Proctoring Options for Spring Term

Proctoring Options for Spring Term

by Josh Manders -
Number of replies: 0

Instructors,

Many of you have been wondering about exam proctoring and what options would be available to you going forward Spring term. There is no one-size-fits-all proctoring solution and our recommendation is that teachers conduct a survey in the first few weeks of class to see what technologies their students have access to and pick an approach that doesn't leave anyone out.


🌟 Preferred Option — Adopt alternative formative assessments that don’t require proctoring. Be creative and be willing to take risks to try something new. It may be that you will have to choose deep learning vs broad learning. 

EXAMPLE: Ask students to explain one or two concepts in depth via a video or ask, students for written analysis or a presentation vs taking a multiple choice comprehensive final exam.


⭐ Secondary Option — Use the quiz and/or assignment function provided within our LMS (Moodle) and ask that students agree to an honor code document (Marc Duyck’s has generously provided an example used in a PTA recent class). Trust your students to make good choices. Remind them that Moodle user logs show when students enter or exit exams, and if a student refers back to any material within the class. Exam analysis can assist instructors identify anomalies.

NOTE: Moodle can not prevent or track a user’s behavior outside of the class itself (i.e. internet search, secondary device, help from others, zoom sessions..etc)


🤖 AI-Based Proctoring Webcam Optional w/Instructor Review — The College has enrolled in a pilot program (ends 06-30-20) with Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitoring that enables all LaneCC instructors to utilize AI-based proctoring for Moodle-based quizzes at no cost to students.

  • Chromebooks and Android based devices (tablets included) are not supported, and there will likely be students unable to use the proctor software. Students must download and install an application to a Windows, Macintosh, or iOS based tablet device (no phones) with a webcam (optional requirement). 

  • Instructions on how to enable this for your course are provided in this quick setup guide for instructors. Additional faculty & student support documents will be made available.

If you choose this option, be prepared to:

    • Provide equal opportunity to ALL students. If a student does not have the ability to meet the requirements, an equal opportunity must be provided such as an instructor-provided proctoring session utilizing zoom video conferencing.

    • Reduce student anxiety by creating a low point quiz/test/exam BEFORE any “real” exam using the same proctoring settings. This will help identify those students who can’t take the exam or have technical difficulties using the software.

    • Spend time becoming familiar with how Lockdown Browser & Monitoring works and support students with technical questions regarding installation and usage.


✔️ Instructor-Managed Zoom Based Proctoring — LaneCC instructors can utilize zoom video conferencing to proctor their own exams. Keep in mind that zoom is simply a communications tool. You’ll still need to provide the assessment component through remote means (i.e. Moodle, GoogleDoc, emailed File...etc). Zoom proctoring places a large burden on an instructor's ability to secure and manage the zoom session appropriately.

If you choose this option, be prepared to:

    • Increase your technical zoom skills so that you can support students taking the exam while simultaneously ensuring that the session runs smoothly.

    • Limit the number of participants. 12 participants on a large monitor is likely the maximum number of participants you can realistically monitor at one time (Zoom supports up to 49).

    • Manage students who want to connect to the session with multiple devices. Not all devices or users are able to multitask well digitally and having a seperate device for camera functions can be helpful.

    • Create and communicate a fallback plan if the zoom session breaks or if the technology fails (i.e. you accidentally end the meeting for all users).


⚠️ LIVE Virtual Proctoring Webcam, microphone, speakers required — The College has approved the use of a 3rd party online proctoring service called Examity at no cost to students for a limited list of LaneCC online courses. Examity offers virtual proctoring using live, real-time proctors. Sessions are recorded, reviewed by an auditor, and also available for 30 days for instructor review. 

  • If your online class requires this level of proctoring to meet accreditation, licensure, or certifications, and you have not already done so, please contact Audrey Mills at millsa@lanecc.edu ASAP.  Courses needing this service need to be set up with Examity at the beginning of the term. 

  • Chromebooks and Android based devices (tablets included) are not supported, and there will likely be students unable to use the proctor software.

If you use this option be prepared to:

    • Provide equal opportunity to ALL students. If a student does not have the ability to meet the technical requirements, an equal opportunity must be provided.


🚪ATC Virtual Drop-in Hours

The Academic Technology Center (ATC) remains available to answer questions regarding your course delivery as well as help with software issues or other questions that may arise about your course.

M-F 8-5: E-mail atc@lanecc.edu
M-F 8-5: Zoom  ATC Virtual Support (live virtual help with Moodle, Zoom, and other teaching/learning technology supported by the college)
Additional weekend support is available via email and our help articles are available to you 24/7