Online Proctoring - Finding the right balance of security and accessibility

Security of assessments is one of the most important aspects of a reputable distance education program. Whether blended or fully online, ensuring that students do not cheat on assessments is the key in building and maintaining credibility for academic institutions. In order to achieve and maintain a high level of credibility while simultaneously increasing accessibility to students, institutions are turning to online proctoring.   In this presentation we are going to share lessons learned by WGU from more than 8 years and 750,000+ delivered online proctored assessments through 3 different vendors. Attendees will leave with improved understanding of what constitutes a high quality test delivery process, making them better informed and equipped to find the online proctoring solution that will best fit their institution’s needs. Some of the information we will cover in this presentation will include:   -          Identity verification methods: Why are most of the standard identity verification methods available on the marketplace insufficient to meet test taker identification requirements.  -          Live vs. Recorded vs. Automated Online Proctoring: How do these options differ? What do you gain/lose by choosing one over the other? -          Use of internal vs. external webcams: Can we prove that the use of an external webcam increases the level of security during online proctoring? We’ll bring the evidence, you decide if it’s convincing. -          How to keep your assessment items off the Internet: How do you prevent test takers from stealing your test items and sharing them with future test takers? -          Ways your students will use to bypass all of these security steps: Learn the steps test takers use to bypass the security features in place and how to stay one step ahead of them. -          Finding the right Online Proctoring Service Provider for your institution:  The marketplace is growing with a constant influx of new players.  While the offerings may look very familiar on the surface, there are significant differences. Learn how to find the vendor that will best fit your institution’s needs.   While online test delivery is very important in order to increase accessibility to students with busy schedules, it is also valuable to allow for the delivery of assessments at physical testing locations. This is especially important for students who might not have the hardware or high speed Internet connection required for online proctoring. Attendees will learn how to identify and contract with high quality, secure proctors in different parts of the country and how to ensure their assessments are delivered in a secure manner.