Taking a remotely proctored exam can be both intimidating and challenging. The digital age has given rise to a new way of conducting assessments, with AI and human proctors ensuring the integrity of the exam process.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the crucial do's and don'ts that can make or break your online proctored test experience.
Understanding the proctor's watchful eye
Whether it's an AI proctor or a human monitor, their vigilance extends to various aspects of your exam environment. Here's an overview of what they keep an eye on:
Presence or absence: Make sure you remain in the video frame throughout the exam.
Background noise: Make sure the room remains silent; extraneous voices can trigger alerts.
Use of unauthorized aids: Keep phones, tablets and other devices away.
Desk activities: Avoid changing windows during the exam.
Non-verbal communication: Don't wink, nod or gesture.
10 things to avoid in a remotely proctored exam
Staring off into the distance: Continuous distraction can be perceived as cheating. Of course, this doesn't mean that you always have to look closely at the screen. We understand that sometimes a person may be thinking or distracted and instinctively focus their attention on an object in the room. However, it's important to bear in mind that looking at the same object repeatedly out of the camera's field of vision can be considered an attempt to cheat.
Incomplete video image: Remain visible; if the user is not completely in the camera's field of view, or if they cover their face, the AI will automatically signal a violation. Of course, nothing is perfect and the AI can make a mistake (for example, the test-taker may simply mechanically cover part of their face with their hand), so such incidents are always reviewed by people.
Uninvited guests: During an exam, strangers are not allowed in the room, and the AI instantly registers the presence of third parties. For the same reason, it's advisable to remove photos of faces from the walls – an AI proctor can automatically mistake them for a person and report them as a violation. The presence of pets is not forbidden.
Poor lighting: AI supervisors need good lighting in the work area so that they can work without error and without detecting false infractions. Lamps should not be placed directly behind the candidate's back, so as not to interfere with the computer vision system.
Impersonation: It is strictly forbidden to impersonate a candidate. In all cases, this will be noticed.
Verbal communication: It is forbidden to speak aloud in the video frame, even if it is the candidate himself. This could be interpreted as the candidate dictating questions to another person.
Change window: Thinking of using ChatGPT to help you pass your exam? Think again. As a general rule, changing windows on the desktop is forbidden. You can't browse search engines from the test window or open third-party applications.
Virtual tools: It is strictly forbidden to use virtual machines, remote computing tools such as TeamViewer, Skype, RemoteAdmin, or any other software that allows you to share your desktop with unauthorized people during the test.
Additional devices: Phones, tablets and laptops are not permitted. However, a smartphone may be permitted if the exam administrators allow a second camera to be added for environmental scanning, to enhance security.
Non-verbal signs: Gestures should be kept to a minimum, as they can be misinterpreted. Non-verbal communication such as winking, waving, and nodding can be considered as an attempt to obtain or provide assistance.
Not all flags are violations
Now that you know the pitfalls, let's explore a few situations that can occur during a remote assessment, but which would not be considered violations.
A quick glance away: We mentioned earlier that constantly looking away can be considered a violation. It's important to understand that you can take your eyes off the screen briefly (for example, it's quite common to look away when pondering a test question).
Synchronous proctoring chat: In synchronous proctoring, a proctor follows sessions in real time. In this case, a dedicated chat can be activated where you, as the candidate, can ask questions - of course, unrelated to the test topic. For example, if you encounter a technical problem, don't hesitate to contact the proctor.
Common sense exceptions: All abnormal situations (which the user cannot influence) are dealt with using common sense and a rational approach. For example, if a test-taker's pen falls and they bend down to pick it up, or a child suddenly cries in the next room, the proctor will not consider this a violation. However, bear in mind that if you are taking the exam in a large classroom or office where the presence of other people and extraneous noises is unavoidable, all actions and sounds will be analyzed in detail.
Exam-specific allowances: Some schools and universities may allow the candidate to use headphones, textbooks, notes, or calculators - commonly known as the "open book" format. In this case, the candidate's actions will be interpreted according to the rules of the exam in question. If the institution allows the use of a calculator or the writing of a draft on a sheet of paper during the exam, this will not be considered a violation.
Striking the right balance with remote proctored exams
It's becoming clear that success depends on a delicate balance between vigilance and understanding. Navigating under the watchful eye of AI proctors and human supervisors requires a general, if not thorough, understanding of the rules to be followed. Remember that although unexpected situations may arise, being aware of the nuances and knowing that reported actions are carefully scrutinized can enable you to pass the online assessment with confidence.
So, as you embark on your next remotely proctored exam, equip yourself with knowledge, adhere to the guidelines and move confidently towards success.
Best of luck!