The Covid-19 pandemic has forced an abrupt transition from conventional in-person learning to an online teaching format.
While many traditional learning methods, including lectures, have evolved relatively quickly and efficiently, other aspects such as assessments and examinations have faced daunting challenges. Moving from an in-person exam to an online format requires having reliable and secure administrative methods in place for objective assessments.
Remote proctoring is one such technological breakthrough that allows institutions to assess and review candidates by proctoring exams online from any location.
Remote proctoring technology has evolved into an efficient and secure method of exam administration, preserving exam integrity, while allowing candidates to take tests from home – a major need in countries that do not have access to test centers. This technique often consists of an exam administered by experienced human proctors and/or an AI algorithm, supported by rigorous criteria and guidelines to ensure the reliability and integrity of the exam. This way, candidates from all over the world can take exams, with much-needed convenience and flexibility.
There have been significant developments in how monitoring technologies facilitate a smoother, uninterrupted testing experience, from the scope of those tests to the technologies deployed. The introduction of AI has made it possible for educators to closely monitor the actions of candidates and easily conduct examinations. Remote proctoring has improved the overall efficiency of the testing and proctoring process by removing logistical hurdles, speeding up the entire proctoring and evaluation process, and ensuring and maintaining high standards of academic integrity.
Various online courses and certifications from leading institutions are available on several online learning platforms. These courses have resulted in strong candidate engagement, allowing them to acquire knowledge and improve their skills without having to worry about travel to test centers. However, when certification tests are online, institutes can provide remote proctoring to ensure a thorough procedure that prevents students from resorting to unfair or unethical means.
To ensure this, professional invigilators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to facilitate invigilator exams in all time zones. Remotely proctored exams provide a safe option for everyone, from verifying candidate identities to preserving the quality and thoroughness of an in-center physical exam. For companies, remote monitoring ensures the credibility of on-the-job training certifications or other professional upgrading or retraining certificates. It provides an unbiased testing environment with maximum flexibility and security.
More and more organizations and institutions are opting for remote proctoring of online exams and certification process due to its technologically advanced, AI-enabled and robust security features. Zayed University, a public institution in Dubai, is implementing remote monitoring that allows teachers to analyze student camera video to prevent cheating in online exams, in a bid to maintain academic integrity. Similarly, New York University, Abu Dhabi, monitors the tests using artificial intelligence software on a live stream that analyzes any unknown behavior and detects the cheating attempt.
While the disruptions caused by the pandemic have had a significant impact on candidates’ development and retraining plans, the remote monitoring option has provided an excellent option that will help facilitate a candidate’s goals of becoming certified.
With its location-independent capabilities, remote proctoring helps institutions conduct exceptionally secure online exams with high integrity and flexibility, and without compromising the safety and well-being of candidates, regardless of their location. Given its success and adoption, even the staunchest proponents of traditional exam-taking methods would now find it hard to question the benefits of remote proctoring technology, which are transforming the way of teaching and learning. assess skills.
The author is a Certified Management Accountant and Senior Vice President – Certifications, Examinations and Content Integration, Institute of Management Accountants.
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