Page 11 - ELG2304 Apr Issue 484

NEWS

On-line invigilation can beat the bots

By Dr Helen Wood How does this compare to high- exam centres, making it easier to
Not many people will have stakes assessments in a securely catch any attempts to cheat.
missed the recent hype regarding proctored, online environment? Exams run in a securely
the impact of ChatGPT on Responsible online test providers proctored online environment
the education sector since its will in fact operate in a very similar also have other security features.
launch in November. It is a fashion to GCSE exams halls For Again, with Password Skills Plus,
debate which the Password team example, for the Password Skills AI monitoring is also employed, PHOTO ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING LTD
and our colleagues at Examity, Plus test which is used to assess with exam sessions recorded and
our online proctoring partner, the English language proficiency data stored. This makes spotting
have been following with keen of university applicants, the potential infractions much
interest. For us the key question same set of rigorous procedures easier. Examity’s invigilators
is whether online exams are more in place. For example, during the can respond to incidents during
vulnerable than traditional paper- exam, candidates are required the examination session but in
based versions to this kind of to meet exacting standards addition, events flagged on the
development. relating to authentication (ID), time-stamped tracking video can
Whilst the pandemic accelerated test administration (attire, be fully investigated by multiple
the adoption of online assessment, equipment, environment) and reviewers retrospectively, before
paper-based exams, such as exam conduct. an exam result is awarded. Ironically, it is its facility for
the UK’s GCSEs and A levels Together with invigilation In fact where language proficiency writing flawless text, which is its
sat under rigorously enforced rules, these procedures are assessment is concerned, ChatGPT downfall.
conditions at spaced desks in used to maintain exam security has some very particular limitations.
large halls patrolled by trained and detect deception and any It is not able to imitate second
invigilators, have not disappeared. improper practice. In the case of language learners by taking Dr Helen Wood
Nor are these types of assessment Password Skills Plus, the ratio of into account mother-tongue is head of school
invulnerable to technology-based online invigilators to students interference. In other words, it partnerships at
attempts to cheat, for example (one to four) is far higher than has not (yet) learned how to make English Language
sneaking a smart watch or mobile the one in thirty typical for paper- deliberate mistakes which would Testing Ltd.
phone into the exam hall. based exams conducted at official lend authenticity to its answers.

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