Remote proctoring (or invigilation if you prefer not to use the American term) software has been an indispensable aspect of online remote assessment’s success, helping increase remote exam integrity and trustworthiness as well as improving flexibility. From being a little-used tool in early 2019, to being the major way of securing online remote assessments in late 2020, remote proctoring is used if not by all for the majority of their online assessments, then for a significant number.
Read on to discover the latest capabilities of remote proctoring software on the market and how it can benefit your eAssessment strategy.
What is remote proctoring?
Remote proctoring is the ability to monitor a candidate’s activity when taking an online assessment outside of a test centre environment. It is there to provide reassurance to awarding organisations who may be concerned about the level of integrity of exams when moved to remote eAssessments. Remote proctoring software enables professional qualification bodies to deliver assessments anywhere in the world, without having to organise the setting up of test centres, whilst at the same time being confident that the exam delivery remains secure.
Just as remote examination allows students to take an exam anywhere in the world, remote proctoring software allows assessors to invigilate from anywhere in the world, too. Candidates might be located in the Caribbean, but the proctors can be based in the UK, or anywhere else. There are many different remote proctoring systems, some using artificial intelligence (AI) to track eye movements, or head movement (which can raise false alarms and result in more manual checking), but nearly all provide live video streams of the candidates. Other functionality of remote proctoring platforms can include:
- Restricting the candidate’s access to the internet by locking their device
- Taking an image of the candidate’s photo ID
- Live video monitoring of candidates
- A second video stream covering a wider view of the room
- Sharing the candidate’s desktop with the proctor
- Recording all video streams and candidate desktop during the examination which can later be reviewed by an assessor
- Monitoring sound and recording from the device microphone
- Providing communication channels such as chat boxes, between candidate and invigilator
Before a candidate can sit an exam, they may be asked to download the remote proctoring software – or, this might already be available to them via their eAssessment platform. This will temporarily restrict access to the internet and any other online actions that might assist them during the exam. The system will then verify the candidate’s identity by asking for a form of photo identification.
In most cases candidates are monitored remotely via webcam throughout their assessment, which is live streamed to an invigilator. There may be two video streams that work simultaneously to provide images from different angles, offering a more complete view of the environment. On the Rogo platform, one video stream is from the candidate’s web camera and another stream comes from a secondary device, such as a phone or tablet. This enhanced streaming allows the reviewer to see the candidate’s actions and more easily detect signs of poor exam practice during the test.
In addition the proctor can view the candidate’s desktop and this is also recorded for later review. The invigilator is able to see the candidate’s online activity in real-time so that they can detect if the student has accessed restricted software. It also helps with appeals, as reviewers can see exactly how the candidate responded to each question.
For an additional layer of enhanced invigilation, the video streams are recorded so that they can be referred to by the assessor at a later stage. This is useful if the candidate is suspected of cheating, and also allows invigilators to be monitored to ensure that a high-level, standardised invigilation process is followed consistently across the board.
What are the benefits of remote proctoring?
In a few short years, remote proctoring has reshaped the way invigilation is conducted. Now that remote proctoring is being used in greater numbers than before, systems will develop quickly and become more sophisticated. It allows exams to be more accommodating, without jeopardising their value.
Increased exam integrity
Awarding bodies, regulators and the wider public need to be sure that an exam proves that someone who passes, is competent to perform whatever task the certification covers. The swift uptake of remote assessments called for an infrastructure that preserved the integrity and security of the exams, and remote proctoring provided just this.
Flexibility for adjudicators
The added benefit of being able to invigilate remotely means that proctors can work from anywhere in the world, so they are not restricted by commutes, timings and accessibility needs. This new and improved method of invigilation is far more inclusive than the traditional format. Adjudicators can choose to invigilate exams that are more fitting to their schedule, being able to invigilate remotely for exams in different countries with different time zones. And with a wider range of remote proctors available across the world, assessment organisations can be sure there will be professionals ready and waiting. Eintech can now provide on-demand remote online assessments.
What are the downsides of remote proctoring?
Remote proctoring may not be appropriate for all exam programmes. Online remote assessments push the responsibility for providing the hardware technology onto the candidate. With professional certification programmes, awarding organisations can be confident that the candidates will have access to up-to-date devices and a good stable internet connection. Not all certification programmes have candidates that can provide the required technology. Candidates shouldn’t be disadvantaged just because they can’t afford a computer, or because they live in a region without internet access. That’s why at Eintech we can provide a UK test centre network of over 130 test centres and work with partners to find sites worldwide.
eAssessments without compromise
The EdTech sector has been completely revolutionised by eAssessments, allowing for tailor-made assessment formats utilising software that is specific to the exam or profession, as opposed to the more generalised paper-and-pen approach.
With remote proctoring, professional qualification bodies can provide an enhanced style of exam without jeopardising its integrity. You should have an eAssessment and remote proctoring strategy that works for you, rather than making your strategy fit a software platform. Remote proctoring software should optimise your strategy, not compromise it.
How to optimise remote proctoring for your eAssessment
At Rogo, we understand the significance of maintaining examination quality and integrity. That’s why we have worked with professional bodies like ICAEW first-hand to develop software that works for your eAssessment strategy, all the while insisting a high level of invigilation remains.
When proctoring remotely, attention should be focused purely on the candidates sitting the exam, not trying to navigate multiple proctoring systems simultaneously. Rogo offers everything within a single system to allow invigilators to pay attention where it counts most.
We understand that change can bring stress, and our team at Rogo want to make the move to eAssessment and remote proctoring as seamless as possible. We provide full training to remote proctors so they are confident and up to date with the latest best practice.
Want to find out more about the remote proctoring capabilities of Rogo? Why not get in touch to book a demo today, and our expert team will walk you through our industry-leading solutions.
