This online proctoring service restricts students from accessing programs and applications, browsing the internet, printing, copying, accessing other websites, and using instant messaging programs until they complete the exam. This guarantee that students can only access resources configured and allowed by their instructors.

 

Students are video monitored using their PCs’ webcams to deter them from using unauthorized testing aids such as phones, textbooks, secondary computers, or receiving help from other students. Using video analytics and artificial intelligence, patterns and anomalies associated with cheating are automatically detected and flagged. Additionally, the system provides face identification to check if the student who started the exam switches to a different student along the way.

 

The GIS Center at the Faculty of Engineering also designed an innovative approach to live track the geographic location of students sitting for the exam with ID authentication. This innovative system ensures that students are not in near proximity while taking the exam with their geographical location tracked live. The integration of location intelligence and an online proctoring solution is considered a pioneering approach, unique to the University of Balamand, which will ensure the highest level of integrity in non-proctored exams. This effort falls within the framework of directives of the University President, Dr. Elias Warrak, who heads the UOB COVID-19 Crisis Management Team that the university has formed to tackle different aspects of the Corona crisis and its repercussions on the university, society and the country.