How to Improve the proctoring process for online learners
Concurrent Session 2
Brief Abstract
The online learner’s proctoring experience is directly related to their assessment experience, which includes their assessment preparation. Learners must clearly understand the
institutional requirements for the assessment session, which must be reinforced throughout the learning experience and by instructional faculty to ensure the learner’s working memory is
not negatively impacted.
Presenters
Extended Abstract
Online learning is not a new concept, but it is a phenomenon that has continued to increase in popularity, especially with the onset of the COVID pandemic. As a result, the learner's proctoring experience has come into focus, especially in regard to the presence and measurability of assessment integrity. Learner preparation for the assessment experience is directly related to the overall proctoring experience. When measuring learning in the online environment, it is vital to understand that the same methods utilized in the physical classroom will not be effective, which means replicating the assessment experience from the physical classroom to the online environment is impossible. For example, an online learner must have an acceptable form of identification to ensure the enrolled, assigned learner is the same learner presenting themselves to take an assessment. Additionally, the testing area must be free of any material that could compromise the integrity of the assessment, and these requirements must be verified by the proctor. At the same time, the learner must also be comfortable with the proctor observing their actions during the assessment experience. This means that an understanding must be present on the part of the institution as to how to prepare the learner for the proctoring experience to create conditions for an optimal assessment experience.
Inherently, the online proctoring experience is directly related to the learner's preparation for the assessment experience. Research demonstrates how a learner's working memory is reduced during the initial phase of the proctoring session, which includes the setup and launch of that session. It is vital for the learners to enter the proctoring session with a firm understanding of what is expected of them so they can move through the setup and begin the assessment promptly.
Relevant considerations include the following:
What is the best method of preparing a learner for the assessment experience?
What does research suggest regarding the best way to approach the online proctoring session?
What is the connection between working memory and the learner's assessment experience?
How is the learner's working memory connected to the proctoring experience?
How can the online proctoring experience be improved by focusing on learner preparation?
All of these questions and more will be answered in this session.
Level of Participation: The presenter in this session will give an overview of an online proctoring experience, which will include the preparation provided to the learner and how that preparation can be addressed from the institutional level. Additionally, a focus will be present from the presenter on the instructional faculty's role in the learner preparation for the proctoring session and how faculty can positively impact the overall experience. Session activities will include group brainstorming regarding how to positively impact the learner's working memory to ensure a positive proctoring experience and how faculty can best support learners in preparing for the assessment experience.
Session Goals: Individuals attending this session will be able to clearly understand the connection between the proctoring experience and assessment preparation. Additionally, individuals attending the session will understand how they can positively impact learners as they prepare for an assessment. Finally, those attending will understand how the proctoring experience is directly related to the student support provided at the institutional level and,
therefore, a vital element of the student lifecycle.