A secure testing environment replicates a standard computer desktop within a controlled digital space. This setup typically involves specialized browsing software combined with virtualization technology. For example, a student taking an online exam might use this contained environment to prevent access to unauthorized resources like other websites, applications, or files during the test.
This approach enhances academic integrity by limiting opportunities for cheating. It provides a consistent and controlled testing platform, ensuring fairness and equitable assessment for all examinees. Institutions have increasingly adopted these secure environments in response to the growth of online learning and the associated challenges of maintaining test security in remote settings.