As online education and remote testing continue to grow, ensuring exam integrity has become a top priority for institutions. While Chrome browser plugins have been a popular choice for proctoring, they often fail to deliver the security and functionality needed for high-stakes exams. Enter the PEBble (Proctored Exam-in-Browser)—a stand-alone solution designed to secure both the desktop and operating system, offering a robust and reliable testing environment. In this blog, we’ll explore five key reasons why the PEBble Browser App is superior to Chrome browser plugins.
1. Comprehensive Security at the OS Level
One of the most significant advantages of the PEBble Browser App is its ability to secure the entire operating system, not just the browser. Unlike Chrome plugins, which operate within the browser’s limitations, PEBble locks down the desktop and OS, creating a truly secure testing environment.
Why It Matters:
- Blocks Access to Stealth Applications: Chrome plugins cannot guarantee access to stealth applications running in the background. PEBble, on the other hand, prevents test-takers from accessing unauthorized apps, tabs, or windows.
- Prevents Remote Casting: PEBble ensures that test-takers cannot share their screens or cast their exams to third parties, a feature that Chrome plugins often struggle to enforce.
- Guards Against AI-Powered Cheating: PEBble blocks access to chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft Bing, ensuring that test-takers cannot use AI tools to gain an unfair advantage.
By securing the entire system, PEBble provides protection that Chrome plugins cannot match.
2. Seamless Integration with LMS and Video Conferencing Tools
Another standout feature of the PEBble Browser App is its ability to integrate seamlessly with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and video conferencing tools. This makes it a versatile solution for many testing scenarios, from remote proctoring to in-classroom exams.
Key Benefits:
- Compatibility with All Major LMS Platforms: PEBble integrates effortlessly with popular LMS platforms, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for instructors and students.
- Integration with Video Conferencing Tools: PEBble works seamlessly with platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet, making it ideal for live proctoring or hybrid exam setups.
- Real-Time Dashboard for Instructors: Coupled with ProctorTA-Pro, PEBble provides instructors with a real-time dashboard to monitor exams as they happen, enabling quick intervention if needed.
Chrome plugins, while functional, often lack the depth of integration and versatility that PEBble offers, making them less effective for complex testing environments.
3. Enhanced User Experience and Ease of Use
The PEBble Browser App is designed with test-takers and administrators in mind, offering a lightweight, easy-to-install solution that doesn’t compromise functionality.
Why It’s Better:
- Light Download and Quick Installation: PEBble is a lightweight application that can be installed quickly. Hence, it minimizes setup time and technical difficulties.
- 24/7/365 Tech Support: Users can access round-the-clock technical support, ensuring issues are resolved promptly.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: PEBble is available for Windows and Macs, making it accessible to many users.
In contrast, Chrome plugins can be cumbersome to configure and may not offer the same level of support or compatibility, leading to a less streamlined experience for all parties involved.
4. Advanced Features for Exam Integrity
PEBble goes beyond basic proctoring features to offer advanced tools that ensure exam integrity and prevent cheating.
Standout Features:
- Prevents Copy/Paste/Print: PEBble ensures that test-takers cannot copy, paste, or print exam content, safeguarding the integrity of the test material.
- Continuous Identification Verification: PEBble verifies the test-takers identity throughout the exam, reducing the risk of impersonation.
- Proctoring Flexibility: PEBble can be coupled with Proctortrack’s service lines, including automated proctoring, live proctoring, and in-classroom proctoring, offering a tailored solution for every need.
While Chrome plugins may offer some of these features, they often lack the robustness and reliability of PEBble, making them less effective in high-stakes testing scenarios.
This proactive security approach minimizes cheating risks while ensuring a seamless test experience at very budget-friendly pricing.
5. Future-Proof Solution for Evolving Needs
As online education continues to evolve, institutions need a proctoring solution that can adapt to changing requirements and emerging threats. Therefore, PEBble is designed to be a future-proof solution, offering scalability and flexibility to meet the needs of modern education.
Why It’s Future-Proof:
- Adaptability to New Technologies: PEBble is constantly updated to address new cheating methods, such as AI-powered tools and remote casting.
- Scalability for Large-Scale Testing: Whether you’re proctoring a small class or a large-scale certification exam, PEBble can handle the demand without compromising on security or performance.
- Support for Hybrid Testing Environments: PEBble’s ability to integrate with video conferencing tools and LMS platforms makes it ideal for hybrid testing setups, which are becoming increasingly common.
Chrome plugins, while useful, often lack the scalability and adaptability needed to keep pace with the rapidly changing landscape of online education.
Summing up
Regarding secure online proctoring, the PEBble Browser App stands head and shoulders above Chrome browser plugins. Hence, with its comprehensive OS-level security, seamless integration with LMS and video conferencing tools, enhanced user experience, advanced features, and future-proof design, PEBble offers a superior solution for institutions looking to uphold exam integrity.
By choosing PEBble, educators can ensure a secure, reliable, and efficient testing environment, giving them peace of mind and allowing students to focus on what truly matters—achieving their academic goals. In a world where online education is here to stay, PEBble is the clear choice for institutions committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity.
