Cheating-Free Online Exams with New-Age Online Proctoring Features

With online learning becoming the new normal, institutes have also started facilitating online assessments for students. However, unlike the traditional examination setup, students can take the exams from the comfort of their homes. Moreover, since there are no invigilators physically present, they have the freedom to use unfair means during the exam. In fact, in a recent study, scholars have found that 50 to 60 percent of students cheat during online tests.

In recent years, institutes have been integrating advanced tools to protect the authenticity of online examinations. Also, it is noteworthy to mention that students have become adept at finding loopholes and others ways to cheat despite predetermined measures. Therefore, it is significant to avail of an appropriate tool with new-age online proctoring features that can eliminate unfair and unethical examination practices.

Let us take a look at how new age online proctoring features of software help to conduct cheating-free online exams:

Two-factor authentication

A proxy examination is a regular occurrence when institutes conduct tests online, wherein the registered candidates can make someone else take the test. Usually, the test taker enters the initials and passwords on the examination website and proceeds with the test. This is the basic technique that institutes follow but in the light of new challenges, they need to integrate a two-factor authentication system.

The two-factor or multi-factor authentication technique uses various processes like face recognition, OTP verification, and fingerprint authentication. Consequently, the system sends an alert and blocks that person if unverified individuals try to take the test. Therefore, it is not surprising that two-factor authentication has become a significant feature for most digital platforms and communication channels.

Real-time audio and video feed

One of the advanced proctoring features of the modern exam software is the ability to monitor an ongoing examination in real-time. The software acts as a virtual invigilator by recording the live video and audio feed of students throughout the examination. Also, this enables the test administrator or controllers to check any suspicious activities during or after the test.

Continuous monitoring makes sure that the students remain alert and do not use any unethical means while appearing for the exams.

AI-based auto authentication

Artificial intelligence is touted to be the future of the world, but many industries have already started to integrate them into their system. Especially the ed-tech companies have started using the AI technology in the online examination system.  Hence, there are many software with AI-based auto authentication features which helps to prevent fraudulent activities. Moreover, the feature makes sure that the registered candidate can take the test, disallowing impersonation.

Restricting browser activity

Students often browse the internet or other sites, hoping to find the answers to the questions quickly, hence, ensuring to score good marks. Therefore, to discourage copy-pasting, screen sharing, online browsing, use of the external device, and task switching by integrating a system which provides navigation control.

One of the advantages of this feature is it restricts control keys/functions, disables browsing and external ports and ensures cheat-free examination.

Geotagging

Geotagging is an innovative technique which allows the software to track the exact location of the online user. Besides, many industrial and corporate sectors use this feature; education institutes use it to maintain the integrity of the examination. Also, this feature enables the examinee to indicate their current location, thereby proving their authenticity, which the third party verifies.

Moreover, it protects exam candidates from being maligned by cheaters and helps colleges and universities maintain their reputation as exam conducting authorities.

In conclusion

New-age online proctoring features have become an integral part of the online examination system. Institutes have been depending upon them to conduct an error-free and smooth assessment.