Online proctoring companies offer several options to protect online exams. Some cover the basics. Others offer a lot more.
Common online proctoring options
- Browser lockdown: Prevents access to other browsers and software. Usually inexpensive but not worth the money because exam takers can still use cell phones to look up answers.
- Live proctoring: a proctor watches several exams at once. The problem is that it’s expensive, causes scheduling hassles, proctors can miss problematic behavior, and it’s distracting for exam takers because they’re being watched the entire time.
- AI proctoring (automated): only monitors behavior with AI software. Typically more cost-effective than live proctoring but there doesn’t have any human review and oversight, which can create a longer exam review process for faculty.
- Blended proctoring: combines live and AI proctoring. A proctor only intervenes if the AI alerts them of potentially problematic behavior. Once alerted, they can review the behavior. If it isn’t problematic, they don’t need to intervene.
Which sounds like the best approach to proctoring online exams? A blended approach is the most comprehensive way to proctor online exams.
What’s blended proctoring and how does it work? It combines AI with humans to protect exams, reduce test anxiety, and provide more options to assess knowledge.
- AI monitors behavior. The proctoring software monitors each exam taker for potentially dishonest behavior, such as exiting the screen or having unauthorized resources in the room.
- The AI alerts a live proctor if it detects any issues. The best proctoring software software allows the proctor to review the behavior before deciding whether to intervene or not.
- Review the results in the LMS. After exams are completed, instructors should be able to review reports and time-stamped recordings in the LMS.
Common proctoring features:
- Video monitoring: monitors behavior with the webcam to verify ID and check for unauthorized resources.
- Sound detection: AI detects sounds, which can be important sounds like voices, but it can also include unimportant noises, like sneezing or a doorbell ringing.
- Browser lockdown: a basic feature that prevents access to other browsers and certain keyboard functions.
Advanced online proctoring software & services
The software and services below are exclusive to Honorlock, the first company to blend AI with human review.
- Detects cell phone use: Honorlock detects cell phones if a test-taker tries to access test bank content on the device during an exam.
- Test content protection: Search & Destroy technology automatically searches the internet for your leaked test questions and you can send takedown requests with one click.
- 24/7 proctoring & live support: no exam scheduling needed with Honorlock because proctored online exams and live US-based support are available on-demand.
- Smart voice detection: Honorlock’s voice detection listens for specific keywords/phrases (like “OK Google” or “Hey Siri”), creates a transcript of what the test taker said, and alerts a live proctor.
Who uses blended proctoring? Blended proctoring is often used in higher education and corporate.
Higher education
Higher education uses online proctoring for things like testing for online courses, authentic assessments, program entrance exams, and even high-stakes MBA exams.
Corporate
Online proctoring in corporate settings works for certification exams, employee training, performance assessments, and pre-employment assessments.
Invest in online proctoring that does everything you need. Don’t waste your time and money on proctoring that doesn't do what you need. Honorlock’s online proctoring protects academic integrity while creating a better exam experience that supports online teaching and learning.