Online Proctoring Tools
The Proctoring is a remote monitoring technology tool to ensure honesty in academic. This software platform utilizes various technologies like webcam or other camera view, event logs etc. for checking to any possible cheating and to make the exams more secure.
The tools that are used for online proctoring usually have the elements like live proctoring where a proctor watches the exam at the same time with the student, recorded proctoring that allows for a later review, and automated proctoring which applies AI to detect unstandard behaviors. To cite an example, technologies like ProctorU and ExamSoft are offering live proctors who are the ones intervening in any abnormality as they observe it during the examination.
These tools are equipped with different modes of security to prevent exam dishonesty such as biometric checks or photo ID for identity verification, browser lockdown to bar access to unauthorized materials, and all-around monitoring of the test environment. Other such tools like Respondus LockDown Browser disable the use of any program that is not the testing app which allows only students to take the exam in a regulated manner.
The remote examination capability is the main advantage of the online proctoring tools, which also make it possible for students and schools to have increased flexibility overall. Besides that, they do not have to deal with the logistical problems of in-person testing, like securing local exam sites and managing large student groups. For example, many universities switched to online proctoring during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue assessments without interruptions.
Indeed, privacy and the data security issues of online proctoring tools are serious as they usually store private data of the users and view students through webcams.Organizations have to follow the rules of protecting student data through guidelines like GDPR and FERPA. For instance, a few instruments present to the students the choice of consent for data collection and explanations about the use of data, which, in turn, is a help to their transparency and trust.