Face-to-face contact with a teacher (especially during the exam) is intimidating to many, as is waiting in front of the door, silence, and the examiner’s watchful eye behind every movement. With online proctoring, everything has become more objective and easier. Proctoring is the process of supervising and monitoring students or test-takers during an online examination or test-taking process. The proctor ensures that the test-taker is following the rules and guidelines set by the exam administrator, and that the test-taker is not cheating or engaging in any unfair practices. Online proctoring allows you to confirm the identity of the student, eliminates the use of cheat sheets and helps the teacher to objectively assess knowledge.
What is proctoring and its types
The system appeared in America back in 2008. Today, proctoring technologies are highly developed. There are 3 types of online test tracking:
1. In-person Proctoring: A proctor is physically present with the test-taker, typically in a testing center or a designated location.
- Advantages: High level of security and monitoring; Face-to-face interaction between proctor and test-taker; Can be more effective for high-stakes exams.
- Disadvantages: Limited flexibility and accessibility; Requires physical infrastructure and resources; May not be suitable for remote or international test-takers.
2. Remote Proctoring: A proctor monitors the test-taker remotely through video and audio feeds, often using software or apps that allow for real-time monitoring.
- Advantages: Increased accessibility and flexibility for remote test-takers; Can be more cost-effective than in-person proctoring; Can reduce the need for physical infrastructure and resources.
- Disadvantages: May require additional technology and infrastructure; May be vulnerable to technical issues or connectivity problems; Can be less effective for high-stakes exams or those that require face-to-face interaction.
3. Live Proctoring: A live proctor is online and monitors the test-taker in real-time, often using video and audio feeds.
- Advantages: High level of security and monitoring; Allows for real-time interaction between proctor and test-taker; Can be more effective for high-stakes exams.
- Disadvantages: Requires advanced technology and infrastructure; May be more expensive than other forms of proctoring; Can be vulnerable to technical issues or connectivity problems.
4. Recorded Proctoring: A test-taker completes an exam, and then the proctor reviews the recorded session to ensure that the test-taker followed the rules and guidelines.
- Advantages: Can be more cost-effective than live proctoring; Allows for more flexibility and accessibility for remote test-takers; Can be more efficient for low-stakes exams.
- Disadvantages: May not provide the same level of security as live proctoring; May be less effective for high-stakes exams or those that require real-time interaction.
Note that the proctor is not an examiner, but an independent person who is not interested or involved in the learning process in any way. They make sure that the rules of the exam are followed. It can be a lecturer from other institutions or a specially trained person. The university can use synchronous proctoring with the help of the ProctorEdu proctored software (or other synchronous proctoring with the participation of the proctor) and asynchronous proctoring (the system records the whole process with the fixation of violations without interrupting the exam, and the record is then checked by special people).
Cost of Proctoring
The cost of proctoring can vary depending on the type of proctoring, the length of the exam, and the location of the test-taker. Here are some general estimates:
- In-person Proctoring: $20-$50 per exam
- Remote Proctoring: $10-$50 per exam
- Live Proctoring: $20-$100 per exam
- Recorded Proctoring: $5-$20 per exam
Keep in mind that these estimates are rough and may vary depending on your specific needs and requirements. It’s essential to research and compare different online proctoring services to find the best option for your organization.
Factors that Affect Proctoring Costs
- Exam Length: Longer exams may require more proctoring time, increasing the cost.
- Number of Test-Takers: Larger groups of test-takers may require more proctors and resources, increasing the cost.
- Geographic Location: Test-takers in different regions or countries may require different levels of proctoring support, which can affect the cost.
- Type of Exam: High-stakes exams, such as professional certification tests, may require more advanced proctoring services, increasing the cost.
- Technology Requirements: The technology required for proctoring, such as webcams, microphones, and software, can also impact the cost.
It’s essential to consider these factors when choosing an online proctoring service to ensure that you get the right level of support for your organization’s needs.
The Exam Process During Proctoring
1. Pre-Exam Instructions: Before the exam, the test-taker will receive instructions on how to prepare for the exam, including:
* How to set up their computer and internet connection
* What software or apps they need to install
* How to use the proctoring platform
* What materials they need to have available during the exam
2. Proctoring Platform: The test-taker will log in to the proctoring platform, which will typically include:
* A video feed of the test-taker’s face and surroundings
* An audio feed of the test-taker’s voice and any ambient noise
* A screen capture of the test-taker’s computer screen
* A chat window for the proctor to communicate with the test-taker
3. Exam Start: Once the test-taker is logged in, the proctor will confirm that they are ready to begin the exam. The proctor will then:
* Monitor the test-taker’s activity on their computer screen
* Check that the test-taker is alone and not receiving any external assistance
* Verify that the test-taker’s computer and internet connection are functioning correctly
4. Exam Administration: The proctor will then administer the exam, ensuring that:
* The test-taker is following the exam instructions and rules
* The test-taker is not accessing any unauthorized materials or resources
* The test-taker is not using any unauthorized devices or tools
5. Proctoring Monitoring: Throughout the exam, the proctor will monitor the test-taker’s activity and can:
* Interrupt the exam if they suspect any cheating or irregular behavior
* Ask the test-taker questions or provide clarification on any issues that arise
* Document any issues or incidents that occur during the exam
6. Exam Completion: Once the exam is completed, the proctor will:
* Confirm that the test-taker has completed all sections of the exam
* Verify that the test-taker’s computer and internet connection are still functioning correctly
* Conduct a final review of the exam to ensure that it was completed fairly and without cheating
By following these steps, proctoring helps ensure that exams are administered fairly and securely, and that test-takers are held accountable for their actions during the exam.
Conclusion
Proctoring is an essential aspect of online testing and exams, ensuring that exams are administered fairly and securely. While the cost of proctoring varies depending on the type and duration of the exam, it’s a small price to pay for the benefits it provides. Whether you’re an educator, employer, or institution, proctoring is an essential tool for ensuring the integrity of your exams and assessments.
