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Advantages and disadvantages of asynchronous proctoring

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With the growing popularity of digital assessments within organizations, institutions are looking for the best proctoring tools during exam sessions. Some use lockdown browsers to restrict access, while others opt for live or asynchronous proctoring. Nexam stands out by offering both modes, with an approach that focuses on detecting non-compliant behaviors rather than blocking access. In an era where people are increasingly aware of the protection of their personal data, automated asynchronous proctoring presents itself as an effective yet non-intrusive solution to ensure the integrity of the assessment process.

This article presents the types of recordings, their advantages and disadvantages, and other features for securing online assessments through asynchronous monitoring.

Types of recordings during assessment monitoring

Unlike real-time proctoring, asynchronous proctoring does not require the constant presence of proctors during the exam. Instead, the exam session is recorded to verify the integrity of the assessment process.

  • Screen recording: All activity on the candidate’s screen is captured throughout the assessment. This feature ensures that all interactions are documented.
  • Video and audio recording: Recording is done through the candidate’s built-in or external camera, either as continuous video or periodic photo capture.

Screen, video, and Audio recording during an assessment

After assessment, most online evaluation platforms use algorithms, or artificial intelligence, to analyze surveillance videos. Automatically detected events can then be validated by the assessment manager. These events are synchronized with the videos, facilitating subsequent review.

✅ Nexam also allows adding custom events and comments. An event can be bookmarked for future reference.

Advantages and disadvantages of asynchronous monitoring

Here is a summary table of the main advantages and disadvantages of asynchronous proctoring.

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Less intrusive: Candidates are not monitored in real time, making the process more discreet and less stressful.
  • Delayed detection: Suspicious behavior is only detected after the exam is submitted, which may delay intervention.
  • Resource optimization: Reduce human resource requirements for real-time monitoring.
  • Workload: Analyzing videos and data can require additional work after the exam.
  • Flexibility in analysis: Enables in-depth, targeted analysis of events after the examination.
  • Data storage: Requires sufficient videos’ storage when downloaded by the exam administrator.
  • Downloading problematic captures: Videos involving cheating or plagiarism can be extracted for presentation to the institution’s disciplinary committee.
  • Technology stability: Asynchronous monitoring requires a stable infrastructure, including a reliable Internet connection on the user side.

ℹ️ Note : Data management and flexible analysis are key advantages that contribute to more effective assessment management.

✅ Nexam ensures video hosting for 30 days following the assessment session, after which they are automatically deleted in accordance with our information security policies and procedures.

Features to ensure integrity

Moving from a paper-based, in-person assessment to an online assessment platform with asynchronous monitoring can sometimes raise concerns. In addition to the monitoring described above, certain features can be enabled to ensure the integrity of the assessment process and limit unauthorized behavior. Key feature include:

Features
Description
  • Random question ordering

Multiple ordering strategies are possible, including randomization, with options to fix certain questions or structure complexity levels.

  • Blur mode

If the participant leaves the exam environment, the content becomes blurred and unreadable, reducing the risk of fraud.

  • Face framing

The system can prevent access to the exam if the candidate is not properly framed in the camera field.

  • Multiple person detection

The system can block access if multiple faces are detected, preventing collaborative cheating attempts.

  • Printing and content selection disabled

Printing and text selection options are disabled to prevent the candidate from copying or printing exam questions.

✅ Nexam offers advanced solutions for face framing, detecting multiple people on screen, and enabling additional modes.

Conclusion

Asynchronous monitoring offers an innovative way to ensure the integrity of online assessments, while respecting candidate privacy and reducing the need for dedicated human resources.

For more information on our automated asynchronous monitoring solution, or to discuss your specific online assessment security requirements, schedule a demo.

To learn more about transitioning to online exams, check out our comprehensive guide on successfully navigating this transition here: The Guide to a Successful Transition to Online Exams.

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