctoring offers the following benefits: 

* Learners save time getting to the test destinations. 
* Educators eliminate the costs of proctor assessment centers and proctoring staff.
* Without geographical limitations, all students can be engaged in education and, furthermore, feel comfortable sitting in their own surroundings.  

So considering advantages both for students and educators, online assessment systems help provide flexibility, scalability, and cost optimization.

#5 Everyone can make use of online proctoring

As it was mentioned above, there is a two-fold motive: learners and educators who can benefit from remote invigilation systems. There are different use cases available. Let’s take, for instance, companies that are looking for solid approaches toward recruitment procedures, especially due to a critical global scenario that takes place worldwide. Eventually, by leveraging online assessment solutions, businesses are empowered to redefine their processes by reducing the-time-to-hire and logistical requirements. 

To effectively assess students’ performance and authenticate their identities, online education providers such as Coursera and edX also use online proctoring exams. It is worth including in this list certifying agencies and companies such as Oracle and Microsoft who use proctoring exams to enable students to complete certification from home by eliminating the need to move to assessment centers and, in general, provide opportunities to all the students worldwide.

Summary

Online invigilation is gaining traction across industries and businesses. It aims to detect irregularities and fraud during the exam, guaranteeing a test taker’s assessment value and authenticity. In addition to these benefit, surveillance software can provide learners and educators the following:

* Elimination of cheating
* Time and cost-efficiency
* Removing the administrative burden
* Added privacy and safety for students by taking exams at home
* Increase of assessment security
* Online learning scalability with a greater geographical reach.