Preparing for Online Proctored Exams
Some exams, such as midterms and finals, require proctoring. Your faculty will use two online options for proctoring - automated proctoring and live proctoring.
Automated proctoring uses a combination of webcam observation through artificial intelligence technology and recording and a “lockdown browser,” which disables the opening of other programs during the exam session. You will login during your designated exam window, confirm your identity using the program, and take your exam with webcam recording. Your session is recorded, and if something is “flagged” such as leaving your testing location, or background noise or movement, then your instructor can review your session to ensure exam integrity. The system that the university is using for automated proctoring is “Respondus.”
Human proctoring is webcam observation of your exam session by a live proctor. You will schedule your session during the designated exam window, login at your scheduled time, and a live proctor will be randomly assigned to you to meet by webcam. The live proctor will confirm your identity and then observe you during your exam session to ensure exam integrity. The system that the university is using for live proctoring is “ProctorU.”
For both options, you must have a webcam. Review our Technology Requirements, Recommendations, and Troubleshooting for important information regarding technical requirements for online learning.
Automated Live Proctoring with Respondus
The University is using Respondus for automated proctoring, which is now installed and fully functional within Blackboard. We support “LockDown Browser” and the “Respondus Monitor” features. LockDown Browser is a browser feature used for exam sessions that “locks down” your computer during the session to prevent access to other applications, copying and pasting, task switching, and more. Respondus Monitor is a fully automated proctoring system that uses your webcam to record and analyze exam sessions. Video analytics, such as facial detection, motion, and lighting, as well as other patterns that could indicate cheating, are analyzed with artificial intelligence and if an incident is detected, the recording can be reviewed further by your faculty. You do not have to register with Respondus, nor schedule the exam session in advance. There are no wait times for using Respondus Monitor’s automated proctor system.
Respondus: Resources for Students
If your course is using Respondus, your faculty will provide specific instructions about the exam window, a practice test, and other specification. However, you can review these resources to prepare:
Human Live Proctoring with ProctorU
If your course will use ProctorU, your faculty will provide specific instructions, but the resources below will help you prepare in advance.
ProctorU: Resources for Students
Visit ProctorU for the full listing of student resources and information, as well as the quickstart guides below:
