Cheating on a Proctored Exam
Exams that are proctored can be given in person, online, or in a proctored location under the supervision of someone other than you.
Many students make several attempts to cheat on proctored tests; nevertheless, these antiquated strategies are ineffective with contemporary proctoring software.
1. Using a Virtual Machine
Virtual machines are one of the best tools for cheating on an online exam that is proctored. With the help of friends while answering questions online, this strategy enables students to install a different operating system on their device and use it as a second monitor while taking the test. Unfortunately, proctoring software can catch this and requires technical knowledge.
Using a projector or camera as additional proof of fraud is a typical method of cheating on an online test that is proctored. This strategy is particularly effective in small spaces, and other forms of technology, such as smartwatches, microphones, and others, may also be used to conduct dishonest testing procedures.
To combat academic fraud, many schools are using remote proctoring technologies. However, some students are coming up with inventive ways to get around these tools. For example, some students are using smartphones to record exams or communicating with peers during tests while wearing earbuds. These actions could have serious consequences, including expulsion from schools or programs altogether. These services aim to ensure test takers don’t cheat during online assessments and are generally effective tools in combating academic misconduct.
There are more and more opportunities for students to cheat during proctored online exams as education shifts to an online learning paradigm. The use of a lockdown browser, which restricts access to display settings and programs that would make it easier to cheat during an exam, would be an effective strategy to combat these scams. Some techniques may seem innovative, but live proctors can still detect them.
2. Using a Remote Software
Online proctoring software is used by schools, colleges, and universities to monitor exam rooms and check test takers’ identification documents with images or scans. Students are only permitted to start tests until they have successfully completed authentication procedures.
On the other hand, some students have developed clever strategies for cheating on remotely proctored exams. One common strategy is to find someone else to take the test on their behalf, particularly if the examination calls for uploading results ahead of the required date. Those taking the exam might simply adjust their PC hours accordingly to evade detection by the platform.
Modern proctoring solutions that use lockdown browsers for access control and report any suspicious activity as soon as possible can readily detect the use of screen-sharing software to provide exam content to a helper.
On exams that are proctored, some students make an effort to cheat by concealing notes or writing on their palms. Students should carefully consider all of the consequences of cheating before taking such exams, including losing grades as well as possible sanctions like school or driver’s license suspension. Although these antiquated techniques might be effective in some circumstances, they do not pose much of a threat to the integrity of online proctored exams as the proctor will typically detect hidden material and inform teachers immediately.
3. Using a Smartphone
Students may use their smartphones to take screenshots or images of questions during an online proctored exam so they can share them with other test-takers taking the same exam at a later time. These students benefit from this technique of cheating since they can get exam answers before taking the test and make sure each question is accurately answered. For multiple-choice examinations, some students even encrypt the answers, which is another common method of cheating that proctors are finding harder and harder to detect and prevent.
Technology tools like remote software, microphones, and smartwatches can all be utilized to cheat on an online exam that is being proctored. Students can download WhatsApp’s web version to communicate with others outside of test rooms about their examinations as well as remote software that connects them with outside assistance. Some students even use projectors to show their friends and family what the test questions will look like on the screen while they are taking it!
Some pupils use water bottles as a form of cheating. This practice enables students to examine answers while remaining hydrated during tests. They write out solutions on the lid and use this cheat sheet during an exam. Alemira Proctor can spot these efforts at cheating earlier than conventional proctoring techniques by watching eye movement and spotting suspect patterns.
During online proctored exams, students sometimes utilize restroom breaks as an opportunity to review notes from prior exams or ask friends for help. Therefore, it is crucial that they are made aware of the guidelines for an online proctored exam and given specific instructions to refrain from using the restroom or checking their phone at any point in the exam. Additionally, it’s advised that students take one of these tests in a calm, private setting free from interruptions.
4. Using a Smartwatch
However, students have found inventive ways to cheat in proctored exams using this technology, including cell phones, smartpens, cameras, and even microphones to record themselves during tests. This presents a challenge for proctors trying to detect cheaters online. Online proctoring software is highly advanced and capable of detecting many things, like mirroring the screen of your computer onto another device.
Changing the clock on their PCs during an online proctored exam is one way students try to cheat, frequently as part of a quiz or test to get more answers. Since proctoring software may detect when a computer’s clock changes, this practice should not be used during such exams.
Due to the growing use of online proctoring, certain traditional methods that students used to employ to cheat on examinations are becoming less and less popular. These methods can still be helpful in some situations, even though they might not be ideal for tests with a high stakes; however, for optimal security, they must be combined with other anti-cheating procedures.
Proctors do environmental scans of any room before starting an exam, and they must perform a thorough environmental scan to stop cheating while taking the test. Hiding answers on online tests behind objects like furniture or walls is one form of cheating, but it’s risky because proctors will run a scan to catch cheaters, which could cause your exam to be delayed and result in fines for cheating. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening: make sure no one else is present while you take your exam, and if necessary, switch off your device’s webcam.
5. Using a Camera
Online proctoring software is highly advanced, capable of detecting many things – like mirroring the screen of your computer onto another device – but students have found creative ways to cheat in proctored exams using this technology, including cell phones, smartpens, cameras, and even microphones to record themselves during tests – creating challenges for proctors trying to detect cheaters online.
One way that students attempt to cheat during an online proctored exam is by altering the time on their PCs, often as part of a quiz or test to gain additional answers. Proctoring software detects changing of PC clocks; therefore, this practice should not be attempted during such exams.
Some old-school techniques students used to use to cheat on exams are becoming less and less common, due to online proctoring’s increased presence. While these strategies may not be appropriate for high-stakes exams, they can still prove useful in certain circumstances; however, they cannot act alone and must be supplemented with additional anti-cheating measures for maximum security.
Proctors conduct environmental scans of any room before beginning an exam and will need to conduct a full environmental scan in order to prevent cheating during it. One way of cheating on online exams is hiding answers behind furniture or walls; however, this method can be dangerous as proctors will conduct this scan to detect cheaters; delaying your exam could lead to penalties due to cheating. Luckily there are ways you can avoid this happening: ensure that no other people are around while you take your exam and turn off webcam on device as required if necessary.