Blog | Talview

AI Proctoring Detects Cell Phones During Online Exams and Assessments

Written by Birindha Santhakumar | Jan 11, '2025

The world of education and professional assessments has witnessed a seismic shift in recent years, especially with the rise of remote learning and online testing. While online platforms have provided unparalleled flexibility, they’ve also opened the door to new challenges—one of the most significant being academic dishonesty. Among these challenges, the use of cell phones for cheating during exams has become a critical concern.

How Test-Takers Cheat Using Cell Phones

Despite strict guidelines, some candidates find creative ways to use their mobile phones to gain an unfair advantage during online exams. Common methods include:

  1. Searching for Answers Online: Test-takers may discreetly use their phones to look up answers during the test.

  2. Texting or Calling for Help: Candidates can text or call friends, tutors, or collaborators for assistance while appearing focused on their screen.

  3. Using Hidden Devices: Microphones, Bluetooth earpieces, or secondary phones hidden out of sight can be used for covert communication.

  4. Taking Pictures of the Exam Screen: Candidates may take photos of the exam questions to share with others or reference later.

  5. Using Remote Desktop Apps: With their phones, test-takers may control another device to access external resources or share their screen.

How Talview Helps to Prevent Cheating using Cell Phone?

Talview employs advanced technology and innovative proctoring strategies to combat cell phone usage during online exams. Here’s how Talview addresses common cheating methods effectively:

1. Blocking Online Searches

 Dual Camera Monitoring: By requiring a secondary camera (like a smartphone) positioned to capture the candidate's workspace, Talview ensures candidates cannot discreetly use their phones to search for answers without being detected.


2. Detecting Texting or Calling

  • Audio Analysis: It analyzes the exam audio feed for suspicious sounds, such as phone vibrations, dialing tones, or muted conversations.

  • Real-Time Proctor Alerts: Proctors are alerted to behaviors like frequent glances off-screen, rapid hand movements, or any signs of a candidate interacting with another device.

3. Identifying Hidden Devices

Secondary Camera Coverage: The secondary camera provides a wide-angle view of the test-taker's environment, capturing areas that may be out of the primary camera’s line of sight, such as the lap, desk, or nearby spaces.

4. Preventing Exam Content Theft

  • Proactive Monitoring: It analyzes gestures and activities to identify attempts to photograph exam questions, such as unusual hand movements or lifting devices.

  • Session Recording: Both primary and secondary camera feeds are recorded, allowing a detailed post-exam review to identify missed incidents of content theft or phone usage.

5. Combating Remote Desktop Use

Network Monitoring: Talview can track network activity to detect unauthorized device connections or the use of remote desktop applications.

Conclusion

Ensuring fairness and credibility in online exams is essential for institutions and organizations. As test-takers adopt increasingly sophisticated methods of cheating using mobile phones, AI proctoring with cell phone detection has become an indispensable tool. By addressing these challenges proactively, Talview ensures the integrity of online assessments, fostering trust in digital learning and testing platforms.