Many schools are making a shift from paper-and-pen to digital tools for various types of assessments. While this has a lot of benefits, the rapid development of generative AI increases the need to find tools that are robust, secure and ensure academic integrity.
We asked Martin, Head of IT & Security, what to consider when choosing a test platform with reliable proctoring.
1. Multiple Proctoring Features
When selecting a test platform, it’s crucial to consider the strength and variety of its proctoring features. Exam.net puts a lot of consideration into this area, and offers three levels of security settings. There is a live-monitoring view for teachers, where they can see the students’ texts in real-time during exams. In the background, Exam.net has a cheat detection that operates on the server-side. This enables us to quietly identify and alert teachers about suspected cheating, including the use of special software, split screens, attempts to hack the proctoring software and more. All these features work together as a cheat prevention mechanism.
“We can see how answers have emerged and detect suspicious events. If we suspect, for example, use of special software or ChatGPT, the teacher will be alerted”
Head of It Security, Martin
2. Proctoring Levels
It could be good to choose a digital tool with multiple levels of proctoring, depending on what type of work the students are to be assessed on. Exam.net offers multiple security levels, from open book, to allowing specific URLs and other attachments, to a high-security with lockdown mode that restricts students from leaving full-screen mode during tests.
“Teachers have full control over the security settings. A teacher can, for example, conduct classroom work or homework via Exam.net to give students a distraction-free environment for their assignments”
Head of It Security, Martin
3. Ensure Privacy Compliance
It’s important to consider privacy regulations such as GDPR, FERPA, COPPA, and SOPIPA. At Exam.net, we offer peace of mind to teachers and institutions regarding the handling of personal data. Exam.net focuses on real-time cheat prevention without video recording or other intrusive monitoring. This approach minimizes data privacy issues while maintaining the integrity of the exam process.
4. Proctoring that works on all devices
A key consideration for any test platform is its ability to accommodate a diverse range of devices. Exam.net is designed with these realities in mind, ensuring that security measures are met on PCs, macOS, iPads, Chromebooks and mixed environments. It is important to maintain a fair test environment for all students, independent of device.
5. Cheat prevention made for teachers
It’s good to consider how user-friendly the interface is when choosing a digital tool. Teachers don’t have the time for tech-programs with steep learning curves. It just has to work!
We know that it’s common for students to ‘sneak a peek’ at their neighbors, so we have developed defenses such as randomizing question order and hiding answers after a student completes a question. Transitioning to online proctored tests can significantly streamline assessment processes for schools and teachers.
Conclusion
When choosing an online test platform with proctoring, there are many factors to consider to ensure exam integrity. Exam.net offers a comprehensive solution that combines advanced security features with user-friendly interfaces. With Exam.net, teachers can confidently administer tests, knowing that each assessment is conducted fairly and accurately, whether in the classroom or remote.
Monitor students in real time during an exam and ensure academic integrity with various security levels. Read more about monitoring and proctoring with Exam.net.
