Online Invigilation of English Language Examinations: A Survey of China Candidates' Attitudes and Perceptions

Abstract

Drawing on a previous large-scale study examining the reactions of past candidates to the use of online invigilation – or online ‘proctoring’ (OLP) – in the delivery of high-stakes English language examinations (Coniam et al., 2021), this paper reports the responses of the subset of China candidates in the sample. The paper first sets the scene in terms of the gradual and then accelerated move from face to face to online modes of delivery. It explores the challenges and benefits that both modes offer, in terms of accessibility, fairness, security and cheating. Detail is then presented from the survey exploring the reactions to and perceptions of OLP by the China respondents (N=64), comparing this sample with the larger world-wide sample, all of whom had taken an English language examination via OLP. A strong endorsement by the China cohort of OLP was generally recorded. Feedback revealed that respondents perceived OLP to be a more personal as well as a more efficient way of taking a test. The results are indicative of a broad acceptance of OLP, pointing to strong future uptake of the OLP mode of test delivery.

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