Chiara Mainolfi recounts her experience of taking a remotely proctored exam at home
Today I am going to do something different
Another day, another news report. More news.
Today is going to be different. I am going turn everything off and concentrate: I have to pass an exam!
Getting prepared for my online exam
I followed the modules of the online course; I studied the material provided to me and pestered the facilitator with all the doubts and questions on topics that were not clear enough for me.
Well, now I am ready! I clear the kitchen table of all my notes – sheets and sheets of notes underlined in red and yellow - I put the manual in the bookcase in the living room and get a mirror. Yes, a mirror and this time not to check my makeup and hairstyle: I need it for the online exam, to prove to the virtual invigilator that I am not cheating and haven’t stuck post-it notes on my computer screen.
I request my “forced” roommates not to disturb me and I close the kitchen door: This room will be my battlefield from which I will emerge victoriously!
I check that I have my ID and a wipe-clean board at hand (the only object I'm allowed to take notes).
I’m here, 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled exam: I am punctual and... nervous.
The exam is about to start
I connect to the exam candidate’s platform which I had previously registered to, and confirm that the internet connection is working perfectly; I make sure that webcam and microphone do not play any last minute tricks on me and that there are no firewalls or blocked ports that will prevent me from taking the exam online.
We are almost there. I take a deep breath and connect to the virtual proctor, allow access to my webcam and microphone, download and install the required software.
The proctor arrives, she has a reassuring female voice that asks me to show her my passport to verify my identity and then I let her check my computer, the table on which the laptop is placed and the surrounding environment.
Perfect, I’ve passed my checks! I'm ready, and I start the exam. My heart is beating more quickly and the timer starts running….
I am taking my exam in my kitchen!
I read the first multiple-choice question carefully, think for a couple of seconds what the right answer might be and then I dive headlong into all the other questions faster and faster. The anxiety has passed and now I feel a great energy expanding, answer after answer. The proctor is always there and, while I'm reading the fifth question, she asks me to show her the board. I obey!
I'm done! I've answered all the questions. I erase what I wrote on the board and I finally shut down the computer.
Result!
I feel calm now. I know I'm well prepared and the preliminary result confirms it: I passed the exam, I got certified!!!!!
Soon my certificate will arrive and also the digital badge to be published on my LinkedIn profile. GREAT! I deserve a cup of coffee.
Conclusion
I'm at home, I can't go out but - and maybe it sounds silly - studying and taking the exam has given me a sense of purpose and made me feel more worthwhile. More useful to my company not only for having increased my skills but also for my desire to continue learning and not give up despite everything.
I will never give up!
