Communicating with Students
It is likely that your students have never experienced online proctoring before. New is often overwhelming and student test anxiety is already high. It is important to include information about online proctoring and what students can expect in your course syllabus, support resources, and when you introduce the exam. Below is generic text written by Distance Education that can be customized for your course. Also, Honorlock has made a suggestion for information to include in your course syllabus (opens new window) and have provided a list of the standard exam guidelines (opens new window) you can share with students. These are the guidelines Honorlock will you by default if you have not made any changes. If you have made changes, make sure you share your specific exam guidelines with your students.
Sample Text for Student Communication
In [course name], you will use Honorlock online proctoring for taking some/all of your exams. Think of it as the online version of taking an exam in a classroom.
The biggest advantage of Honorlock online proctoring is you can take the exam on demand,
at a time you choose within the specified exam window in a private location of your
choice. Prior to online proctoring, students would have to come to campus on a set
day/time or find a local proctor in their area!
The exams that will be proctored include [enter name(s) from D2L quiz list]. With an Honorlock proctored exam, you will not connect with a specific proctor to
be observed during your exam. Instead, you will complete an automated identity verification
process and then begin your exam. Since this process is automated, should you experience
any technical issues while taking an exam, you must contact Honorlock directly and immediately. Use the chat feature within Honorlock for the best support as Honorlock can often
fix/help with technical issues directly through the chat tool.
As you are working, Honorlock is monitoring you through your webcam, audio, and screen
to determine suspicious behaviors. These behaviors will be flagged and in some cases
will initiate a live proctor to pop-in on your session to assist you and secure the
testing environment. I will review flagged behaviors to determine if any actions are
needed. [This is a good place to refer your students to your academic misconduct policy]
Online proctoring will require the use of a computer, webcam with microphone (your
computer may have one built-in), and an updated Chrome web browser. Honorlock will need to install a browser plug-in. Your internet speed must be at
least 1.5 Mbps. A wireless connection works but a wired connection is preferred. Students
experience less technical issues with a wired connection. Test your system in advance. Complete the HonorPrep guided tour (opens new window) to check your system and browser compatibility, become familiar with Honorlock including
the identity verification process, and learn what to expect while you take your proctored
exam.
[List exam guidelines or provide them with a link to the standard exam guidelines (opens new window)]
To get started, install the Honorlock Chrome browser extension (opens new window). Then, select the appropriate exam in D2L under Tasks and then Quizzes. During your
proctoring session you will be asked to show an APSU student or government issued
ID to verify your identity. When you have completed your exam, you must submit the exam in D2L before disconnecting from Honorlock. For a complete step-by-step guide on taking an Honorlock proctored exam, visit Distance Education's Honorlock web page and select the Student Resources tab. Contact me [list preferred contact methods] with any questions about your exam and requirements for using online proctoring."
[You should also consider providing students with links to the tool privacy and accessibility information.]