\u201cWith young people like Autumn stepping up and fighting for change, it makes you realize that change is long overdue. We\u2019re excited to see her future unfold, not just because of what it means for her, but because her fight is for all of us. Water is for all of us.\u201d - Paul Bishop, CAE<\/span><\/em><\/blockquote>\r\nAlong with discussions about advocacy and protecting water, WPI will welcome Juliette Kayyem to discuss disaster preparedness and living in a world where it seems the unexpected may be inevitable. Juliette is a former Homeland Security official and author of <\/span>The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disaster.<\/span><\/i>\r\n\u201cHer expertise is not to be taken lightly; she aims to raise awareness and highlight changes that need to be made for safety. In the realm of the water environment, we are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change and geopolitical <\/span>conflicts. We are<\/span> fortunate to have Juliette <\/span>share her wisdom, which<\/span> will be profoundly beneficial on a professional and personal level.\u201d -Paul Bishop, CAE<\/span><\/em><\/blockquote>\r\nIiC23 is shaping up to be the most impactful yet. The partnership between WPI and our speakers ensures a thought-provoking agenda. Although there will be plenty of hard work and focus through the conference, WPI intends to provide a balance of work and play. There will be plenty of time to celebrate at the Welcome Reception and Awards Ceremony, where WPI will celebrate all those who attend the <\/span>conference, as well as highlight <\/span>some true stars in the industry. The conference will include a wrap-up party to celebrate everyone who helped make this year special; it is guaranteed to be \u201cA Beachin\u2019 Good <\/span>Time\" \u2014 <\/span>we hope to see you there!<\/span>","post_title":"IiC'23: It's Almost Time!","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"iic23-its-almost-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-12-14 11:01:31","post_modified_gmt":"2022-12-14 17:01:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/immerse.gowpi.org\/?p=705","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":672,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2022-11-08 13:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2022-11-08 19:00:23","post_content":"Tests and exams have been used for thousands of years to uphold standards and measure the learning of students. And a proctor has often been involved to maintain the integrity of a test. Until recently, it was assumed the only way to truly safeguard the security of a test was with an in-person proctor. That view has changed.<\/span>\r\n\r\nSome sectors, such as IT, were early adopters of online proctoring and have used the technology for years. Others, including many education providers, were prompted to adopt online proctoring during the pandemic.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAcross certification and licensure, change has been rapid \u2013 and significant:<\/span>\r\n\r\n \t
- \u00a0In 2020, 7% of PSI<\/span> real estate licensure<\/b> exams were remotely proctored, compared with 41% now.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- \u00a0In<\/span> construction licensure<\/b>, remotely proctored exams increased from 0% to 37% in the same period.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- At the start of the pandemic, 10% of PSI <\/span>certification testing<\/b> was remotely proctored. This ramped up quickly and averaged at 46% this year.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOur long history with secure remote testing, coupled with lessons learned from this rece<\/span>nt mass adoption, places us in a perfect position to continuously improve the online proctoring experience. This blog shares some of the recent improvements we have made \u2013 for the benefit of testing organizations and test takers alike.<\/span>\r\n
<\/h3>\r\n
<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Best possible user experience<\/b><\/h2>\r\nTaking a test is nerve-wracking. Throw unfamiliar technology and new processes into the mix and it can feel even worse. We examine all stages of the test taker journey and identify every opportunity to make the experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to the online proctoring experience, PSI improvements include:<\/span>\r\n
Clearer process and communication<\/b><\/h5>\r\n
\r\n \t
- Seamless and streamlined processes<\/b> with efficient check-in and minimal wait times. In response to feedback, we provide detailed information to keep test takers up to date on progress during check-in.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Test taker communications<\/b> that set clear expectations and guidelines for online proctoring. We have developed a wide range of templates, which our clients adapt to suit their programs, and we are here to guide them in best practice.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Access to support<\/b> that is self-service where possible. As well as 24\/7 assistance for more complex queries, including technical support, through chat, email or telephone.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
High quality remote proctors<\/b><\/h5>\r\n
\r\n \t
- Human proctors<\/b> who are trained to be empathetic and proportionate in how they handle potential misconduct.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- New proctor onboarding<\/b> that includes training in security, privacy and confidentiality. Followed by periods of job shadowing and supervision by an experienced proctor.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Audit program<\/b> where our internal audit team randomly review a percentage of tests.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Ongoing efforts<\/b> by our operations team with daily, weekly and monthly tasks including daily huddles, weekly calibration and continuing education.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Supportive and assuring<\/b><\/h5>\r\n
<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n \t
- Practice tests<\/b> that are well promoted, easy to find and access before test day. This gives test takers a preview of the online proctoring experience before their big day, reducing anxiety and potential issues.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Increased accessibility<\/b> with clear and hassle-free test booking using familiar online functionality such as map and calendar tools. As well as the ability to easily reschedule an online proctored test at relatively short notice should circumstances change.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Secure lockdown browser<\/b> that is easy to download and delete. The browser prevents test takers from copying, pasting and accessing other applications during their test. This is preferable to remote access by a proctor or a browser extension that can make test takers feel uncomfortable about their data security and privacy. Your test content and their personal information are both protected.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Holistic test security<\/b><\/h2>\r\nOur expert team partners with clients to design and deliver bespoke security plans that detect test fraud and take appropriate action should it occur. And online proctoring is an important tool we have in our kit to identify whether a testing program might have an issue.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhen a proctor raises an issue, the PSI Security Operations team and dedicated psychometricians go to work gathering evidence. This includes data forensics using information from online proctoring, as well as a web crawling service to locate stolen test content. Both these services have become more advanced in recent years and are increasingly important to clients.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAdditional measures we have taken to improve the security of online proctored tests include:<\/span>\r\n
\r\n \t
- Single si<\/b><\/b>gn on<\/b> with no need to re-enter and expose personal information or share secure passwords with an online proctor. Again, this reduces risk and protects your organization.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Flexible online proctoring<\/b> options including Live and Record & Review allow you to select the level of security that\u2019s right for your program and your test takers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Appropriate technology<\/b><\/h2>\r\nWe don\u2019t just use the \u2018best\u2019 technology available. We are committed to only using the most appropriate technology. The purpose of online proctoring should always be to maintain fairness and protect the integrity of a test \u2013 not to catch test takers out. That\u2019s why at PSI we always consider fairness and integrity before introducing any new technology.<\/span>\r\n\r\nFor example, when assessed against the measures of reliability and fairness, automated proctoring that relies solely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make decisions doesn\u2019t meet our standards. Any improvements we make to the online proctoring experience bring together human expertise in tandem with technology to ensure fairness, equity and test security.<\/span>\r\n
Flexible test delivery<\/b><\/h2>\r\nOf course, live online proctoring might not always be the best \u2013 or only \u2013 option for your testing program. As well as Live and Record & Review online proctoring options, an increasing number of programs are selecting to give their test takers convenience and the power of choice with multi-modal testing.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWith multi-modal, test takers have the option to take a secure test remotely with online proctoring or in-person at a test center \u2013 whatever works best for them. Some test takers prefer the accessibility and convenience of taking a test at home or in the workplace. Others benefit from access to the technology and facilities on offer at a test center.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOur multi-modal offering has improved and PSI research backs up our confidence that:<\/span>\r\n
\r\n \t
- The overwhelming majority of test takers want multi-modal testing options.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Satisfaction ratings remain high, regardless of modality.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Mean score<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- \r\n
<\/h3>\r\ns and pass rates have been observed to be comparable across modalities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Malpractice detection rates tend to be comparable across testing modalities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Conclusion<\/b><\/h3>\r\nTaking a test is an important moment for a test taker. It might change their career and their future. That is why we constantly look for ways to improve the online proctoring experience \u2013 seeking to enhance the test taker experience while protecting the integrity and security of your tests. We are confident any PSI test result is based on the fairest, firmest and most thorough of foundations.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWater Professionals International extends thanks to PSI for being a sponsor of the IiC23! PSI provides a crucial function to our organization by hosting our exams internationally. For more information about PSI\u2019s Online Proctoring solution, click <\/span><\/i>here<\/span><\/i><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>","post_title":"How PSI Improved the Online Proctoring Experience","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-psi-improved-the-online-proctoring-experience","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-11-08 14:31:58","post_modified_gmt":"2022-11-08 20:31:58","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/immerse.gowpi.org\/?p=672","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":547,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2022-10-18 13:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 18:41:22","post_content":"Our theme for IiC23<\/a> is INSPIRED LEARNING FOR FUTURE SUCCESS<\/i>. This year, we will explore the challenges of the water industry and work together to conquer them. This is the 36th annual IiC conference, but the first to be presented by our freshly rebranded WPI team. We cannot wait to share our accomplishments with you from our first year as WPI and provide insight into what is on the horizon for the organization.\r\n\r\nThe keynote speaker at IiC23 is former Homeland Security official and author Juliette Kayyem. Juliette\u2019s book The Devil Never Sleeps<\/a> is described as an \u201curgent, transformative guide to dealing with disasters from one of today\u2019s foremost thinkers in crisis management. It is a guide for governments, businesses, and individuals alike on how to alter our thinking so that we can develop effective strategies in the face of perpetual catastrophe.\u201d WPI is excited to bring our IiC audience this renowned expert in the field of disaster preparation and response strategies.\r\n\r\nWPI has commissioned William Butler<\/a> to conceptualize and create a distinctive piece of art to commemorate IiC23. William creates his art LIVE! He is known for providing a unique and inspiring experience surrounding the creation of his artwork. We know you will enjoy watching his customized creation process from beginning to end while he designs a one-of-a-kind piece of art expressing the purpose behind our annual Innovation in Certification conferences.\r\n\r\nThose interested in registering for IiC23 should note that there will not be a virtual component at this conference. We will only be hosting live attendees this year. The majority of the feedback we received regarding attendance at IiC23 was that people were predominantly planning to attend in person, so the decision was made to forgo a hybrid conference.\r\n\r\nThat\u2019s not to say that there will be no video taken during the presentations at IiC23. We plan to record the technical program for future distribution. Information regarding how to access those recordings is forthcoming.\r\n\r\nWPI staff is working full tilt on creating yet another informative and fun conference for our attendees as we strive to do every year. We know you expect a lot from IiC in terms of the content in our technical program and the on-site experience. Innovation is defined as a new method or idea. And that is exactly what we plan to provide at IiC23. New ideas for the future of certification in the water industry. See you at Clearwater Beach in January!","post_title":"Innovation in Certification \u201923","post_excerpt":"WPI\u2019s annual Innovation in Certification conference is fast approaching!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"innovation-in-certification-23","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-11-30 11:51:04","post_modified_gmt":"2022-11-30 17:51:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/immerse.gowpi.org\/?p=547","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_11"};