remote invigilation at athabasca university

Focused on the future of learning.

REMOTE INVIGILATION AT ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY

Alain May, AVP Student and Academic ServicesRichard MacLeod, RegistrarCindy Ives, Vice President AcademicOctober 4, 2017

Background• Exams

– 3000 exams per month– paper-based (54%)– Online through MuchLearning

(32%)– Online through IBM Notes

platform (14%)

• Current Exam Invigilation– Free exam invigilation at our

learning centres: Edmonton, Calgary, Athabasca

– Invigilation network– Students can request other

invigilators

Why Remote Invigilation?

• Reduce costs for students– A typical external invigilator can cost:

• Up to $CAD 200 • Parking and transportation costs

• Increase flexibility for students• Reduce exam stress• Reduce operational time spent on

managing invigilator network, exam bookings and academic integrity issues

• Reduce physical presence in other regions

Implementation Process

• Initial testing of the technology• Working group• Selection process • Consultation and engagement with faculties • Pilot process with planned evaluation criteria• Gradual communication of pilot to students

Academic Concerns

• Loss of internet service – intentional or otherwise

• Monitoring the desktop space – Using unapproved materials

• Bathroom Breaks

How Does It Work?• Computer with standard webcam, microphone and internet

connectivity required• Students schedule exam window as per normal with AU and

then book with ProctorU• During the proctoring process,

– Proctor connects to test-taker via chat, video and audio connections and can take control of student device

– Proctor maintains chat window with student throughout– Proctor can stop the exam if misconduct is expected and

request a scan of work area• Incident reports of any issues (and bathroom breaks) are

provided to us• Detailed record of all events in session are kept. End to end

recording of the entire session is available for review up to 30 days past write date.

Early Pilot Results• May – June 15, 101 exams (Survey response 72% in May,

76% in June)• Mainly Canadian test takers but also international• Company Service Average – 4.02 May, 4.39 June • Were you satisfied with the company:

– 46% Strongly Agreed– 38% Agreed– 4% Neutral– 11% Disagree– 1% Agree

• Proctor Service Average - 4.4 May, 4.57 June• Please rate your proctor:

– 60% Excellent– 28% Good– 11% Mediocre– 1% Poor

Next Steps• Evaluation of pilot

– Survey results– Faculty

discussions– Consideration of

issues raised to date

• Communication of pilot results and decision