Proctoring software has sprung up and evolved to combat the surge in online education. Online assessment has created a convenient and effective method of testing a candidate on coursework and certifiable skills. Proctoring tools have become more sophisticated, and understanding how they work and how to implement these tools will help shape online education and the work field even further.
What is Video Proctoring?
Video proctoring uses hardware devices such as computers and webcams to monitor students and employees during an online exam or test. Video proctoring software works by verifying a student’s ID with scanning software through a webcam. Proctoring software can even detect additional people or an exam candidate’s resources if they are in the room. For example, it would register textbooks, cellphones, calculators, and other devices and items. The ID verification will also help register who is presently taking an exam and who is additional.
Some video proctoring programs can even help identify students with specific automation systems. These proctoring systems identify factors like keyboard patterns. The student and employees taking a proctored exam with an advanced proctoring system will have the speed of keypresses, duration of time holding the mouse, usage of keys for specific functions, and patterned typing errors measured. These measurements help develop an automated solution for the individual administering an online proctored test.
Who Needs Video Proctoring?
Several groups can benefit from video proctoring. An organization or an individual administering an online remote exam or test can potentially benefit from proctoring technology. Below is a more specific set of groups and individuals who may qualify as beneficiaries of video proctoring services. These advantages all funnel into helping a business or university use proctoring services and tools to scale to a potentially global level or expedite an educative process.
Assessment Providers
Assessment providers can reap a list of benefits from using online proctoring services. Assessment providers can become valuable assets to clients by providing logistical advantages such as more cost-effective methods and faster online exams or tests. This, in turn, provides a boost in revenue. These factors improve usage per client by allowing exams to be taken at any time, anywhere from a remote location.
Online Education Providers
Online Education Providers, MOOCs, and high schools and universities are in a state of answering to a growing concern. Online tests and exams are susceptible to cheating, and validating the efficiency of a university or school’s online course can benefit from video proctoring. The first significant solution is the identification of online students. These proctoring tools can authenticate the identity of a student taking an exam and flag a potential issue within an automated system. From here, any possible severe infractions will be sent to a human proctor to be reviewed and assessed.
Certifying Agencies
Schools, universities, and assessment providers aren’t the only groups reaping the rewards of these technologies. Certifying Agencies are also using online proctoring as they find a foothold in the online education system. These services help scale businesses through certifying students or employees by allowing them to complete certification from home or anywhere remotely. This will enable companies to become more competitive by eliminating the necessity of using a testing center or proctoring facility.
What are the Advantages of Video Proctoring?
- Scalability
- Resource Allocation
- Advanced Reporting
What are the Main Types of Video Proctoring?
Currently, the technology of video proctoring has branched into three main categories. These different types all have various aspects that can be seen as advantages and disadvantages. What the individual or organization looks to gain could determine what type of video proctoring is the better solution.
Live Online Proctoring
Live online proctoring is given when a need for additional human interaction is a requirement. There is, subsequently, less automation because a live human proctor will monitor the examination in real-time. There are overall fewer proctoring tools with this setup. Students can receive aid from the human monitor, and this proctoring method can watch cheating through human interaction and audio and video feed.
Recorded Proctoring
Recorded proctoring is precisely what the name implies. A candidate examination session is monitored, but the activity is recorded and played back by a proctor. The proctor can then study the material and evaluate the recording for academic dishonesty and cheating. With some proctoring programs, the proctor can even playback the recorded material at different speeds. Recorded proctoring usually provides more automation and has a more robust suite of tools versus live online proctoring.
Advanced Automated Proctoring
Advanced Automated Proctoring is the most sophisticated method of proctoring available. Online examinations are recorded and studied solely by the software. Detections are measured, and the proctoring software picks up any possible instances of cheating.
For example, candidates opening a different tab or program to help with their examination will register an internal alarm. This type of automated software will also scan the room and identify who is a test taker and a different entity. The other benefit of these sessions being recorded stretches are available for real-time viewing or can be seen later. This offers the human side of proctoring some flexibility.
How Does Video Proctoring Work?
Regardless of what method of proctoring may be used, the fundamental principles of how they work remain the same. Video Proctoring is a valuable technology for online education and businesses alike. Automated education advancements are now modern-day practices by implementing computer technology, webcam devices, and audio equipment like microphones.
Completing a Room Scan
Proctored exams will start when proctoring software monitors the computer’s desktop to identify the user or student via webcam. The information is then sent to a proctoring service to be viewed in real-time or recorded for later reviewal. A room scan essentially uses video and audio feed to identify students and additional individuals in the room. This phase in the process can also register supplemental materials like textbooks, calculators, and various other forms of testing materials.
Video Proctoring Verifies ID
A webcam is the number one hardware tool used to verify identification. After a room is scanned, a student, candidate, or employee will take a picture of themselves and an appropriate form of photo identification. The software will compare the images with specific identification metrics and verify a candidate for online testing or examination.
Facial Recognition
The verification process is successful using facial recognition software within the proctoring service program. Facial recognition software matches a person’s face by measuring unique individual features via video feed or a picture (such as the photo ID used). These systems are also safe for the candidate to use privacy-wise. These systems do not store a person’s face or name in public or private databases. Anonymity is paramount to the safety of the test taker.
Conclusion
Video proctoring is a growing technology and service because of increased online courses, online certifications, and online education. The benefits are self-representing as well while maintaining a certain level of user safety, as well as anti-cheating tools. Video proctoring has provided online examination the room to adapt and grow. Video proctoring has allowed online education to reach and scale globally and provide opportunities to businesses, education services, and individuals. The time and monetary resources saved can be funneled and implemented into more virtual channels.
FAQ
How does Video Proctoring Work?
Video proctoring is a simple process yet valuable and sophisticated technology. Using computers, webcams, and microphones, online examinations can be recorded and viewed in real-time or at a later date effectively. Academic integrity doesn’t diminish, and user safety is guaranteed while candidates can test coursework and monitor for help.
What is Camera Proctoring?
Camera Proctoring uses a webcam to take photos or video feed of an online examination. This is done to identify the student, employee, or candidate taking an online text and verify the user’s identity. Camera proctoring is a safe and effective method to verify identity.
What is a Proctored Exam?
A proctored exam is a test or examination that features proctoring services or software. Proctoring services and software aid the administering party in remotely recording and observing an examination. A proctored exam uses hardware devices like a PC, webcam, and mic to test a candidate efficiently.
