Types of Proctoring
Automated Proctoring
With SMOWL’s automated proctoring, supervision is carried out through artificial intelligence tools and automated analysis.
In this case, no people intervene in real time: the system analyzes the user’s session and generates evidence of suspicious behavior that can be easily reviewed through detailed reports.
How does it work?
- Supervision with webcam and/or a second camera.
- Device monitoring with SMOWL CM (optional).
- Automatic detection of gestures, voices, user changes, or browser tampering.
- Final report with evidence classified by risk level.
Advantages:
- Scalable for large exam volumes.
- Available 24/7 without human supervisors.
- Cost-effective and efficient.
Example of automated proctoring
Imagine you are running an online course with over 5,000 enrolled students.
For midterm evaluations, you may want to use SMOWL’s automatic proctoring, which allows you to supervise all participants without needing additional staff.
During each test, the system analyzes student behavior via webcam, detecting if someone leaves the frame or if other unrecognized people appear.
At the end, coordinators receive a report with alerts classified by risk level, enabling them to review only the necessary cases, saving time and ensuring process integrity.
Record & Review
This model captures the full exam session for later manual review by a supervisor. Unlike automated proctoring, there is human intervention here, but not in real time.
Unlike other solutions that require full video recording, SMOWL’s Record & Review model works by taking periodic snapshots during the exam. This reduces bandwidth usage and ensures optimal performance even on slow or unstable networks.
How does it work?
- SMOWL captures webcam images and the user’s environment at regular intervals: face images, second camera (if enabled or included), etc.
- The system automatically detects and flags potential incidents.
- A reviewer analyzes this evidence later, without the need for a live connection.
Advantages:
- Compatible with low-speed connections.
- Asynchronous supervision without the need to record full video.
- Human intervention only when necessary.
- Ideal for environments where regulations limit exclusive use of AI, allowing later human review.
- Perfect for institutions seeking a balance between control, accessibility, and regulatory compliance.
Example of Record & Review
Imagine you are part of an institution subject to national regulations that prohibit the exclusive use of artificial intelligence for automated decision-making in evaluations. Faced with this legal limitation, you choose SMOWL’s Record & Review model to maintain academic integrity without breaking the law.
During online evaluations, the system takes periodic snapshots of the student’s face, screen, and environment. These images are reviewed by a human supervisor who examines potential evidence of misconduct after the exam.
In this way, the institution ensures effective supervision, avoids fully automated decisions, and complies with regulations.
Live proctoring
Live proctoring, or real-time proctoring, refers to the process in which a person monitors the user live during an exam or test.
It is the strictest model and is used in contexts where the maximum level of control is required.
How does it work?
- The supervisor can see the user and communicate if necessary.
- Incidents are documented live and immediate action is taken against irregularities.
- Thanks to the SMOWL ENTERPRISE plan, it can be exchanged with other automatic functionalities such as Browser Lock or Computer Monitoring.
Advantages:
- Immediate intervention in case of incidents.
- Maximum guarantee of integrity.
- Direct human interaction.
Example of Live Proctoring
Imagine you are part of a public entity organizing an online competitive examination to access a position. Given the high level of demand and the need for absolute transparency, you can opt for the live proctoring model.
Each candidate completes their exam under the live supervision of a qualified SMOWL team professional, who monitors them via webcam and listens to their surroundings through the dashboard.
If they detect anomalous behavior, such as the appearance of a second person or the attempt to use a second device, they can intervene immediately via chat or end the exam session.
This format allows you to assure the organizing institutions and the candidates themselves that the process is fair, transparent, and audited in real time.
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