Remote Proctor

I'm an online grad student at UWA. Effective Spring 2 session we are required to purchase a Remote Proctor device sold by MBS Direct. This attaches to our computers and allows us to be monitored while taking exams. Does anyone have experience with these? How widely are they being used in Distance Education?
Kathy

 

I've never used one, or heard of one, but I just googled it and wow! Interesting little device!

 

Kathy,

I'm in the same boat. I have huge issues with the privacy intrusion/policy and the data stored so I'm contemplating going elsewhere. I don't think they are widely used as of yet. The money was fronted by Troy for development and its their answer to proctored exams. UWA has now joined the bandwagon.

Make sure you read the privacy notice/policy carefully so you understand what is being collected, its use, and more importantly where it is stored and who has access.

The system isn't capable of being run on MACs and must be installed on your system so that it can control your access and functions. Read the policy on who has to fix your machine if the software conflicts.

In my opinion if I had been told about the possibility for Remotexam Proctor use I would have never applied to UWA and won't apply to any school that implements this device. There are other ways to ensure test taking authenticity that do not jeopardize my assets or intrude upon my privacy in such a manner.

You might also be in violation of your terms of use for your high-speed as some do not allow streaming content without fair usage provisions or being able to charge you. Especially for those using a satellite provider.

some links of interest:

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2006/06/02/proctor

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/online_students_cheating_fraud_technology.php

http://www.softwaresecure.com/pdf/SRPS_InsideHE(060206).pdf

 

Thanks Kevin, I will look into those websites. This was just thrown at us a few weeks ago without any advance warning. I am not at all happy with adding a device to my computer.

 

Fascinating.

But what's to stop my smart brother in the next room (or the next state) from texting me answers on the cell phone lying on my lap out of sight of the 360 degree camera?

 

or better yet having a second screen and wireless keyboard/mouse in another room. You use a dummy mouse to look like you are answering all the while someone else is actually responding. And if the system locks those ports and software down, then on to..

Plan B. someone else (the smart person) uses his picture and biometric fingerprint for the intial load and takes all the tests for you. Sort of like when fake ids were used for students posing as athlete's.

Plan C set up a small camera hidden on a wall that can be used to view the screen and use an earwig for someone to provide you an answer.

This list can get interesting...

 

What happens if the only computer you have is a Mac? What if you tell them that's all you own?

 

Check to see if it is compatible with your computer's operating system. For example I use Vista (which I love) but I find some software/devices are not compatible.

 

Good question?

I assume that standard proctor methods are an alternative. I'll try and email or call tomorrow and will post the response.

 

It looks like UWA doesn't have the info up yet. But Troy seems to provide some better answers:

http://www.troy.edu/remoteproctor/faq.htm#mil

I'm a little less concerned about the fingerprint issue after reading this excerpt:

"Does the Remote Proctor store my actual fingerprint?

Remote Proctor does not store your actual fingerprint on the server. It reads your fingerprint and breaks it down into a mathematical algorithm. This ensures that you fingerprint cannot be physically duplicated."

 

Why not just have the smart guy enroll in your name at the very start of the program, so it is his fingerprint and face in the system.

The legend, which many in Berkeley claim is true, that in the 1960s, a German Shorthaired Pointer named Ludwig von Schwarzenberg, who used to splash about in a fountain on the campus, earned a Bachelor's degree after members of a fraternity took enough courses in his name. It is definitely the case that the fountain is now officially named Ludwig's Fountain.

 

I take my proctored exams online with AJU. It is done with a web cam. Before the exam, the student is sent a link. You click on that link and push the on-screen call button to get in touch with the proctor (it actually sounds like a phone ringing). The proctor comes up on the screen and gives you a password to get access to the exam. There is a built-in mic on the web cam, so they can here you and you can talk back and forth with them. Before you take the exam, you have to scan the room with the camera, then show them your government-issued picture ID. The proctor then watches via web cam as you take the exam.

I like it. It's convenient, I can take proctored exams in my own house, I can fit the exams into my schedule...it's been great. The only downside I have experienced is my computer crashed during one of my exams and erased all of my answers. Don't forget to hit the "save and continue" button after answering every couple of questions!

 

Or an I-Phone; I have a neighbor who says he does all his internet access on his I-phone via a G3 network.

 

Question - any change in open book exams? I've completed 3 courses at UWA (un-proctored) and all the tests have been open book. Now that there is a proctor watching I am wondering if that will change. Are you still able to take the exams at any time you want? Even in the middle of the night?(not that I've done that, but some might...)

 

The exams at AJU are not open book. They must be scheduled ahead of time, and taken during certain hours, although there is a lot of flexibility. Weekends are the most popular days, and have to be scheduled at least a week in advance.

 

Here's an article on UWA and the remote proctor, for anyone interested:

http://education.tmcnet.com/topics/education/articles/50222-software-secure-remote-proctor-deployed-university-west-alabama.htm

 

Someone should email them and let them know that you are enrolled in distance education courses because you do your best work naked. Tell them that after several "incidents" at local B&M schools you were asked to leave and distance education is your only option. Let them know they are free to proctor you with the camera during the exams but you are warning them in advance.

 

Bakonkers, actually a few of my classmates from my most recent class at UWA claimed that they emailed the Dean of Online programs complaining that their children or other juvenille family members are frequently nude and could be caught on camera by the proctor. His response, from what they reported, was dismissive.

 

Sexting. CBS says it's the big new thing. 20% of teens doing it. This device kind of does it for you (and your family).
http://tinyurl.com/93fr3f

(Many years ago I had a summer job at an ad agency, which had a client who was a major Nevada casino. On my behind-the-scenes tour of the casino, I was really distressed to see the behavior of the people monitoring the security cameras (and their pals, clustered around), as well as staring through the one-way glass and making derisive or suggestive comments.)

 

Which program are you pursuing at UWA?