You’ve taken testing virtual, keep test integrity high with virtual proctoring
Repeat after me: “I, (state your name), solemnly swear not to cheat on this test. Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” If it were that easy, we’d be out of a job. The topic of testing integrity and cheating is something we wish did not need a discussion, but the fact is people are tempted to cheat on tests for a variety of reasons. At the end of the day, it does not matter why, what matters is that you take the necessary steps to eliminate the temptation and opportunity for people to cheat. When testing is done in-person, the best way to promote a testing environment of integrity is by having a proctor in the room oversee test administration from start to finish. If you have shifted many of the required in-person testing and assessments to online applications so they can be taken remotely, quality test proctoring gets a bit more complicated… here are the ways you can ensure tests are completed with honesty and integrity even when done remotely.
Wait a second, what is proctoring?
In a recent webinar the term “proctoring” was used and everyone listening winced. Turns out there are quite a few people who think “proctoring” is what proctologists do… allow us to calm your nerves. When it comes to testing and assessments, proctors are the individuals who administer the test. They validate everyone’s identity, answer questions, troubleshoot, and help ensure tests are being taken and completed with integrity. What happens when tests are taken remotely? Seeing how it would not be cost effective or time efficient to have individual proctors go to test takers’ homes, Test.com offers a variety of solutions for your remote proctoring needs. Deciding on the best option for your team may require a bit of research and consultation, so we thought it would be important to break down two very common types of virtual proctoring:
Virtual Proctoring
Remote Proctoring aka Live Proctoring: Let’s say you want to maintain the human element of having a proctor conduct real-time oversite and respond to questions as they arise – remote proctoring might be best for you. In this case, a real live human proctor will logon the testing platform with your team member(s). They will have a separate window that provides them visual access to your team members’ device screens to allow for monitoring. In some cases, proctors may have access to testing device web cameras so they can confirm that the person taking the test is doing so alone and in one sitting. From spot checks, to troubleshooting, and question answering, your remote proctor is a powerful resource. Please note, that remote/live proctoring may have additional fees associated as they require the time and expertise of an individual. That said, the costs associated with remote proctoring are well worth the investment, after all, ensuring that your team has retained the important knowledge they are being tested on can save you big money by way of preventing expensive compliance violations, accidents, and process bottlenecks.
Automated Proctoring: Some are calling automated proctoring the way of the future. Through use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated proctoring does not require a human proctor to provide real-time oversight. Instead, automated proctoring uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure testing integrity. For example, authenticating the test takers’ identity through face scans and/or ID scans, using the device’s cameras and microphones to track the test taker’s eyeballs and physical presence in front of the computer. Additionally, automated proctoring can record screens during testing, monitor for multiple browser windows that are opened during the test, and register irregular keystrokes and anomalies that could infer test taker shortcuts, dishonesty, and cheating.
Sometimes the right solution is a combination of remote/live and automated proctoring. You can get the benefits of human oversight and direct feedback along with the assurance that AI is monitoring for actions and nuances that a human may not be able to recognize. Choosing the best option for your team may take some trial and error, but Test.com is here as your resource to provide you with the solutions you need.
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