Proctored Exams

Post-Pandemic Proctoring: The Evolving Landscape at Southwest Baptist University (SBU)

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities across the globe had to adapt swiftly, transitioning their courses and assessments to online platforms. While the world has since moved towards a semblance of normalcy, the innovations in online proctoring that arose during the pandemic are here to stay. At Southwest Baptist University (SBU), the continued evolution and expansion of online proctoring systems reflect a broader trend in higher education: “There is no going back.”

The Continued Evolution of Online Proctoring at SBU

Southwest Baptist University (SBU) has been at the forefront of integrating online proctoring technology, even before the pandemic underscored its necessity. The university adopted LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor to safeguard the integrity of online exams, ensuring that assessments were conducted fairly and securely. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, SBU is further leveraging these tools to support a wide range of assessment models across its campus.

To gain a deeper understanding of the trends and strategies shaping SBU’s approach to online exam integrity, we spoke with Angela Snyder, Senior Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at SBU.

Flexibility: The Cornerstone of Modern Online Testing

“Flexibility is the key with online testing,” says Angela Snyder. This flexibility isn’t just about accommodating various testing environments—it’s about adapting to the diverse needs of instructors and students alike. “From an exam integrity standpoint, we want to support the variety of ways instructors use online examinations, including tests taken in classrooms, testing centers, or at home.”

The introduction of LockDown Browser was a pivotal step in preventing students from accessing unauthorized resources during exams. However, as the need for remote testing grew, Respondus Monitor’s automated proctoring features provided the added layer of security essential for unsupervised environments.

For instructors who prefer a more hands-on approach, Respondus Monitor’s Instructor Live Proctoring feature allows them to observe students in real-time during remote exams. This setup ensures that instructors can address any issues immediately and be available for questions, providing a level of interaction akin to in-person testing. LockDown Browser continues to play a critical role by deterring cheating on the computer itself, while video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet enable instructors to monitor students visually.

From the student’s perspective, flexibility is equally important. The ability to take exams from home, using various devices and network setups, has become a significant advantage. “Students appreciate the convenience of home-based assessments, and we aim to support this where possible,” adds Angela.

LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor are compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Chromebook, and iPad devices. This broad compatibility ensures that the systems can meet the diverse needs of students, regardless of their technology setup.

Maximizing Classroom Time for Learning

As instructors become more comfortable with online testing, they are discovering its potential to free up valuable classroom time. “Having students come to a classroom to take a paper-based test isn’t always the best use of time and facilities,” notes Angela.

In fact, some instructors have been able to reclaim an entire week of in-person class time by shifting assessments online. This reclaimed time can then be used for more interactive and engaging instructional activities, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Navigating Resource Constraints with Creativity

Universities nationwide are facing challenges related to staffing shortages and budget cuts, leading to innovative solutions for maintaining educational quality with fewer resources. At SBU, these constraints have also impacted the availability of computer stations on campus. However, the university has creatively utilized LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor to address these challenges.

For example, when an instructor needs to administer an online exam to 50 students in a room with only 25 workstations, a hybrid approach can be employed. Half the students can take the exam in a secondary location using their own devices, while the other half use the available workstations. Both groups are required to use LockDown Browser, ensuring exam integrity regardless of location. This approach also helps mitigate the issue of students who may not have access to personal computers, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

The Future of Online Proctoring at SBU

The post-pandemic era has shown that flexibility, creativity, and innovation are crucial for the successful implementation of educational technology. SBU’s ongoing commitment to these principles ensures that it remains a leader in online proctoring, adapting to the ever-changing needs of its students and faculty.

As educational institutions continue to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic world, the lessons learned and technologies adopted during the pandemic will likely shape the future of education for years to come. SBU’s proactive approach to online proctoring serves as a model for other institutions looking to enhance the integrity and accessibility of their assessments.

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