Excelsoft leverages Zoom Video SDK to raise the bar for exam integrity

With over 24 years of excellence in the tech space, Excelsoft Technologies has established itself as a global leader, serving customers across the United States, Europe, and beyond. The company's diverse portfolio of innovative products spans various domains, including test and assessment, digital interactive eBooks, ecosystem and student success solutions, and comprehensive learning management systems. One of its standout offerings, easyProctor, is an AI-powered remote proctoring system that ensures the integrity of online exams by enabling proctors to remotely monitor and intervene in cases of student malpractices. This innovative solution has gained significant traction and showcases Excelsoft Technologies' ability to adapt and thrive in changing times.

Challenges in online assessment

Transitioning to online assessments has posed several challenges for educational institutions. One of the primary issues is maintaining the integrity and security of exams that are conducted remotely. Bandwidth limitations and technological constraints can impede the smooth operation of online proctoring tools, making it difficult to monitor students effectively. Additionally, detecting and preventing cheating in a virtual environment requires advanced solutions, as traditional in-person invigilation methods are no longer viable. For example, Proctors can choose not to set any virtual background, helping to ensure that students cannot hide answers within the video view. Developing and implementing reliable AI-driven proctoring systems that can accurately identify suspicious behaviors without intruding on student privacy is a complex task. Further, the need for scalable solutions that can handle large numbers of students simultaneously adds another layer of difficulty. Addressing these challenges is crucial for maintaining the credibility and fairness of online assessments.

Enhancing secure online exams with AI and real-time monitoring

Understanding the need for secure and reliable online exams, especially in the context of remote learning and digital assessments, Excelsoft Technologies created easyProctor, a cutting-edge online proctoring solution.

easyProctor leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to monitor online exams effectively. These algorithms detect suspicious behavior, such as cheating, unauthorized access, or irregularities during the exam. Real-time monitoring ensures that any anomalies are promptly flagged, allowing institutions to take immediate action. Whether it’s detecting unusual eye movements, multiple faces, or unauthorized materials, easyProctor provides continuous surveillance.

The integration of Zoom’s Video SDK has been instrumental in easyProctor’s success. Zoom’s robust platform seamlessly integrates with easyProctor, offering a reliable and user-friendly experience. With Zoom, easyProctor provides high-quality video streaming, enabling proctors to have clear visibility of candidates during exams. The real-time video feed can help enhance proctoring accuracy and allow for immediate intervention if needed. Zoom’s scalability, stability, and quality make it an ideal choice for handling large-scale online exams, whether for a few hundred or thousands of concurrent users.

easyProctor’s adoption of Zoom Video SDK resulted in significant cost savings for Excelsoft Technologies. By switching from another vendor to Zoom, it reduced per-test costs for both candidates and institutions. The competitive pricing strategy made easyProctor more accessible, positioning it favorably against other proctoring systems. Zoom’s support, especially from the India team, played a crucial role. The collaborative approach—treating each other as partners—accelerated solution implementation. Zoom’s support also extended to regions like the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), enhancing customer satisfaction. Excelsoft Technologies worked diligently to migrate from its previous vendor to Zoom, and to ensure a seamless transition for educational institutions.

Implementation of easyProctor in educational institutions

Leveraging advanced technologies, easyProctor streamlines the assessment process and enhances exam security. Educational institutions across continents have embraced easyProctor. From universities to K-12 schools, the solution caters to diverse academic settings. Its scalability ensures seamless deployment, accommodating institutions of varying sizes. easyProctor has revolutionized the exam-taking experience as students can use their own devices (laptops, tablets, or smartphones) to participate in exams. This eliminates the need for physical test centers, reducing operational costs significantly. No longer constrained by geographical boundaries, candidates can schedule exams from anywhere in the world.

The transition to remote proctoring has helped streamline administrative processes. Institutions no longer need to grapple with managing physical test centers, arranging seating, or coordinating logistics. easyProctor automates exam invigilation, freeing up valuable resources for other critical tasks.

Impact of easyProctor

1. Operational Cost Reduction: By eliminating the need for physical test centers, institutions can save substantial costs. easyProctor’s remote proctoring model reduces expenses related to infrastructure, staffing, and logistics. The financial impact can be particularly pronounced for large-scale exams conducted globally.
2. Enhanced Reach: easyProctor democratizes access to exams. Candidates from different time zones can take tests simultaneously, helping to ensure fairness and efficiency. Whether in New York, Mumbai, or Sydney, students can participate in the same exam on the same day.
3. Quality Video: easyProctor’s clear, high-resolution video enables accurate monitoring. Institutions appreciate the reliability and consistency of video recordings during exams.
4. Customer Feedback: While easyProctor integrates seamlessly with Zoom, its impact extends beyond the collaboration platform. Customers report improved efficiency, reduced administrative burden, and enhanced security. Notably, institutions like CQI (a pioneer in digital exams) have successfully migrated from pen-and-paper assessments to digital exams using easyProctor.
5. Strategic Use: easyProctor’s collaboration with Zoom goes beyond technology. The two organizations have strategic conversations, exploring market entry strategies for specific regions (such as South America and Africa). The joint effort aims to extend the solution’s reach and support Excel Software’s growth.
6. Diverse Use Cases: Beyond exam proctoring, easyProctor serves other purposes. English language training institutes leverage it for recording and analyzing interview sessions. Additionally, it aids in video-based assessments, where candidate videos are reviewed by both human evaluators and AI engines.

Global expansion and future vision

Excelsoft Technologies and Zoom are strategically aligned in their vision to expand easyProctor into new markets, aiming to revolutionize online proctoring and academic integrity on a global scale. The collaborative efforts of both companies are focused on reaching a wider audience of educational institutions worldwide, offering them a cutting-edge solution that helps ensure secure and reliable online assessments.

“easyProctor has successfully delivered 400,000 proctored exams with precision and efficiency, showcasing a remarkable reduction in operational costs and a significant enhancement in exam security. Our partnership with Zoom will help us reshape the future of online assessments, ensuring fairness and transparency in every academic endeavor," said Mahesh Jambardi, Chief Operating Officer at Excelsoft Technologies.

By entering new markets, Excelsoft and Zoom are seeking to set new standards in online proctoring, emphasizing the importance of academic integrity and fairness in the digital learning environment. The future vision includes empowering educators and students with a comprehensive proctoring tool that not only streamlines the assessment process but also enhances exam security and transparency. Through this global expansion, Excelsoft Technologies and Zoom aspire to shape the future of online education by providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of educational institutions and uphold the highest standards of academic integrity.