Test Proctoring in our Online World
Online Test proctoring is important! Online or remote tutoring was on the rise prior to Covid but is now used more than ever before. That is to say, your students are probably struggling struggle to close education gaps. To clarify, missing school during the pandemic has led for a need for tutoring companies to step in. Consequently, you will be testing more students than ever before to assess how intervention tutoring may be applied.
Many of the tests you might choose can be delivered online. For example, the Oases Achieve Test and SAT/ACT practice tests. Perhaps these tests will be taken in the student’s home meaning you will need to address the question of integrity. Thus, test proctoring will need to be addressed.
There are a number of options open to you to proctor these tests.
1. Test Proctoring by your Online Tutor
Online tutoring is normally delivered with video conferencing capability and this video may be leveraged by your tutor for online test proctoring.
Be sure to have the online test and video conferencing software open at the same time and on the same monitor if the student has more than one. If the student is taking a pre-test for the first time and the student is not known to your tutor, the student’s ID can be held up to the camera.
If the student is too young to have an ID then we can safely assume they are not alone and an adult can verify identity.
Your tutor can watch student eye movement and look for excessive text entry for tests that are multiple choice.
2. Test Proctoring Services
Companies such as Examity, Kryterion and ProctorU offer the above services in a formal setting. Using the above tips and adding the use of mirrors that the student holds up prior to starting. This is so the remote proctor can see the layout of the room and see if there are other computers, devices or people near the student.
Online literature states they are experts at spotting body or eye movements that indicate cheating and are alerted by software to audio being changed by the student as they work through a test.
Lack of pricing on these sites indicate this is an expensive service that maybe best kept for unique situations.
3. Sub-Contract local Test Proctoring
Many areas have local proctors that you can be sub-contract for tests. So being being creative may help to keep costs down.
Consider if the student’s school help out with administering a test or a local library?
Make sure you shop around and ensure that the price you charge for the testing session will cover the price you pay for the use of the test, your time to find a proctor and the proctor themselves.
4. Parent Test Procturing
Consider asking a parent to proctor a test; as long as you have a good set of rules.
You must make it clear to the parent and the student that absolutely nothing will be gained from tutoring if the parent helps their child with the test.
Point out that to get the best bang for their buck it is essential that the child fails in the areas where they need most help in order to receive that help.
Suggest that the parent assists in opening the online test and ensures that everything is working and then, if age appropriate leave the child in peace to work through the test, taking cell phones and calculators with them when they go.
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