Online Exam Proctoring

The onset of an online semester called for a change in the examination format. Initially, the institute had decided to increase projects and assignments and decrease the number of formal examinations. However, formal quizzes were reintroduced, citing the heavy load from the extra coursework. Further, in tune with a few other institutions taking this approach, the institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CodeTantra, an online examination proctoring platform for conducting examinations.

CodeTantra, surprisingly, has been out there for a long time. It is an EdTech startup from Hyderabad. Although it was founded in 2014, it was four long years before it acquired its first client in 2018. Their initial product was an online education platform primarily focused on coding. However, with the onset of online education in the wake of COVID-19, their exam proctoring system came to the limelight. Many institutes partnered with them for the same. Their list of clients even includes some IITs and IIITs.

The institute will begin to use online proctoring from Quiz 2. Multiple mock tests have been conducted to ensure a smooth transition for the students. However, many students have faced issues such as getting disconnected or being blocked out of the examination portal for extended periods. Some students have also had issues with scanning answer sheets. Complaints about the same are evident in course-specific email threads. Also, there is no clarity yet with regards to the proctoring of the examinations. Although some mock tests are being proctored by CodeTantra’s own AI, the real ones will most likely be proctored by the professors.

Online proctoring is being introduced as a measure against cheating in exams. Although this is a positive step to ensure fair examinations, there are multiple issues that arise with it. Most importantly, there is a lot of concern among the students about the way in which CodeTantra has been implemented. During an exam, a student is required to share data such as location, voice, and video mandatorily. In a reply to the Students’ Parliament, which raised these issues, the Dean informed them that an MoU, which accounts for all such privacy issues had been signed, although the same hasn’t been made public. As per the privacy policy currently on their portal, CodeTantra retains the right to share personally identifiable information with third parties. More information can be found here.

“Please understand that by using our Platform or submitting any Personally Identifiable Information (defined below) to us directly by you or your college or school or university or any other organization, you consent and agree that we may collect, use, disclose and retain your information (including but not limited to your Personally Identifiable Information) in accordance with this Privacy Policy, and as permitted or required by law. CodeTantra reserves the right to share the information collected hereunder with its own affiliates.”

–from CodeTantra’s privacy policy. [note] https://iiith.codetantra.com/privacy-policy.jsp [/note]