Abstract:

Fraud and deception in examinations have a long tradition, similarly long as the conduct of examinations themselves.

The framework conditions for exams have changed significantly in recent years: While candidates have had to complete a paper-based examination form in an exam room under supervision for years, decades and centuries, completely new examination formats have become possible due to new technologies, mobile devices and the widespread use of the Internet.

Online Proctored Exams are exams that can no longer be taken in one examination room, but from anywhere. The exam candidates usually sit at home and take their exams on their own computer. The supervision is done by a human "Remote Proctor" or it is done completely without human support with the help of software, webcam and keyboard.

Due to the technical infrastructure of Online Proctored Exams and the supervision with a webcam, completely new technical possibilities arise for fraud in addition to traditional forms such as cheat sheets or manipulated jotting paper: These range from false identity or technical manipulation (e.g. multiple screens) to hidden mobile devices outside the camera's field of vision.
Since extensive studies on online fraud are still largely lacking, many examiners are very uncertain in practice and the Online Proctored Exams are understandably subject to very critical scrutiny.
Nevertheless, many teachers and students who have already had experience with online exams mainly point out the advantages of remote proctoring, such as independence of location and familiar surroundings, while critics emphasize the insecure conditions and the easy possibilities of fraud.

In order to get a detailed insight into the timing and possible approaches of fraud in Online Proctored Exams, the "TUM Cheating Contest 2020" was held at the Technical University of Munich. Participants could win by cheating as effectively and creatively as possible in an online exam under automatic supervision.

The article first gives a brief insight into Online Proctored Exams, their advantages and disadvantages, possible scenarios and technical solutions. Afterwards basic motives for fraud in exams are shown. The main focus is on the "TUM Cheating Contest 2020" and the resulting findings on classic and technical possibilities of fraud in Online Proctored Exams. The conclusion is a comparison of the methods used by the students during the competition and the moments of cheating during the examination process.

As an outlook, possibilities for the appropriate and effective prevention of fraud in online exams are described and explained.

Keywords:

Online Proctored Exams, Cheating, Fraud Prevention in Online Examinations.