Five Ways to Cheat on Online Exams with Proctoring

We inhabit a dynamic, technology-driven world where online education has rapidly transformed across various facets, such as Zoom meetings, Google Hangouts, MOOCs, virtual conferences, and digital assessments. Transitioning to remote learning offers greater flexibility and opportunities for achieving exceptional academic outcomes.

Institutions and entities need help ensuring exam integrity, especially with the impracticality of assigning one proctor per student, even for high-stakes assessments. Consequently, the question arises: How feasible is it to cheat during online exams, and what are the risks of detection?

Let's delve into the most prevalent methods test-takers utilize to circumvent examination regulations.

Overview

Cheating on Proctored Exams: The Traditional Approach

Cheating on Proctored Exams: The Technological Evasion

Cheating on Proctored Exams: Strategies Exploiting Exam Environment

Many students underestimate the sophistication of online proctoring systems and resort to "old-school" cheating techniques. Analogous to conventional in-person exams, students may attempt to cheat by jotting down notes on paper, palms, or forearms. However, modern remote proctoring solutions leverage AI-driven facial recognition and motion detection technologies to monitor examinees closely. These technologies authenticate student identities and flag any suspicious movements or deviations from the prescribed exam environment. Even in fully automated exam surveillance systems like Alemira Proctor, potential infractions are automatically identified and categorized based on risk levels for subsequent human review.

Conversely, tech-savvy examinees endeavor to exploit various devices for cheating purposes, including cellphones, smartwatches, and earbuds. Despite attempts to outsmart the system, platforms like Alemira Proctor boast bidirectional camera functionality capable of detecting unauthorized devices. Additionally, live proctors can discern between genuine typing activity and an attempt to capture screenshots, thwarting such evasion tactics effectively.

Some students capitalize on seemingly innocuous objects like water bottles to facilitate cheating. By ingeniously converting bottle lids into cheat sheets, they aim to gain an unfair advantage during exams. However, advanced proctoring systems like Alemira Proctor incorporate gaze detection features to identify prolonged or excessive focus on specific objects, such as water bottles, prompting further scrutiny and potential intervention.

The home environment might appear conducive to cheating, with various furnishings potentially serving as covert aids. However, before commencement, platforms like Alemira Proctor mandate a comprehensive environmental scan by students to detect any unauthorized items or suspected examination aids. Any discrepancies or anomalies are subject to closer examination and may necessitate removal.

Collaboration with peers through discreet wearable technology or communication devices poses another avenue for cheating. Nevertheless, advanced webcam technology employed by solutions like Alemira Proctor swiftly identifies such devices. Moreover, robust audio detection capabilities and automated monitoring systems promptly flag any suspicious sounds during exams.

In conclusion, while various avenues for cheating persist in traditional and online exam settings, abstaining from unethical practices remains the surest path to success. Preparation is paramount: familiarize yourself with remote proctoring protocols, adhere to exam guidelines, and prioritize honest effort over deceptive tactics to maximize your chances of academic achievement