Video proctoring is a technique that uses technology like webcams and microphones, allowing a proctor to verify a test-taker’s identity and watch for suspicious behavior to maintain the integrity of the test when the student is taking the exam in a classroom or from a remote location.Video proctoring may involve AI software and/or live proctors. AI software monitors the exam session and alerts live proctors if issues are detected.
Guidelines and Resources Regarding Video Proctoring
Guidelines for Video Proctoring of Quizzes and Exams
Subject to University of Minnesota (UMN) policies and the following guidelines, video proctoring systems may be used in UMN learning contexts to encourage academic honesty in the administration of high-stakes quizzes and exams for UMN courses.
Purpose and Scope
- Video proctoring should only be used to ensure academic integrity during quizzes and exams.
- Instructors can use video proctoring for in-person, online, and hybrid courses.
Notification and Consent
- Instructors must inform students in writing about the use of video proctoring before the quiz or exam. A recommended syllabus statement is available for all instructors to use.
- Clear signage must be posted in classrooms equipped with video cameras used to proctor exams.
- When logging into an exam, students must provide written consent for video proctoring, including room scans and monitoring.
Technical Requirements
- Students will be required to have the necessary hardware, software, and internet connectivity to allow for video proctoring.
- Instructors should provide practice exams to help students test their systems.
- Instructors or Teaching Assistants (TA) who use video proctoring systems in their courses must be trained in the technical, legal, and ethical use of the equipment, including FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).
Confidentiality and Privacy
- Instructors or Teaching Assistants (TA) must protect confidential student information.
- Video recordings are only accessible to authorized personnel.
- Data is stored securely and retained for a specified period, typically one year.
Use of Video Records
- Video records may be used in cases of suspected academic misconduct and may be shared with relevant University administrators involved in the student judicial process (i.e. Office of Community Standards).
- Students accused of misconduct have the right to view the video evidence.
- Disclosure of video records requires approval from relevant University authorities such as the Office of General Counsel.
- Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken in cases of confirmed misconduct.
Preservation of Records
- Recordings of video-proctored quizzes and exams are maintained for one year.
- In cases of academic misconduct, recordings should be preserved for a longer period, as determined by University policy.
Academic Freedom
- Video proctoring should not interfere with academic freedom.
- Video cameras should only be used during quizzes and exams, not for monitoring other instructional activities.
Support and Resources
- UMN provides technical support for students and instructors.
- Clear guidelines and resources are available to help students understand the proctoring process.
These guidelines help maintain academic integrity while respecting students' privacy and rights[1][2].
References
[1]GUIDELINES FOR VIDEO PROCTORING OF QUIZZES AND EXAMS - University Policies
[2]Policy on Video Proctoring (00046442-3) - Yeshiva University
Honorlock Fact Sheet for Students
What is Honorlock?
Honorlock is an online video proctoring service used to ensure academic integrity during exams. It combines AI technology with live proctors to monitor exams and prevent cheating.
Key Features
- BrowserGuard™: Locks down the browser to prevent access to unauthorized websites and resources.
- Multi-Device Monitoring: Detects and monitors activity on secondary devices, such as cell phones and other dual monitors plugged into the same device.
- Live Pop-In™ Proctoring: Allows live proctors to intervene in real-time if suspicious behavior is detected.
- Smart Speech Detection: Listens for specific phrases that may indicate cheating, such as "Hey Siri."
- Search & Destroy™: Automatically searches the web for leaked exam content and sends takedown requests.
- Accessibility Options: Provides accommodations for students with disabilities or special needs. Honorlock works with common assistive technologies such as screen readers.
- Because of FERPA regulations for all proctored testing centers, no video or audio recordings of a student’s surroundings is allowed in the Disability Resource Center (DRC) testing area. This guideline means that instructors will need to get a bypass pin from Honorlock to have the student bypass all proctoring settings with Honorlock. You will need to communicate that pin to the DRC testing coordinator when scheduling the student’s exam.
Privacy and Data Security
- All data collected during exams is protected under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).
- Video recordings and other data are only accessible to authorized personnel.
- Data is stored securely and retained for a specified period, typically one year.
Technical Requirements
- A computer with a webcam and microphone.
- Google Chrome browser with the Honorlock extension installed.
- Stable internet connection.
Proctoring Process
- Before the Exam:
- Ensure your testing environment is quiet and free from distractions.
- Perform a room scan to show your surroundings.
- Verify your identity using a government-issued ID.
- During the Exam:
- Follow all instructions provided by the proctoring software and live proctors.
- Avoid any prohibited behaviors, such as using unauthorized materials or devices.
- If flagged for suspicious behavior, a live proctor may intervene to address the issue.
- After the Exam:
- Your exam session will be reviewed for any signs of academic misconduct.
- If any issues are detected, you will be notified and given the opportunity to review the video evidence.
- Support and Resources
- For technical support, contact Honorlock Support using their 24/7 chat help line.
- For more information about Honorlock, visit the Honorlock Website.
Sample Syllabus Statement for Faculty
A recommended syllabus statement is available for all instructors to use.
Digital Accessibility and Video Proctoring
Honorlock works with most assistive technologies. The Office of Digital Accessibility (ODA) is the systemwide entity designated to provide resources and services to the University of Minnesota community in support of the creation, development, and procurement of accessible electronic content and services. Please contact the Office of Digital Accessibility for support with video proctoring accessibility concerns.
Because of FERPA regulations for all proctored testing centers, no video or audio recordings of a student’s surroundings is allowed in the Disability Resource Center (DRC) testing area. This guideline means that instructors will need to get a bypass pin from Honorlock to have the student bypass all proctoring settings with Honorlock. You will need to communicate that pin to the DRC testing coordinator when scheduling the student’s exam.