AI Flags and Human Review in Online Exams: How AI Works and Why Human Review is Important

Following the predefined rules set up by the university/institutions and the software’s capabilities, AI detects suspicious activities based on signals that include the webcam and microphone. Upon observing any irregularities, AI flags that event as matching predefined monitoring criteria; this is known as AI Flags in Online Exams.

What triggers an AI alert?

Here are some of the most common activities that trigger an AI alert:

• Unusual face movements
• Frequently looking outside the screen
• Unauthorized audio or sound
• Attempting to open multiple tabs
• Issues in identity verification
• Multiple faces on the screen
• Restricted browser activities

AI Exam Monitoring software analyzes supported signals and highlights events that require immediate attention.

AI Exam monitoring uses artificial intelligence and similar technologies for suspicious activity detection. However, it doesn’t mean that every flag is valid or triggers violations. This is where the terms false positive and false negative in AI proctoring come in. Let’s understand:

In this kind of situation, a Human reviewer plays an important role in checking evidence and taking necessary action as documented to safeguard online exams and maintain decorum.

AI can flag suspicious activities and irregularities during the exam based on the supported signals. However, it doesn’t mean that every alert is valid and acceptable. In those cases, a Human Reviewer helps determine whether an AI-generated alert represents a genuine examination concern, a harmless action, or a technical problem. It adds context that automated detection may not be able to establish independently.

A human proctor can examine the complete event, check relevant footage & evidence, and apply the institution’s rules before recommending further actions.

Sometimes poor network connection, technical issues, or normal human behavior such as blinking multiple times, reading authorized material, or changing posture can trigger AI alerts. A human review will check the incident, timestamps, communicate directly with the student, and make a fair decision.  

Human Reviewer must follow these steps during an AI alert:

• Evidence-based assessment: Examine the available information before concluding.
• Consistent decision-making: Apply documented rules to comparable situations.
• Clear escalation: Refer uncertain or serious cases for additional investigation.
• Candidate appeal: Provide an appropriate way to challenge disputed decisions.
• Audit records: Document the review outcome and any action taken.

AI flags identify events that may require attention, while human review evaluates those events in context. Both serve different purposes in online examination monitoring.

Conclusion

AI flags and human review play complementary roles in online examination monitoring. AI can identify events that deserve attention, while human reviewers assess their meaning and determine whether further action is justified.

For universities, certification bodies, and recruitment teams, the priority is to choose online proctoring software that supports accurate monitoring, transparent reporting, and fair review procedures.