How to Proctor Online Authentic Assessments

How to proctoring online authentic assessments

Many believe authentic assessments are best for in-person classes, but they’re just as useful in online courses – but there are still challenges.

How would you prevent students from cheating in these situations?
  • A nursing student is recording a video demonstration about how to take blood pressure
  • What if they have instructions on their desk or a classmate in the room showing them what to do next?
  • An accounting student is preparing a balance sheet in Excel
  • What if they copy and paste formulas or search the internet for help?

The good news is that online proctoring can be used to prevent cheating during authentic assessments and we’ll show you how for these assessment activities:

Click the example above to skip to that section.

Using online proctoring for authentic assessments

For each example in this article, we’ll assume the instructor is using an online proctoring solution that combines AI software and live proctors.

This type of online proctoring allows instructors to prevent cheating by verifying ID, monitoring behavior, detecting cell phone use and voices, identifying leaked test content, and more.

Click here to skip to the online proctoring features overview section of this article.

Authentic assessment video presentations and demonstrations

In this example, students use their webcam to record themselves:
  • Holding a tool and identifying the parts
  • Demonstrating how the tool actually works
  • Presenting one idea they have to improve the tool


Example: A nursing student identifies the parts of a stethoscope, demonstrates how it works, and presents one way they believe it can be improved.

How to use proctoring for online presentations and demonstrations


Detect voices and get a transcript of what was said


The AI proctoring software can detect voices and provide the instructor with a transcript of what the student said during the assessment presentation. This can help save time when checking for certain topics without watching the whole video.


The AI software also listens for specific keywords or phrases, such as “Hey Siri” or “OK Google,” and words from a custom list provided by the instructor, such as “help me,” or “what’s the answer?”


If the AI detects any potential dishonesty, it alerts a live remote proctor to pop into the online assessment session to intervene and redirect the student.


Scan the room and monitor student behavior


If the instructor wants to make sure that students aren’t using any notes or resources during the assessment, they can require students to complete a room scan and the AI proctoring software monitors student behavior throughout the assessment to detect potential dishonesty.


Record the presentation/demonstration


The AI proctoring software records the entire presentation for the instructor to watch. The recording also includes timestamps of any suspicious behavior to review.

Group presentation authentic assessments


Example: Three students in different locations record a group presentation using a video conferencing platform.

How to use remote proctoring for group presentations


Much of this process is the same as recording an individual student’s presentation.
Instructors can use remote proctoring to verify each student’s ID, scan the room for additional notes and resources, record the presentation video, and to get a transcript of what the students said during the presentation.


The instructor would just review the audio and video of the presentation from one student in the group.

Authentic assessment essays (typed and handwritten)

Example: Students write an essay by hand or they can type it in an online word processor, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word.

How to use online proctoring for essays and written test questions

Allow handwritten essays

Some students may be more comfortable with handwriting their essay. Handwritten essays can be allowed by providing the live proctor with specific settings, instructions, and test rules.

Proctoring setting

The instructor turns on Scratch Paper Allowed and the AI won’t flag a student for looking down at their paper.

The student would simply show the blank paper before they start writing and upload the written essay after they complete it.

Test rules and instructions for students

The instructor provides test rules and instructions that require the student to use white paper and a black or dark blue pen.

Use a browser guard to only allow access to specific sites

The instructor provides a list of specific browser-based word processors that students can access to type their written response, such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word.

After students complete the essay, there are workflows in the LMS for uploading written work, notes, and scratch paper.

Detect when students use their cell phones to look up test answers

Some online proctoring software can detect when students attempt to use their cell phones or other devices to access test bank content during the exam.

Verify student ID

The webcam is used to verify student ID in about a minute so that instructors can be sure that the student completing the assessment is the one getting credit for it.

Authentic assessment math problems using pen and paper

Example: Students read the math problems on the online assessment and use scratch paper to complete the math problem.

How to proctor math problems completed by hand using pen and paper

Proctoring math problems that are answered using pen and paper will be similar to the process for handwritten essays.
In addition to verifying ID, scanning the room, monitoring behavior, and detecting cell phones, specific settings and instructions can be used to proctor online math problems.

To help keep the review process organized, the instructor can provide specific instructions for students to follow such as:

  • Only use black or dark blue pen and blank white paper
  • Only answer one question per side of paper
  • Before you begin answering the question, hold the blank paper up to the camera
  • Clearly write the question number in the top left corner of the paper
  • Show your work after your complete each question
  • To show your work, hold the piece of paper up to the camera for three seconds after you complete each question
  • If you need to redo your work, hold the piece of paper up for the question you’re redoing, cross out your answer, start your new work on a blank piece of paper and repeat the steps

Authentic assessment requiring the use of real-world software

Example: Accounting students must prepare their own balance sheet from scratch using Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.

How to use online exam proctoring for assessment activities using real-world software

Use a browser guard to prevent access to other websites

A browser guard is a quick way to prevent students from opening new windows, tabs, or applications. It can also be used to only allow specific URLs during the online authentic assessment.

Record students’ screens during the assessment activity for review

The students’ screens can be recorded throughout the assessment activity and the instructor can watch the videos to see how students completed it.

Record audio for an “explainer video”

In addition to recording students’ screens during the assessment activity, instructors can also record audio. This way, instructors can watch the student complete the activity and the student can explain what they’re doing and why.

As previously mentioned, the audio recording also comes with a transcript of what the student said during the recording.

Similar to the authentic assessment activities mentioned earlier in this article, instructors can also verify ID, detect cell phone use, and complete a room scan.

Open book authentic assessments

Example: The assessment, or parts of the assessment, allow students to use specific books and resources in physical and electronic formats.

How to use online proctoring for open book test questions

In addition to cell phone detection, voice detection, and other features described in this article, instructors can also:

Scan the room to ensure that only permitted resources are available

During the room scan, students can have instructor-permitted books in the testing area that they can use during the proctored authentic assessment.

Identify leaked test questions

Instructors can use technology to search the Internet to identify when test questions have been leaked. If any leaked test questions are found, instructors are given simple steps to take control of their exams’ integrity.

Only allow specific digital resources

Instructors can allow students to access specific digital resources during the proctored exam. The instructor simply adds the exact URLs of permitted sites in the exam setup.

Honorlock makes it easy to proctor online authentic assessments

Assessment recordings are time-stamped to streamline reviews

After the authentic assessment is complete, instructors can access actionable reports and time-stamped recordings within the LMS dashboard.

The reports include important information about student activity, such as potential violations and suspicious behavior, in an easy-to-read format to streamline the review process.

The direct LMS integration creates a familiar testing environment

Honorlock’s proctoring software integrates with the existing LMS, which creates a very familiar test experience for students and instructors.

  • Instructors create assessments the same way they already do and then simply choose which online proctoring features to use
  • Students take the proctored assessment within the LMS like they’re accustomed to and get live support without leaving the assessment window
  • No extra passwords or logins needed
Students can take proctored authentic assessments 24/7/365 and get live support

Even though Honorlock makes things simple and easy, we still provide live support for students and faculty – any time, day or night.

Combines AI with human proctors which can help reduce student test anxiety

Honorlock’s AI monitors each student’s online assessment session and alerts a live, US-based proctor if any potential academic dishonesty is detected. The live proctor can then use an analysis window to review the situation before entering the assessment session via chat-box to address the situation and help the student get back on track.

This approach delivers a much less intimidating and non-invasive proctored testing experience for the student.

Detect cell phones and other devices

The ability to detect cell phones and other devices is especially important because most students have access to one or more devices. Honorlock’s online proctoring software can detect when students attempt to use their cell phone, tablet, and laptop to access test bank content during the authentic assessment.

Scan the testing environment

Before the authentic assessment begins, instructors can require students to scan the room and the desk area to ensure no unauthorized people or items are in the testing environment.

If the instructor would like the student to show certain items, such as blank scratch paper or a book, they can use the “Additional Instructions” section to detail what they’d like the student to do for the room scan.

Block access to websites and applications

Honorlock’s Browser Guard™ prevents and/or flags if the student attempts to open new windows or tabs or interacts with any other application on the desktop. It can also be used to only allow students to access specific websites while still blocking access to others.

Identify leaked test questions and take action to protect content

Honorlock’s Search & Destroy technology searches the internet to identify exam questions that have been shared online and if leaked exam questions are found, instructors are given simple steps to take control of their exams’ integrity.

Verify ID in about a minute

ID verification quick and simple with Honorlock. Our AI captures a picture of the student along with their photo ID. In about 60 seconds, students are able to begin their proctored online exam.

Detect voices and get transcripts

Our online exam proctoring software listens for specific keywords or phrases, such as “Hey Siri” or “OK Google,” or words from a dynamic list, such as “help me,” or “what’s the answer.” The AI then alerts a live remote proctor to pop into the online exam session via chat to intervene and redirect the student.

Additionally, Honorlock creates a written transcript whenever a voice is detected.

Read parts 1 & 2 of the authentic assessment series

Part 1: What is authentic assessment and how is it used in online courses?

Part 2: How to make online authentic assessments (with examples)

Tyler Stike

Tyler has over a decade of experience in ed tech and higher education. He focuses on creating relevant and useful content for educators, institutions, and technologists.

Tips to Create Online Authentic Assessments (with examples & rubric template)

How to create online authentic assessments

Authentic assessments are a great way to make sure that students can apply what they’ve learned in class to real-world situations. While there are many benefits to using authentic assessments, there are also key things to consider before you get started. For more information on what authentic assessments are, see part 1 of our series.

In this article, we’ll show you:
  • How to create authentic assessments in five steps
  • An example authentic assessment rubric
  • How to deter and prevent cheating on authentic assessments

5 Steps to create an authentic assessment

  1. Write a summary sentence with key assessment objectives
  2. Break the summary sentence into specific sections
  3. Write a bulleted list of exactly what students should know for each section
  4. Write down different authentic assessment activities that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge – don’t forget about web accessibility!
  5. Choose your assessment activities and create a detailed rubric with descriptions

How to create authentic assessments

Step 1: Write a summary sentence with key assessment objectives

We recommend starting with one or two sentences in order to keep the assessment focused as you continue.

Example:

Students will demonstrate understanding of three process improvement methodologies and the ability to determine which best applies to specific businesses, industries, and situations.

Step 2: Break the summary into individual sections

Example:

Section 1: Demonstrate understanding of three process improvement methodologies

Section 2: Ability to determine which methodology best applies to various situations

Step 3: Write a bulleted list of what students should know for each section

Example:

Section 1: Demonstrate understanding of three process improvement methodologies

  • Foundational elements of each methodology: how it works, and when and why it was created
  • Common terms and definitions for each methodology

Section 2: The ability to determine which methodology is most appropriate in different situations

  • Pros and cons of each methodology
  • Why and how each methodology should be used for different businesses, industries, and situation

Step 4: Write down how students can demonstrate their knowledge for each item on the bulleted lists

After you create bulleted lists of what students should know for each section, create a list of how students can demonstrate knowledge for each.

Example:

Section 1: Demonstrate understanding of three process improvement methodologies

  • Foundational elements of each methodology: how it works, and when and why it was created
  • Written portion: Explain each methodology (1-2 paragraphs)
  • Timeline: Create a timeline for each methodology that emphasizes key dates
  • Video self-recording: Explain each methodology in 1-2 minutes
  • Common terms and definitions for each methodology
  • Fill in the blank for terms/definitions
  • Written: Write a brief summary of each term that describes when and how they’re used in a real-world effort

Section 2: The ability to determine which methodology is most appropriate in different situations

  • Pros and cons of each methodology
  • Video self-recording: Verbally explain the pros and cons of each process improvement methodology
  • Written: List 3-5 pros and cons of each methodology
  • Class discussion: Review a case study, choose a methodology, and then discuss why it should be used compared to a different methodology chosen by another student
  • Why and how each methodology should be used for different businesses, industries, and situation
  • Presentation: Apply one methodology to a specific case study and explain why and how it was used
  • Case study and recommendation: Review real-world case study and provide a recommendation on which methodology should be used to improve efforts.

Keep accessibility in mind as you choose assessment activities

When considering assessment activities, keep web accessibility and compliance standards in mind to help create a fair test environment.

  • Is each activity possible for every student regardless of disability or condition?
  • e.g., If the activity involves a spoken component, how will students with speech impairments complete it?
  • Are all technologies used in the online course compatible with assistive devices?
  • Does the LMS, online proctoring platform, and third-party software integrate with assistive technology?
  • Are resources needed to complete the activities accessible for each student?
  • e.g., Can they all afford a webcam/microphone? If not, do they have access to resources on campus?

Step 5: Choose the activities students will complete to demonstrate knowledge and then create descriptions and clear rubrics for each

After you pick the activities students will complete to demonstrate knowledge, you’ll create detailed descriptions and rubrics for each portion of the assessment. The descriptions and rubrics should be detailed and easy to understand so that students know exactly what’s expected of them.

Note: The example below doesn’t include a description or rubric for students requiring accommodations. However, each student should have assessment activity descriptions and rubrics that provide similar details and formatting. It should also provide information about how to contact the instructor for help.

Example:

For this example, the instructor asks for a self-recording of each student verbally describing the pros and cons of each process improvement methodology.

Example Description: Use your webcam to record a video where you’ll verbally explain the pros and cons of each process improvement methodology. The three process improvement methodologies are Six Sigma, Project Management, and Agile.

For accommodations, please email to discuss alternative options for completing the assessment activities.

For each methodology, you’ll provide:

  • A 1-minute overview of how each methodology works
  • A complete overview includes:
  • The name of the methodology
  • Who created it and when it was created
  • The general intent and purpose of the methodology
  • e.g., it’s intended to streamline technology implementation and reduce waste
  • Two industries that commonly use the methodology
  • Three advantages and disadvantages for each methodology
  • For each advantage/disadvantage, provide clarity on the positive or negative impact and how it affects other areas of the business.

Example:

  • Good example: Six Sigma reduces waste by spotting defects in manufacturing processes, which reduces labor costs because it saves time.
  • Bad example: Six Sigma saves time and money

Example authentic assessment rubric:

For accommodations, please email to discuss alternative options for completing the assessment activities.

How to deter and prevent cheating during authentic assessments

It can be tricky to protect the academic integrity of authentic assessments because they use many different question types and activities that are outside of standard questions to assess students.

Building on the example in Step 5 where the student is completing a verbal component for the assessment, how would you protect integrity? You could use proctoring software to record the student’s presentation and have them complete a room scan prior to the presentation to make sure that they aren’t reading from their notes.

Click here to see real examples of how use online proctoring for authentic assessments.

But how would you protect academic integrity for other activities in an authentic assessment?

Aside from a basic browser lock, which usually isn’t enough to protect exams, what other online proctoring features can help deter and prevent cheating on authentic assessments? Consider an online proctoring solution that combines AI with human proctors to detect cell phones, monitor student behavior, detect voices, identify leaked exam content, verify ID, and more.

Blended online proctoring solutions, such as Honorlock, can help protect your authentic assessments by:

Detecting cell phones

Our AI proctoring software can detect when students attempt to use their cell phones to access test bank content during the exam.

Identifying when your test content has been leaked online

Use Honorlock’s Search & Destroy™ technology to scour the Internet for all of your questions used on the exam in a matter of minutes. If it finds leaked exam questions, instructors are given simple steps to take control of the situation.

Monitoring student behavior and verifying ID

Honorlock’s software uses the students’ webcams to:

  • Monitor behavior
  • Verify student ID
  • Scan the room to make sure that no other people or resources are present
Assessment flexibility and on-demand support

Because authentic assessments can be a bit more complex, students and faculty may need some technical support during the assessment.

With Honorlock, students and faculty can get 24/7/365 US–based support and students can take their authentic assessments whenever they’re ready – no scheduling needed.

Choose a better way to protect academic integrity

Honorlock combines AI software with live human proctors to make online proctoring simple and easy for faculty and students.

During the exam, our AI monitors each student’s exam session and alerts a live proctor to join the student’s session if it detects any potential issues.

This blend of AI and human review delivers a less intimidating and non-invasive proctored testing experience for the student because they aren’t constantly being watched.

Read Part 1: How to use authentic assessment in online courses

Read Part 3: How to proctor online authentic assessments

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Tyler Stike

Tyler has over a decade of experience in ed tech and higher education. He focuses on creating relevant and useful content for educators, institutions, and technologists.

How to Use Authentic Assessments in Online Classes

Article about using authentic assessment in online courses

What is authentic assessment?

Authentic assessment means that students are assessed by their ability to complete real-world tasks that demonstrate their skills and knowledge.

If you’re wondering how traditional assessments are different than authentic assessments, here’s a summary:

  • Traditional assessment means students show what they know about a subject.
  • Authentic assessment means students demonstrate that they can do real-world tasks and activities.
Traditional assessment vs Authentic assessment

Generally speaking, there are a few differences between traditional assessment and authentic assessment.

Comparison of Traditional Assessment vs Authentic Assessment

Authentic assessment examples

Examples of authentic assessments include:

  • Student portfolios of work
  • Demonstrations where students complete a hands-on task/activity
  • Game-based activities
  • Projects using industry software or hardware
  • Presentations
  • Mock interviews and other role-playing scenarios
  • Participation in classroom discussions and debates
  • Writing (essays, journals, reports, self-assessments, peer evaluations, etc.)

Here are examples of how authentic assessments can be used in online courses for different fields:

Accounting
Complete a cash flow statement based on mock data for the last three years using real accounting software.

Six Sigma
Live video presentation of a project plan to streamline technology implementation.

Counseling
Review a client-patient case study and conduct a mock video counseling session based on details from the case study.

Instructional Design
Create an accessible online course within a common learning management system based on mock student profiles that describe individual disabilities and conditions, along with other course requirements, such as a website, audio/video, and communication tools.

Data Security
Create a comprehensive disaster recovery plan for a technology company based on a case study that details the company’s business activities, technologies, and past security incidents.

Graphic Design
Use graphic design software to create a series of advertisements based on spec requirements for various social media platforms.

Use a combination of traditional and authentic assessments in the online classroom

While there are differences between traditional and authentic assessments, they can still complement each other in the online classroom. 

Consider this example:

Accounting instructors want students to know common terms and accounting laws, but they also want students to understand how to use real accounting software in a genuine work situation.

Instructors can use a combination of traditional and authentic assessments in online courses to ensure that students are comprehensively learning:

  • Use traditional online assessments to ensure that students know about the subject
    • Test students’ knowledge of asset and liability-related terms.
  • Use online authentic assessments to ensure that students can do the subject
    • Test students’ ability to apply their knowledge of assets and liabilities when creating a company balance sheet that includes examples of both.

Advantages and disadvantages of using authentic assessment

Advantages of authentic assessments

Prepares students for real-life work situations
The key benefit of online authentic assessments is that students are applying their skills and knowledge to real-world situations.

Involves a complex range of assessment strategies to test knowledge
Authentic assessments provide students with a variety of ways to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. Instead of picking a multiple choice answer or choosing true or false, students are performing real-world tasks that require the comprehensive application of what they’ve learned.

Assessments are typically more active and engaging
Generally speaking, completing hands-on, real-world tasks will be more engaging for students than a multiple-choice assessment. Completing these tasks can mean that students conduct mock interviews, use real industry software to complete a project, or teach classmates a specific subject – all are an engaging and active way to demonstrate competency.

Disadvantages of authentic assessments

They can take longer to review and grade
Traditional assessments usually require less time to grade because students are completing standardized questions that can be automatically graded. Authentic assessments, such as conducting a mock counseling session, may require more time because the instructor has to watch the session and grade it based on complex rubrics.

Protecting academic integrity is tricky
Another concern that instructors have with assessments, especially online assessments, is making sure that students aren’t able to get an unfair advantage by using cell phones, notes, books, and the internet.

Authentic assessments typically require more than standardized question-types, so it’s important to use technology that helps create a fair testing environment for students, whether it’s a hands-on demonstration or writing an essay.

Grading can be more complex
Authentic assessments can be more complex to grade in some situations because students are completing a task instead of selecting a correct answer.

For example, if the assessment requires students to create a series of designed advertisement images, grading can become more subjective, and detailed rubrics are needed so that students know exactly what’s expected and how they’ll be graded.

 Read part two of this series for tips to create authentic assessments for online courses and actual examples of assessment activities and a rubric template. Read part 3 of this series to see real examples of how online proctoring can prevent cheating during online authentic assessments such as presentations, demonstrations, group work, open book, and handwritten or typed essays and math tests.

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Tyler Stike

Tyler has over a decade of experience in ed tech and higher education. He focuses on creating relevant and useful content for educators, institutions, and technologists.