The advent of online education has revolutionized the way we learn, making knowledge more accessible to people around the world. However, this transformation has also raised concerns about academic integrity and the potential for cheating in online assessments. To address these concerns, educational institutions, like UNF, have turned to online proctoring solutions with two prominent options being Honorlock and Respondus Monitor. Both of these platforms leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and maintain the integrity of online exams. In this post, we will explore how Honorlock and Respondus Monitor utilize AI technology to uphold academic honesty in the digital age.
For Honorlock
Honorlock is a comprehensive online proctoring system that utilizes AI technology to monitor and secure online exams. One of its primary features is the identity verification process, which relies on facial recognition and authentication. Before taking an exam, students are required to show their government-issued ID and perform a facial scan. Honorlock’s AI algorithms compare the scanned image with the ID photo to ensure that the person taking the exam is indeed the registered student.
During the exam, Honorlock employs AI-powered proctoring to monitor students in real-time. This includes physical movements to detect any suspicious behaviors like looking away from the screen, face not fully visible on the screen, or consulting unauthorized materials. And Honorlock employs machine learning algorithms to analyze typing patterns and mouse movements. These AI algorithms can identify deviations from a student’s usual behavior, such as unusually fast typing or erratic mouse movements, which could indicate the use of unauthorized aids or assistance.
Furthermore, Honorlock uses AI-powered flagging and reporting mechanisms. The system also flags unusual behaviors such as excessive noise or multiple people in the room. When these behaviors are detected, the AI generates alerts for review by human proctors who can intervene if necessary.
Honorlock also employs browser lockdown technology, restricting students from accessing other websites or applications during the exam. AI plays a crucial role here as well, continuously monitoring the student’s browser for any attempts to open new tabs or access external resources. If a student attempts to cheat, the system will flag the behavior, and the proctor will be alerted.
Additionally, Honorlock has recently released new features to better secure the testing environment prior to the student taking the assessment. Honorlock’s Pre-exam check will now warn test-takers prior to entering their exam for certain behaviors detected by their AI, like wearing headphones. Honorlock’s AI extension detector will block any AI web extension that students can use to assist with cheating on their examinations like Transcript, Coursology, Quillbot, and Quizwiz.
Lastly, Honorlock’s AI technology includes plagiarism detection. It scans the internet for content matching the exam answers, helping to identify instances of academic dishonesty. Honorlock’s use of artificial intelligence goes beyond mere surveillance; it actively safeguards the integrity of online assessments.
For Respondus Monitor
Respondus Monitor is another leading online proctoring solution that leverages artificial intelligence to uphold academic integrity. Similar to Honorlock, Respondus Monitor uses facial recognition technology to verify the identity of the student taking the exam. AI algorithms continuously monitor the student’s face, ensuring that they are the one who initially logged in and that they remain focused on the exam.
Central to its functionality is the customized web browser application student’s download prior to their examination. Respondus has developed a customed web browser which limits all activities to student’s Canvas course and assessments. Students are unable to navigate to any other parts of the web except their examination – the internet is virtually “lock-down.” Partnered with this feature is the use of webcam technology, which captures video and audio of the student throughout the exam. AI algorithms analyze this data in real-time, flagging any suspicious activities.
One of the most notable features of Respondus Monitor is the “Facial Detection” technology. This AI system tracks the student’s face during the exam to ensure they remain visible on the screen at all times. If the student looks away or covers their face, Respondus Monitor generates alerts for review.
Moreover, Respondus Monitor offers an innovative AI-based keystroke analysis. This technology assesses typing patterns to detect irregularities. If the system detects a different typing style than what is typical for the student, it raises red flags for further investigation. And finally, like Honorlock, Respondus Monitor flags all incidents of student behavior for faculty review.
The combination of these AI-enhanced features in Respondus Monitor serves to deter cheating and maintain academic integrity during online assessments. Like Honorlock, Respondus Monitor aims to strike a balance between technology and human oversight to ensure fairness and accuracy.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Ensuring Academic Integrity
Both Honorlock and Respondus Monitor demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence in upholding academic integrity in online education. AI technology not only automates the process of monitoring students but also provides valuable data and insights to human proctors and instructors, allowing them to make informed decisions about potential violations.
However, it is crucial to strike a balance between ensuring academic integrity and respecting student privacy. Concerns have been raised about the invasive nature of some AI-driven proctoring methods, prompting discussions about ethics and student consent. Institutions must implement these technologies transparently and communicate their use clearly to students, addressing any concerns or objections.
Conclusion
Honorlock and Respondus Monitor exemplify how AI technology is being harnessed to address the challenges of online education, particularly in maintaining academic integrity during remote assessments. These platforms offer a range of AI-driven features, including identity verification, real-time monitoring, and plagiarism detection, to ensure that students’ online exams are fair and secure.
While AI-enabled online proctoring solutions provide valuable tools for educators and institutions, they also raise legitimate concerns about privacy, bias, and technical issues. Striking a balance between maintaining academic integrity and respecting students’ privacy is essential as online education continues to evolve. As AI technology advances, it is crucial for educational institutions to stay mindful of these concerns while leveraging the benefits of AI for the betterment of online learning.
