What Students Should Expect From Their First Online Proctored Exam

Knowing What an Online Proctored Exam Is

The first step to getting your students ready for their first online exam would be to explain to them what a proctored exam is. When an exam is proctored it simply means that in some way the students are being observed as they take their test. Proctoring is not new. It has been around for hundreds of years. But the technology used for proctoring is new to many students.

The technology that SmarterProctoring provides is known as "automated virtual proctoring." Instead of a live person observing the students, the artiificial intelligence (AI) of our system is observing the exam process and the students’ environment. Many students have commented that this makes them less anxious than when a live person is watching them take the test.

Knowing What an Online Proctored Exam Is:

• Leaving the screen: Students should remain in their seat so that their face is visible to the webcam at all times.
• Talking: Talking out loud is not allowed during proctored exams. Note that an exception may be made for this if a student has an approved accommodation.  
• Guests entering in and out of the screen: Students should not allow anyone else to be in their testing area. This includes children and pets. Note that if anyone else in the room speaks that may be flagged as well.
• Looking around: While students take their test, it’s important for them to keep their eyes on their computer screen. Looking around the room could be flagged as an attempt to view un-allowed resources.  
• Using outside resources: Students can only use the resources that the instructor approves. This may or may not include items such as calculators or scratch paper.  
• Taking pictures: Students are not allowed to take pictures with a camera or attempt to take screen captures of the exam content.   
• Using multiple monitors: Students are only allowed to use one monitor during the exam.
• Using a phone: Students are not allowed to use their cell phone in any way during the exam. 

Providing this information to your students allows them to recognize what they can and cannot do during an online proctored exam. However, please note that if any of the actions above do occur within SmarterProctoring, the students' exam will not be stopped. In fact, they will not be notified that an anomaly has been detected. Our system will report any testing anomalies to the instructor who will determine if the anomaly is an instance of academic misconduct. If so, they can connect with the student(s) after the test as appropriate.

1. Plan Time for the Exam

One of the greatest things about automated, virtual proctoring is that students can start the exam at any time that works for them. But it’s important to make sure that their schedule is free from distractions or other responsibilities during the time of the test. Also, remind them to check their course to see what the range of dates is for when the exam will be open.

2. Prepare Their Space

Having a well-lit, private, testing environment that is free from distractions and does not contain any unauthorized material is a key part to succeeding while taking an online proctored exam.

Students should also recognize that before they start their test, they may be asked to use their webcam to show the walls of their room as well as their desk. They will also need to remove any non-religious/cultural head coverings during the exam.

3. Install the Software

The first time your students take an exam using SmarterProctoring,make sure they know that they will need to install an extension in their Chrome browser. It is free and easy to install. Instructions are found in this article and can be shared with your students: "Installing the Chrome Extension."

4. Check Their Equipment

Prior to the date and time of the students' exam, it's important that they to test their computing device, webcam, microphone, and Internet connection to ensure their technology is working properly. 

5. Read the Instructions

Providing your students with information and any instructions specific to the exam in their course is helpful to the learner as well. For more specific information about Getting Started, System Requirements, and Accessing Support within SmarterProctoring, feel free to point them in the direction of our resources page.

6. Have Their ID Ready

Depending on how the exam is set up, students may be required to hold up an official ID card such as a driver’s license or passport to the webcam.  

7. Bio Break

Recognize that most exams do not allow bio breaks during the exam. So the student should use the restroom if needed prior to the exam starting.

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