9 surprising benefits of remote proctoring software

Remote proctoring is known for preventing cheating, but did you know it offers these features and benefits?

1. Detects cell phones

Did you know that over 70% of online exam violations are from students using cell phones?

That’s why remote proctoring software with cell phone detection is so important to protecting academic integrity. This detects device-sharing applications, like Apple Handoff, and when test takers try to look up answers on their phones.

2. Blocks AI tools

AI like ChatGPT can answer questions and write essays in no time. Even more concerning is that AI and plagiarism detection tools struggle to detect AI-generated content.

While some proctoring software can prevent the use of AI during exams, you’ll need more than browser lockdown software because test takers can use their cellphones to beat it.

Proctoring software also needs these tools to beat AI:

Cell phone detection
Detects the use of cell phones and other secondary devices.

Extension Detection Technology 
Detects extensions that could be used to answer test questions automatically.

Voice Detection 
Listens for keywords like “Hey Siri,” which could be used with voice dictation to operate ChatGPT on another device.

Video monitoring
Monitors behavior and checks for unauthorized resources.

3. Finds leaked exam content

It’s common to find leaked exam content on “homework help” sites like Chegg and Quizlet. But Search and Destroy™ technology automatically searches the internet for your leaked exam content in just a few minutes, and you can send one-click takedown requests.

4. Remote proctoring works for authentic assessments

Authentic assessments use hands-on activities to assess students’ ability to apply what they’ve learned.

But some proctoring platforms have fixed settings that only work for traditional questions like multiple choice. 

But Honorlock’s solution has flexible settings that can proctor authentic assessment activities such as virtual presentations, software use, and even handwritten math problems.

5. Helps reduce testing center costs

Overhead costs for physical testing centers (utilities and maintenance, staff wages, and hardware and software) can be costly. Online proctoring helps reduce (or eliminate) the need for physical testing centers and their associated costs.

6. Gives instructors more time to teach instead of administering exams

How many of your classroom hours are spent administering exams?

On-demand remote proctoring services like Honorlock can give you those hours back because exams can be taken outside of class hours and live support is available 24/7/365.

“The time savings for faculty is an estimated 8.5 hours per semester, per course… That’s nearly three weeks worth of class time returned.” Brian Marchman, Assistant Provost & Director of Distance Learning & Continuing Education, University of Florida

7. Improves accessibility and access

According to the US Department of Education, 1 in 5 college students have a disability, and over 40% of students paying tuition independently are in or near poverty.

Do your testing locations meet accessibility compliance standards? What if a test taker’s schedule doesn’t work with the testing location’s hours? What if they can’t afford to travel there?

Honorlock’s software is compliant with web accessibility standards, allows accommodations, and it’s 24/7, which means students can take proctored tests anytime, day or night.

“Honorlock helps us get to the core of our mission here at Warrington: being able to offer an MBA to just about anybody. Having a proctoring service focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion made choosing Honorlock an easy fit for us.” – Naz Erenguc, University of Florida, Director of Admissions at the Warrington College of Business

8. Reduces test anxiety & offers more flexibility 

Tests are stressful, but did you know that taking a test in a different room or even in a different seat can negatively impact performance? And with online exams, there’s added stress due to technology concerns. 

But in a student survey, 100% of students who interacted with a remote proctor from Honorlock indicated that it reduced their test anxiety. 

Honorlock’s AI monitors behavior and alerts a proctor to review any suspicious behavior to determine whether to intervene or not. In other words, test takers won’t be interrupted unless it’s necessary. Honorlock’s full-time proctoring team also received training by a nationally certified counselor and educator to better support test takers when they’re frustrated or anxious.

“The proctor popping in was different than I expected—in a positive way. I imagined them being more strict. I felt that the proctor was helpful and a lot less intimidating than I thought.” – Student survey quote in a post-exam interview

9. Detects voices instead of insignificant sounds

If the proctoring software uses sound detection, instructors could be left reviewing flags for irrelevant sounds like a dog barking, coughing, or tapping a pencil.

But as mentioned earlier, Honorlock’s Smart Voice Detection listens for keywords and phrases, like “OK Google” and “Hey Siri,” so you’ll only need to review what’s important.

Honorlock’s proctoring software is different by design

We know that proctoring is more than just catching cheating, and our approach improves the entire exam experience by ensuring equity and access and effectively protecting academic integrity.

“Honorlock has become a part of our basic toolset, and the need for it is obvious to our technology professionals, instructors, and even students.” – Paul Fisher, Seton Hall University, Associate CIO and Director of the Teaching & Learning Technology Center