Prevent Cheating with AI-powered Remote Proctoring for Online Exams

Prevent Cheating with AI-powered Remote Proctoring for Online Exams

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Authenticity Verification using Facial Recognition
3. Preventing Cheating with Secure Browser Technology
4. Remote Proctoring for Continuous Monitoring
5. Overcoming Internet Bandwidth Challenges
6. Conducting Subjective Exams with Speech-to-Text Technology
7. Evaluating Scanned Answer Sheets
8. Conclusion

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global lockdown, severely affecting educational institutions and universities. The examination cycles and academic progress of students have been disrupted as a result. To address this challenge, many educational institutions are considering online examinations for their students, particularly those in their final year. Conducting online exams presents unique challenges, such as ensuring authenticity, preventing cheating, and managing subjective exams. In this article, we will explore various methods and technologies that can be used to conduct online exams securely and efficiently.

Authenticity Verification using Facial Recognition

One of the key concerns in online examinations is verifying the authenticity of the students. To tackle this issue, facial recognition technology can be employed. Prior to starting the online exam, students can be asked to capture their photograph using a camera attached to their laptop or mobile phone. The captured photograph will be compared with the photograph available within the system or the one provided by the student to the college. Based on facial recognition, the system will determine whether to allow the user to continue with the exam or not. Facial recognition technology not only prevents cheating during the exam but also verifies if the same person is attempting the exam throughout.

Preventing Cheating with Secure Browser Technology

Another challenge in online exams is ensuring that students do not access external resources, such as the internet or search engines like Google, for answers. To address this issue, the use of a secure browser is recommended. A secure browser prevents users from opening any other window while attempting the online exam. If a student tries to open any other window, the system will alert them and suspend the online exam if multiple attempts are made. As an exam administrator, you can also monitor the number of times a user has tried to switch the exam window and detect any suspicious activity. By utilizing secure browser technology, students can attempt exams securely, eliminating the possibility of cheating.

Remote Proctoring for Continuous Monitoring

Remote proctoring is a crucial mechanism in conducting online exams. It involves continuous monitoring of students who are attempting the exam remotely. Through various methods like audio and video streaming, the system can capture the surroundings of the student, helping identify if any other person is Present or if the student is seeking external assistance. AI-driven algorithms can detect whether the same person is continuously attending the exam or if multiple faces are detected in front of the screen. In such cases, the system provides an alert message to the exam administrator, indicating a lack of authentication. Remote proctoring also allows for live monitoring and Live Chat between the remote proctor and the student, ensuring the authenticity of the exam.

Overcoming Internet Bandwidth Challenges

An essential aspect of conducting remote online exams is the availability of internet bandwidth, especially in remote locations. The Eklavvya platform provides a lightweight remote proctoring mechanism for image capturing. The system captures images of the student at regular time intervals, even with limited internet connectivity. For example, in a 60-minute online exam, the system can capture 200 to 240 images of the student. As an exam administrator, you can verify these images to ensure that the student was present in front of the screen throughout the duration of the exam. This lightweight remote proctoring mechanism is also compatible with mobile phones, enabling online exams to be conducted efficiently.

Conducting Subjective Exams with Speech-to-Text Technology

Managing subjective exams in the online format can be challenging. However, the Eklavvya platform offers innovative technology like speech-to-text, which simplifies the process. Instead of typing their answers, students can use speech-to-text technology to speak their responses. The system converts their spoken words into text format, which is then saved as their answer. This technology also includes advanced editors that enable the use of mathematical and chemical symbols, making it easier for students to write answers that involve equations or chemical reactions. Furthermore, examiners can log into the system to view and evaluate individual answers written by the students. If a student prefers to write their answers on paper, they can scan and upload the answer sheet, allowing the examiner to access and evaluate it easily. Overall, this technology simplifies the process of conducting subjective exams online.

Conclusion

In the era of social distancing, online examination platforms like Eklavvya offer effective ways to conduct objective and subjective exams securely. With advanced technologies like remote proctoring, facial recognition, and speech-to-text, online exams can be conducted in an authenticated manner, eliminating the challenges associated with cheating and exam malpractices. By leveraging these technologies, educational institutions can ensure continuity in the examination process and provide a fair evaluation for their students.

Highlights

• Facial recognition technology ensures the authenticity of students during online exams.
• Secure browser technology prevents students from accessing external resources.
• Remote proctoring allows continuous monitoring and live interaction between the proctor and students.
• Lightweight remote proctoring mechanisms overcome internet bandwidth challenges.
• Speech-to-text technology simplifies subjective exams by converting spoken words into text format.
• Evaluating scanned answer sheets provides an alternative for students who prefer using pen and paper.

FAQ

Q: Can students cheat during online exams despite facial recognition technology? A: Facial recognition technology helps verify the authenticity of students and prevents cheating by comparing the captured photograph with the one on record. It ensures that the same person is attempting the exam and not someone else.

Q: How does remote proctoring technology overcome challenges related to exam malpractices? A: Remote proctoring enables continuous monitoring of students during online exams. Through audio and video streaming, the system detects any suspicious activity, such as the presence of another person or multiple faces in front of the screen. Alerts are sent to the exam administrator, and the exam can be suspended if necessary.

Q: Does the Eklavvya platform support conducting online exams with limited internet connectivity? A: Yes, the Eklavvya platform offers a lightweight remote proctoring mechanism for image capturing, which is compatible with limited internet connectivity. The system captures images at regular intervals, ensuring that students are present throughout the exam.

Q: How does speech-to-text technology aid in conducting subjective exams online? A: Speech-to-text technology allows students to speak their answers instead of typing them. The system converts their spoken words into text format, which is saved as their answer. This technology also supports the use of mathematical and chemical symbols.

Q: Can students submit handwritten answer sheets for subjective exams conducted online? A: Yes, students can scan their handwritten answer sheets and upload them during online exams. The scanned answer sheets will be available for evaluation by the examiner, ensuring a fair assessment.

Resources

• Eklavvya Platform