Andhra Pradesh: Online remote proctored exams become new norm

VISAKHAPATNAM: Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, several autonomous engineering colleges and institutions in Andhra Pradesh are leveraging new-age technologies such as proctoring softwares to conduct exams through a virtual mode. Even though the proctoring softwares have been there for the last several years, the pandemic accelerated their adoption due to risks involved in the physical presence of students and invigilators in exam halls.
The remote proctored exams have become the new normal in the last several months due to the disruptions caused by the second wave. The artificial intelligence-based software works on facial recognition, pattern recognition, eye and body movement and other algorithms for cheat-proof exams.
The test-tracking software, which doubles up as a powerful invigilator, primarily takes advantage of the web camera on the candidate’s computer and captures the exam session. It would flag any suspicious activity on the part of the candidates based on the captured data and activity. The major advantage of this test-tracking software is that exams can be conducted for thousands of students at a go without the need for a single invigilator.
Speaking to TOI, Gitam Deemed-to-be University vice-chancellor Prof K Sivaramakrishna said Gitam and a few other engineering colleges in Andhra Pradesh are using a certain proctoring platform to conduct online exams. “In addition to this, we are also giving remote access to our labs to attend practical exams. The nearly 14,000 students of Gitam, who are residing in different states of the country, are appearing for exams without any difficulty,” said Prof Sivaramakrishna.

Vice-principal and dean, Vignan’s Institute of Information Technology, Dr K Madhusudhana Rao, said that the institute conducted the mid exams by using proctoring software. “Several IT companies and other organisations are conducting campus placement tests and interviews through their own proctoring tools. The students are taking several other exams in virtual mode. However, some international online course providers are conducting their exams through task-based assessments instead of virtual proctored-based exams,” said Dr Rao.