The Wow Factor Technology captures our imaginations to solve problems we never knew we had. In readiness for the 16th eAssessment Question conference, looking back to 2002, the iPod had successfully integrated software, music player and computer with an elegantly simple interface: proving you can have aspirational and functional working together. In the 2018 assessment world, remote proctoring (or invigilation powered by Exam Tech) has the Wow Factor just like the iPod did.
Quit checking WhatsApp and help! We’ve been here before. Exam tech such as e-portfolios, on-screen exams and marking, were once touted as a cure-all for assessment’s ills. Remote proctoring is different. It shines a light on the misunderstood practice of invigilation. Data and analysis provide forward-fraud indicators, audit trails and far greater assurance to learners. Having 24/7/365 access to skilled professionals who do invigilation/ proctoring for a living raises quality (rather than twice a year piecework), and remote proctoring also anticipates and diagnoses issues quicker - better than raising your hand and waiting for an invigilator to quit checking their WhatsApp, and walk over to you.
Where did you get this? Successful deployments are now rapidly building an impressive evidence and research base. It all points to the notion that remote proctoring and its attendant software have no detrimental impact on the learner’s exam experience. Quicker, smarter decisions from actionable data on exam and learner performance are available that protect both the exam programme and learners. With any seismic change, the expectation bar is set far higher for technology that improves provision quality. One big change since 2002 is a greater awareness of provenance. Where do the remote proctors work? Who made the software and where? Does it put me and my organisation at risk?
Enlightened test sponsors, awarding bodies, and vendors use data collections such as the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (TICPI), to help make their remote proctoring and eAssessment choices. For example, on the TICPI, say ‘kia ora’ to New Zealand at #1 and ‘hello there’ to the UK at #8. Rumbling along at #135, and coupled with stats on software piracy, Russia might not be the first choice for sourcing software and services.
Got Work To Do While risk management is key for remote proctoring, there’s still work to do in making it an inclusive, default choice. Managing the expectations of learners in 2018, dealing with public indifference or hostility, understanding cultural boundaries for international delivery, dealing with a basket of regulators, and articulating the cost benefits are challenges to be worked on. I’m looking forward to discussing these challenges at the eAssessment Question event next week in London - hope to see you there.