In recent years, online proctoring could be compared to a substitute player on the bench, who was thrust into the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, instead of being hailed as the game-changing, most valuable player (MVP), it was the subject of much criticism. Did proctoring enter the game unprepared, or was it simply misunderstood?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rise of online proctoring and ask whether it has reached its peak or not yet.
Online proctoring during the pandemic
Online proctoring technology had been under development for years before the pandemic hit. Its first emergence, in the early 2000s, involved human proctors overseeing remote assessments.
The COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in the development of online proctoring. Educational institutions and businesses around the world were forced to adopt online formats, causing major disruption, particularly for high-stakes examinations. Imagine your career as a doctor being interrupted because you can’t pass an exam, and this is in the midst of a pandemic, when the demand for doctors is critical.
This sudden change made online proctoring systems indispensable for resuming educational pathways and maintaining the integrity of exams, regardless of the candidate's location.
Online education: a booming market
The online education sector continues to grow, even beyond the pandemic. According to HolonIQ analysts, the global education market is worth over $6.5 trillion and is expected to reach $10 trillion by 2030. As reported by Bloomberg, the online education market is transforming, with its value set to rise from $217 billion in 2022 to a staggering $475 billion by 2030, thanks in part to the implementation of AI in education.
Along with the growing popularity of online education, the online proctoring segment is also developing. According to the latest Online Exam Proctoring Market forecast, the online proctoring market is expected to soar from $741.7 million value in 2022 and is projected to surpass $3.8 billion by 2032 – an average annual growth rate of 18%.
AI-augmented education
Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t a brand-new technology integrated into educational processes, but it has recently seen exponential growth in its capabilities, changing how we teach, learn, and assess.
AI is becoming an integral component of proctoring systems, extending benefits such as process automation, cost reduction, accessibility and more. Proctoring capabilities such as facial recognition, voice analysis, and eye-tracking are becoming more advanced, providing deeper insights into candidate behavior during assessments. Additionally, integrating learning management systems and analytics tools allows for a more comprehensive approach to assessing candidate performance.
The widespread adoption of AI proctoring can have a significant impact on global education systems. It levels the playing field, ensuring that all test-takers are evaluated based on their knowledge and abilities, irrespective of their geographical location or socio-economic background. Additionally, the increased accessibility and flexibility offered by AI proctoring can pave the way for lifelong learning and continuous skill development.
Conclusion
So, is online proctoring here to stay? The criticisms leveled since the pandemic have led to improvements rather than setbacks. As technology advances, so do online proctoring solutions, ensuring that they remain a valuable player in the field of education.
For those seeking continuous learning opportunities, regardless of their location or daily commitments, online learning, with the support of online proctoring, offers the means to embark on an uninterrupted learning journey. Online proctoring may not have won all its MVP titles yet, but it's well on its way to becoming an essential part of modern education.
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Constructor Proctor has been supporting a seamless, fair and secure assessment delivery since 2015 to meet the needs of today’s assessments, from higher education to alternative credentials and corporate learning.
Try a demo and discover first-hand how Constructor Proctor’s advanced technology works and adapts to meet your needs. After all, you deliver the exam. You set the rules. We’re here to make sure that the experience is smooth and secure.