What is Proctoring?
A proctored test is an exam that is supervised by an approved, neutral person (a proctor), who validates the identity of the test taker and the integrity of the test-taking environment.
What is Online Proctoring?
Tests or exams assigned in online, virtual, or remote learning settings may require the use of an online proctoring service such as Respondus.
- Respondus is a fully “automated” proctoring solution that uses software to assist with test supervision.
The advantage of online proctoring is that students who are outside of Ontario, have time or mobility challenges, or students working from home, may complete exams online through online proctoring services. Online proctored exams can be taken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise directed by your instructor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mohawk College is committed to ensuring privacy protection for all its learners. The following safeguards will help protect your privacy while participating in a proctored online exam.
When possible, only take online proctored exams in private settings or locations to make sure there is no risk of inadvertent disclosure of your personal information or that of others in your immediate environment.
Ensure you have a physical background that is appropriate for a classroom setting (virtual backgrounds are not permitted). You may wish to remove any personal belongings or items that may be in view while taking your online proctored examination.
At Mohawk College, remote proctoring tools (i.e. Respondus Monitor) are only used where they are absolutely required and after careful consideration of alternative assessment and delivery approaches. The intention of remote proctoring tools is to ensure that learning outcomes are met and that academic quality and integrity are maintained. The following conditions apply for the use of remote proctoring tools in academic delivery at the college.
Remote proctoring software tools are authorized for use in courses or programs that are:
- accredited or regulated,
- delivered either fully online or in hybrid formats for students opting to learn remotely.
When used, it is strongly recommended that:
- remote proctoring tools be used for final summative assessments versus all/multiple formative assessments throughout the term,
- faculty incorporate a practice test to ensure students are familiar with the remote proctored software/environment, and
- students are informed in the first class of the semester that remote proctoring software will be required in the course and are provided with a copy of the Student Guide for Online Proctoring.
For uses other than 1 and 2, faculty members have consulted with their Associate Dean to make informed decisions for use.
If your Internet (or wifi) connection is lost for an extended period, you will need to restart the browser and access the exam again, picking up where you left off. Remember to save your answers regularly.
Respondus
However, if disconnections to the Internet are brief, Respondus Monitor will attempt to re-establish the connection every 5 seconds. If the Internet connection is re-established, the video for that portion of time will be missing in the video review. The instructor will see an automated note in the “Comments” section indicating that a break occurred in the video (a thumbnail will indicate where the break occurred). Students will likely be unaware of a brief interruption because the webcam will automatically re-establish the connection once the Internet connection is restored.
If the Internet connection is lost during an exam, how does that affect the video? - Respondus technical support
The following are acceptable formats for confirming your identity in an online exam.
- Mohawk College ONE Card (preferred)
- Passport (Canadian or Foreign)
- Canadian Citizenship Card with photo
- Canadian Driver’s license
- DO NOT use your Health Card to confirm your identity.
Most online proctoring systems use flagging systems to assist instructors in reviewing proctored videos and reports.
It is important to remember that ‘flags’ are not cheating. Flagged events are tools that help instructors identify suspicious activities, anomalies, technical issues, or situations where data is of too low quality to analyze.
In all instances, identifying events of academic dishonesty is at the discretion of your instructor(s).
Speak directly with your instructor if you cannot use online proctoring software for reasons such as low internet bandwidth, no webcam, the software is blocked from your location, or you have specific accommodation needs, etc.
If you have a formal academic accommodation arranged through Accessible Learning Services then your instructor should be aware of your needs and address these appropriately in your testing scenarios.
For additional support, reach out to Accessible Learning Services as soon as you become aware that proctoring software is being used in a course (e.g., during the first week of your course).