How UF Realized a Substantial ROI With Honorlock’s Remote Proctoring

Challenge

To uphold academic integrity with a sudden shift to online assessment, the University of Florida (UF) required scalable and effective remote proctoring.

Solution

For their entire FTE, UF turned to Honorlock for a reliable, comprehensive, scalable, and secure proctoring solution.

Results

By partnering with Honorlock, UF realized substantial cost and time savings, pleasing both faculty and students, while upholding academic integrity.

Key insights

  • $1.14 million cost savings over three semesters
  • 8.5 hours faculty time savings per semester, per course
  • Proctoring is allocated in their central budget alongside the LMS
  • Scaled to remotely proctor exams for more than 63,000 students across 5,000 courses in a matter of days
  • Contracted for remote proctoring of exams for full FTE

UF at a glance

  • Top 5 Public University in the U.S. News & World Report
  • The only university in Florida that belongs to the Association of American Universities, the top 64 research institutions in the U.S.
  • No 1 in the U.S. News & World Report for best online undergraduate program in the nation
  • 55,781 enrolled students
  • 94 undergraduate programs
  • 228 graduate programs

Challenge: Ensuring academic integrity amidst uncertainty

The University of Florida (UF), like many academic institutions, faced significant challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional education models. 

With the sudden need to move 5,000 courses online and administer exams to more than 63,000 students, UF initially leveraged a mix of proctoring solutions. 

However, the challenges presented by the global pandemic required a more comprehensive and scalable proctoring solution.

Solution: Honorlock remote proctoring for Full FTE

For their entire FTE, UF turned to Honorlock for a reliable, comprehensive, scalable, and secure remote proctoring solution.

UF’s decision to partner with Honorlock for their entire FTE was driven by several key factors: scalability; effective, secure proctoring tools to protect exam integrity; cost savings; and the convenience and flexibility needed by both students and faculty.

Three years later as learning returns to campus, UF continues to use Honorlock for all students.

Results: Enormous ROI, an essential partnership

Scalable, affordable, proctoring for all

One of the primary considerations was the ability to scale affordably without passing the cost onto students, according to Brian Marchman, University of Florida Assistant Provost and Director of Distance & Continuing Education. Marchman led the charge and emphasized the importance of finding a remote exam proctoring solution that wouldn’t burden students financially. 

“We had not planned in our budget for any way to pay for this, so we had to find the funds and not put it on the backs of students, and they [Honorlock] were able to make it work for us. We were over a barrel, and they didn’t take advantage of that,” Marchman noted.

The issue of how institutions budget and allocate resources to support online learning is crucial for the future. According to Marchman, rather than seeking additional funding, UF evaluated existing budgets and found ways to redirect funds from outdated or unnecessary facilities and programs to online learning solutions. This allows them to fund online learning innovations with their existing central budget, without requesting additional money.

Honorlock enabled UF to scale affordably without passing the cost onto students.

Cost & time savings

The partnership with Honorlock not only provided a scalable solution but also resulted in substantial cost savings for UF.

Over three semesters, UF saved an impressive $1.14 million, a significant achievement that earned recognition from Florida Tax Watch.

“This would not have been possible without an effective partnership between Honorlock and the university,” Marchman said.

“This would not have been possible without an effective partnership between Honorlock and the university. Honorlock allows faculty to focus on what they do best, teach.”

Brian Marchman
University of Florida Assistant Provost and Director of Distance & Continuing Education

“Honorlock allows faculty to focus on what they do best, teach,” Marchman said, “The
time savings reaped by faculty is an estimated 8 1/2 hours per semester per course. That’s nearly three weeks worth of class time returned to the faculty member to focus on instruction and student engagement rather than monitoring assessments or reviewing incident reports.”

Protecting exams & upholding academic Integrity

Honorlock’s innovative approach to remote exam proctoring, which blends human proctors with AI monitoring, played a significant role in its selection by UF because it’s secure, non-invasive, and offers various tools to protect exams from start to finish.

Honorlock’s artificial intelligence monitors exam sessions and alerts a live proctor who can review the situation and intervene if necessary. Otherwise, the student won’t be interrupted and they do not feel like they are being watched while they take their exam, “eliminating the ‘creepy’ factor of live proctoring.”

“We don’t just say we’re proctoring exams; we mean it. We don’t just give it lip service and partial effort. We want students to know their stuff and be able to prove it. Honorlock has been able to help us make that a reality,” Marchman explained.

Convenience & faculty satisfaction

Continuing with online assessments and remote proctoring beyond the pandemic was driven by flexibility and convenience for both students and faculty. Faculty members observed the success of the proctoring system, even those who were initially skeptical, according to Marchman. 

It also allowed faculty more time for teaching, eliminated support wait times, and addressed privacy concerns that UF had previously experienced with another remote proctoring service. Students enjoy the flexibility and convenience of remote testing.

An essential partnership, not just a nice-to-have

The University of Florida’s ongoing partnership with Honorlock serves as a testament to the proctoring platform’s effectiveness, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Honorlock’s commitment to ensuring academic integrity and its seamless integration with UF’s learning management system has made it an essential tool for the university’s long-term assessment strategy.

Brian Marchman sums it up, stating that online proctoring with Honorlock isn’t a “nice-to-have add-on,” but an integral part of their educational infrastructure, just as important as their learning management system (LMS).

UF’s experience with Honorlock serves as a compelling example of how a proactive and innovative approach to online assessments can benefit students, faculty, and institutions.

Want to see how Honorlock works?
Reach out to our team to schedule a demo.

Certificate vs. Certification vs. Licensure

Certificate vs Certification vs Licenses

Certificates, certifications, and licenses formally recognize knowledge, skills, and qualifications, but…

  • Earning a certificate doesn’t mean you’re certified… 
  • And earning a certification doesn’t mean you’re awarded a certificate… 
  • Sometimes a license can fulfill alternative certification requirements…
  • But a certification doesn’t mean you’re licensed…
  • Certifications are necessary for some jobs but not mandatory, like licenses are… 

Sounds confusing, right? Don’t worry, we’ll break down the differences between certificates, certifications, and licenses and answer common questions about each.

Comparing certificates, certifications, and licenses

Certificate

What is a certificate?

A certificate is awarded after completing a course or program focused on a specific subject or skill. 

Who awards certificates?

Certificates are awarded by educational institutions, companies, and organizations.

Are continuing education credits required to maintain a certificate?

No, continuing education credits aren’t required to maintain a certificate after it’s awarded. However, certificates often count towards continuing education credits.

Does having a certificate mean you’re certified?

No, certificates do not mean you’re certified, but they can help prepare for certification exams.

Certification

What is a certification?

A certification signifies that an individual has passed an exam confirming they have met established industry standards of competence and expertise in a specific field or skill.

Who issues certifications?

Certifications are awarded by professional associations, companies, organizations, or certification bodies.

Are continuing education credits required to maintain a certification?

Yes, awarding organizations usually require continuing education credits to help expand expertise, stay relevant and up-to-date, and ensure professional standards are maintained.

Does a certification mean you’re certified?

Yes, passing a certification exam means that you’re certified in that specific area. However, maintaining certification status depends on meeting ongoing education requirements.

Does a certification mean you’re licensed?

No. While some professional certifications may be required by employers in certain fields, they do not grant the legal authority to practice a regulated profession like a license does.

Does earning a degree mean you’re certified?

No, earning a degree doesn’t certify you.

Are certification exams taken online?
Yes, online certification exams are common because they open the exams up to a larger audience and provide convenience for test takers. Many organizations remotely proctor certification exams to prevent cheating and support test takers throughout the process.

Do you receive a certificate after earning a certification?

After earning a certification, individuals typically receive a digital or physical document. However, this document is different from a certificate received after completing a certificate program.

License

What is a license (licensure)?

Licenses provide individuals with the legal authority to work in regulated professions after training and passing a licensing exam. 

Licensure can also include additional requirements, depending on the type of license and state, such as:

  • Attaining a degree
  • Earning professional certifications and/or certificates
  • Completing apprenticeship programs
  • Work experience

Who issues licenses?

Licenses are issued by government state licensing and certification agencies.

Does a license mean you’re certified?

No, a license does not necessarily mean you’re certified.

Are online licensing exams available?

Yes, high-stakes licensing exams can be taken online when remote proctoring is used to protect exam content and academic integrity.

Do licensing requirements vary based on the state?

Yes, licensing requirements can vary from state to state due to different laws, regulations, and standards set by each state’s regulatory bodies or licensing boards. 

For example, lawyers and teachers may need to meet different criteria or complete different processes to be licensed in different states.

However, some licenses can automatically transfer to other states, or the licensing requirements may be adjusted if the individual already holds a license, through reciprocity agreements or endorsement processes between states.

While there are distinct differences between certificates, certifications, and licenses, they all serve unique roles in professional education, reflecting the knowledge and skills required to help ensure competence and quality in various fields.

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What is remote proctoring and how does it work?

Everything you need to know about remote proctoring and how it works.

What is remote proctoring?

Remote proctoring, or online proctoring, uses software and/or live remote proctors to:

  • Record and monitor test takers’ behavior
  • Verify identity
  • Protect test content
  • Prevent cheating

How does remote proctoring work?

  • Before the exams start: test takers normally use the webcam to verify their identity and scan the room for unauthorized resources, like cell phones, notes, and even other people.
  • During the exams: test takers are monitored through video, audio, and other AI proctoring tools and/or a live remote proctor, depending on the service.
  • After the exams: ideally, the proctoring service will provide test admins with time-stamped reports with recordings of flagged behavior to review.
  • LMS integration: the remote proctoring platform should integrate directly with the LMS, which improves security, doesn’t require extra passwords and logins, and basically makes it the same experience with the exception of a few clicks (instructors just click to choose the proctoring features they want to use and test takers login to the LMS and take the test in the same environment).

Remote proctoring software tools & features

Standard tools and features in remote proctoring software

  • Video monitoring: uses the webcam to record behavior during the proctored exam.
  • Browser lockdown: prevents access to other browsers and applications, and restricts keyboard shortcuts.
  • Sound detection: flags most noises during exams, such as talking, music, dogs barking, etc. Different from voice detection.
  • ID verification: uses the webcam to verify identity before the exam.

Advanced remote proctoring tools & features

In addition to the standard tools above, some remote proctoring companies offer advanced tools and features:

  • Cell phone detection: detects when test takers try to use cell phones and other devices during proctored exams and the presence of Apple devices in the testing area.
  • Smart Voice Detection: listens for specific keywords and phrases that can indicate exam misconduct, like “Hey Siri,” and other commands that trigger voice assistants. Then, it records the audio and provides a transcript of what was said. Smart Voice Detection is different from sound detection, which flags basically any noise.
  • Live Pop-In: AI-based proctoring monitors test takers and alerts a live remote proctor if it detects potential cheating. The proctor can review the behavior and decide whether to intervene or not.
  • Analytics Hub™: provides easily filterable, in-depth reports with actionable insights into test integrity that streamline review a 360-degree view of academic integrity.

Types of remote proctoring

Browser lockdown software

Entry-level proctoring software that helps prevent access to other browsers and keyboard shortcuts. 

  • Usually cheap, but you get what you pay for because it doesn’t really prevent cheating since test takers can still use their cell phones and other resources.

AI remote proctoring

Only uses artificial intelligence to monitor remote exams.

  • Offers diverse tools to monitor behavior and prevent cheating.
  • No human oversight, which can negatively impact the experience for test takers and test administrators.
    • For example, if the proctoring software uses sound detection (different from voice detection) with no live proctor: if a test taker sneezes, the AI flags the noise, and it could even kick them out of the proctored test.
    • Imagine how many unimportant noises could be flagged during tests (coughing, tapping the desk, dog barking) that admins will need to review if a human proctor isn’t there to check the AI.

Live remote proctoring

A live proctor monitors multiple test takers at once. 

  • Typically the most expensive type of remote proctoring.
  • Being watched can be distracting and stressful (and creepy) for test takers.
  • Can work well if the proctor isn’t watching too many test takers at once—rarely the case—a proctor is usually watching 10 or more test takers at once, which can make it easy to miss problematic behaviors.
  • Exam scheduling can be a hassle because test takers have to find a time that aligns with the proctor’s availability.

Blended remote proctoring

Combines live proctors with AI and browser lockdown software.

  • Locks the browser and uses AI to monitor behavior.
  • AI alerts a live proctor if it detects potential misconduct.
  • After the proctor is alerted, they can review a recording of the situation and intervene if necessary.

Who uses remote proctoring?

Remote proctoring is used in higher education and professional education.

Remote proctoring LMS integrations

Integrating remote proctoring software with your LMS can be the difference between a quick and secure implementation and one that could compromise data security and create a frustrating experience for test takers and administrators.

Proctoring platforms typically integrate with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, D2L, and Intellum. Some online proctoring services offer custom integration toolkits to create tailored integrations that meet your specific needs.

How much does proctoring cost?

The cost of proctoring depends on the type and the company, but keep these in mind when comparing proctoring services:
  • Look for flat-rate proctoring to avoid variable costs: unexpected costs can add up quickly if the proctoring service charges per hour for exams, so find a remote proctoring service with a flat rate cost per exam or test taker.
  • Make sure support costs are included
  • Do test takers have to pay extra to reschedule a proctored exam?

Honorlock proctoring software and services

Honorlock’s blended remote proctoring combines AI with live proctoring to make online exams simple, easy, and human in higher education and professional education.

Whether it’s detecting cell phones and voices or preventing the use of AI like ChatGPT and locking the browser, you’ll have confidence that academic integrity is protected.

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Honorlock Announces Integration with Moodle LMS

Honorlock Announces Integration with Major Open Source Learning Management Software Platform Moodle

Honorlock Announces Integration with Major Open Source Learning Management System, Moodle

Honorlock becomes one of the first major remote proctoring solutions with an approved Moodle plugin

BOCA RATON, Fla. (Feb 6, 2024)Honorlock has announced the integration of its remote proctoring platform/software with major open source learning management software (LMS) Moodle and the launch of its officially approved plugin in the Moodle Plugin Directory.

The announcement signifies Honorlock as one of the first major proctoring solutions with an approved Moodle plugin. To officially earn its spot in the Moodle plugin directory, Honorlock was required to meet and pass Moodle’s quality and standards checks.

With the new integration, Moodle clients can get Honorlock up and running quickly and easily. The Honorlock plugin for Moodle is simple to install via the Moodle plugin directory and requires minimal configuration.

“The official launch of Honorlock’s Moodle plugin is a key acknowledgment for us, as it allows organizations and institutions to leverage Honorlock’s proctoring to protect the integrity of the exams they deliver on Moodle,” said Michael Hemlepp, Honorlock CEO. “Moodle is a major open source LMS and this official approval is another key step in our organization’s global growth and expansion as well as commitment to providing the best remote proctoring software and services.”

Whether used for higher education or professional certification testing, the entire remote proctoring experience occurs inside the Moodle platform, providing test takers with a seamless experience. There’s no need for test takers to navigate away from the Moodle interface when taking an Honorlock proctored exam. Honorlock’s proprietary in-browser technology leverages live human proctors, enhanced by AI, to monitor test-taker behavior. If Honorlock detects potential cheating, a live proctor is alerted to intervene in real time to ensure the integrity of the exam.

For more information on Honorlock and its comprehensive remote proctoring platform, please visit www.honorlock.com

About Moodle

Moodle is the world’s most customizable and trusted eLearning solution that empowers educators to improve our world. Hundreds of millions of people in thousands of organizations around the globe use Moodle as a toolbox to manage their online learning. Moodle Certified Partners and Service Providers provide advanced skills and services to enable customers to build the best online learning experiences. Their experts work with clients to identify their unique needs, whether they are seeking support with hosting, course design, custom development, or anything in between. For more information, visit Moodle.us.

About Honorlock

Honorlock provides the best remote proctoring software and services for higher education institutions and professional education organizations. Our solution combines live proctors with AI remote proctoring software to protect academic integrity and improve the assessment experience.

Honorlock’s approach to remote proctoring revolutionizes how academic and enterprise institutions promote equity in online courses and exams by upholding honesty and integrity and focusing on reinforcing the trust placed in learners while ensuring integrity for the institution, the instructors’ knowledge and value, and the exams themselves.

Honorlock’s Online Proctoring Software Detects Cell Phones During Online Exams

Does Honorlock detect cell phones?

Imagine a week without your cell phone. For many, it’d seem pretty strange because they’re so intertwined in our lives. With a few taps—or words to Siri and Alexa—we use them to track our workouts, set timers while we cook, adjust our thermostats, and even monitor our health.

Unfortunately, the use cases also extend to being used to gain an unfair advantage during online exams. In fact, it’s the number one violation Honorlock sees during our remotely proctored exams.

Test takers use them to search the internet for answers, ask AI tools like ChatGPT for help, and interact with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa.

Fortunately, Honorlock’s online proctoring solution has the most comprehensive approach to detecting cell phones and preventing them from being used during online exams.

How does Honorlock detect cell phones?

Honorlock’s cell phone detection involves a combination of several proctoring tools in addition to review by our live proctors.

Multi-device detection

Honorlock’s proctoring software can determine when test takers try to use their cell phones to access test bank content during their exams. This feature protects against tablets as well.

Apple Handoff Detection

Our newest feature, Apple Handoff Detection, is exclusive to Honorlock and detects if a phone is present in the testing area. Our proctors then add a violation if the test taker is seen using a cell phone during the exam.

But even if it’s an Android phone, their behaviors to use the phone will likely be flagged by our AI. For example, AI flags when a test-taker looks down or voices specific keywords like “Google” or “Siri”.

Once flagged by the AI, a live proctor will watch the session live to determine if the test taker is using a cell phone or not.

Prioritized proctor review

All violations for suspected cell phone use are reviewed and verified by a human proctor to give you confidence in your exam results. In addition, Honorlock’s proctors are trained to spot cell phones that can be seen in reflections or light emitting from the phone.

Speech detection

Honorlock’s speech detection is ideal for instances when test-akers use voice commands to interact with voice assistants, like Siri or Alexa, on a device hidden from the webcam.

Our speech detection listens for specific keywords and phrases that activate and operate voice assistants, such as “Hey Siri,” “Alexa,” or “OK Google.”

This approach allows test takers to speak aloud while solving problems without being unnecessarily flagged and interrupted. It also creates a better testing experience compared to proctoring solutions that use sound detection, which can flag unimportant sounds like coughing or a dog barking.

About Honorlock

What is Honorlock?

Honorlock is an online proctoring company that partners with higher education institutions and professional education organizations, providing software and services that protect academic integrity and support test takers 24/7/365.

How does Honorlock work?

Honorlock blends live human proctoring with AI-proctoring tools to prevent cheating and create a non-invasive testing environment with fewer distractions.

Here’s how Honorlock’s exam proctoring works:

Other Honorlock features and benefits

In addition to the cell phone detection tools we mentioned earlier and our blended proctoring approach, Honorlock also:

Blocks AI tools like ChatGPT

Honorlock’s proctoring solution uses a combination of tools to block the use of AI and extensions, like ChatGPT and Transcript, during exams.

Provides 24/7/365 US-based test proctoring with live support

Proctored exams can be taken anytime without scheduling, and live support is available if needed.

Uses the webcam to record behavior and scan the room

The test taker’s webcam is used to monitor behavior throughout the proctored exam and it can be used for an optional 360-degree room scan to ensure no unauthorized resources or people are present prior to starting an exam.

Locks the browser

Honorlock’s BrowserGuard™ prevents (and/or flags) access to other browsers and applications and disables keyboard shortcuts like copying and pasting during proctored exams.

Verifies ID

Quickly verifies and authenticates test taker identity to ensure the person taking the test is the same as the person getting credit.

Finds leaked test content

Honorlock’s Search & Destroy™ technology automatically finds leaked test content on the internet and gives test administrators the ability to send content takedown requests with one click.

Protects exams taken on third-party platforms

Proctor exams on third-party platforms such as MyMathLab, Pearson, and more.

Integrates with your LMS

Honorlock’s proctoring software integrates with: Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, D2L Brightspace, Intellum, Docebo*, and Open LMS. We also provide open APIs for custom integrations.

*Coming soon

Puts accessibility first

With minimal system requirements, support for low bandwidth, integrations with accessibility technologies, and individual accommodations ensures a fair and accessible testing experience for all learners.

Learn more about how Honorlock’s approach to online proctoring is revolutionizing and improving the entire testing experience in higher education and professional education.

Strategies to stop new types of contract cheating

Strategies to stop new types of contract cheating

What is contract cheating?

Contract cheating means using paid or unpaid third parties (people, services, or tools) to complete tests or assignments. In the past, it meant things like someone else writing your essay or getting answers from “homework help” sites like Chegg and Course Hero. 

Contract cheating is evolving. It now includes paid test-taking services that use remote access software to control a learner’s device and complete tests on their behalf. It also includes the misuse of AI tools like ChatGPT, which a March 2023 survey indicated is used by over 1 in 5 learners to complete exams and assignments.1

Detecting contract cheating… or preventing it?

Do you only want to detect that it happened or prevent it from happening altogether? Detecting cheating is a very different experience than preventing it altogether. 

For example, using tools to detect AI plagiarism in essays can be challenging. While those detection tools were moderately effective in the past, AI tools like ChatGPT don’t plagiarize and can be instructed to write just like humans, leading to false positives and overall accuracy issues.

And if those detection tools indicate that portions of an essay were AI-generated, what’s the threshold to take action? Should they take action when 1% of the essay is AI-generated? 25%? 50%? Regardless of percentage, if AI and plagiarism detection tools aren’t accurate and they’re easy to beat, you’ll have an uphill battle.

So, why try to detect that contract cheating happened when you can prevent it from happening at all?

The rest of this article shows you how to use online proctoring software to stop contract cheating (and other types of cheating).

Here’s how to prevent different types of contract cheating:

1. Paying a test-taking service that uses remote access software to take the test for the person getting credit

Have you ever had an issue on your computer and a support technician remotely accessed your computer to fix it? That’s basically how this form of contract cheating happens.

The person getting credit pays a proxy test-taking service to have a subject matter expert remotely access their desktop and take the test for them.

This type of cheating can be difficult to catch because the person getting credit is still on camera while the subject matter expert has control of their desktop and completes the test for them. Because the person getting credit stays on screen, ID verification methods won’t be able to stop this form of contract cheating.

Here’s how Honorlock’s online exam proctoring software beats this form of cheating:

Displaying countries of test: Honorlock’s platform shows the countries where tests were taken based on IP address. If there’s a trend of tests taken in countries with no known test takers, it might indicate the use of proxy test-taking services, prompting further investigation.

Blocking applications: Certain settings within Honorlock’s proctoring platform can be used to block remote access applications.

Requiring keyboard commands before starting the test while recording the screen: Instructions, or even the first test question, can require test takers to use keyboard commands, such as Ctrl+Alt+Del (Windows) or Cmd+Opt+Esc (Mac), to display the applications and processes running on the device. Honorlock’s software also records desktops, allowing exam administrators to review the recording if there’s any suspicion that someone else took the test on the test taker’s behalf.

2. Using AI tools like ChatGPT

Using AI tools like ChatGPT without permission is considered contract cheating because it still involves the use of a third party and isn’t the person’s original work.

ChatGPT generates written responses and answers questions about basically any topic. With the right prompts, it can write just like a person, and AI or plagiarism detection software can’t really catch them.

Here’s how Honorlock’s remote proctoring software helps block and control AI tools:

Detects cell phones and browser extensions: Honorlock’s proctoring software can detect when test takers try to look up answers on their cell phonesas well as device-sharing applications like Apple Handoff.

Listens for voices (not just sounds) to ensure there’s no help from Siri or other voice assistants: Honorlock’s Smart Voice Detection listens for keywords and phrases like “Hey Siri” and “Alexa,” which could be used in addition to voice dictation to operate ChatGPT on another device.

Blocks access to other sites and disables keyboard shortcuts: With Honorlock’s BrowserGuard™, learners won’t be able to access sites like ChatGPT or copy text beforehand and paste it as their own. 

Uses the webcam to monitor behavior and check the room for unauthorized devices and resources

3. Paying someone else to write their essay

To prevent this form of contract cheating, have learners write their essays while online proctoring is monitoring behavior.

Here’s how Honorlock can stop this form of contract cheating:

Verifies ID: Honorlock makes ID verification easy by capturing a picture of the test-taker and their photo ID in about 60 seconds.

Locks the browser while still allowing access to certain sites: This is important because there may be instances where you want the learner to have access to certain resources while they’re writing, like an online research journal, but still want to block all other sites.

Prevents copying and pasting: Honorlock’s BrowserGuard™ prevents keyboard shortcuts, which means they can’t copy text before they start the essay and paste it into their response.

Uses video to monitor behavior and check for unauthorized resources

In addition to the features mentioned earlier in this article, Honorlock also provides:

LMS integrations: Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, D2L Brightspace, and Intellum directly integrate with Honorlock’s online proctoring platform. We also provide a developer toolkit for custom integrations, giving you the power to create a tailored integration that meets your specific needs.

24/7/365 online exam proctoring with live support: Honorlock’s proctoring services and support are on-demand, which means exams can be taken anytime, day or night, and live support is available.

Test content protection: Search & Destroy™ finds leaked test content on the internet and gives exam admins the option to send one-click content takedown requests.

Third-party test proctoring: Allows seamless test proctoring on third-party platforms such as MyMathLab, Pearson, and more.

As contract cheating evolves and unfortunately grows, so should your strategies and technologies to beat it. Honorlock’s online proctoring software and services put you in control and keep you one step ahead of whatever comes next.

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1Half of College Students Say Using AI on Schoolwork Is Cheating or Plagiarism. (2023, March). BestColleges. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.bestcolleges.com/research/college-students-ai-tools-survey/

Honorlock Ranks No. 667 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 List

Honorlock makes the Inc. 5000 list for the 3rd time.

Boca Raton, Florida – August 15, 2023 – Inc. revealed today that Honorlock ranks No. 667 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other household name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“This achievement doesn’t just acknowledge our growth, it underscores the importance of our mission and the impact it has on the educational landscape,” Michael Hemlepp, Honorlock CEO. “Our journey reflects the dedication of our entire team, partners, and educators who share our vision of upholding academic integrity and honesty. Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 for the third time is a testament to our unwavering spirit and the transformative impact we’re making in the world of online education.”

The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate ticked up to an astonishing 2,238 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years. 

“Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000—with the fast growth that requires—is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.”

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 23. 

Honorlock was named the number one online proctoring platform according to G2, the world’s largest technology solutions review site.

About Honorlock’s Online Proctoring Services & Software

Honorlock’s online proctoring services and software revolutionize the way institutions and organizations ensure equity, protect exam integrity, and support learners throughout the assessment process. Our approach to online exam proctoring is to do what’s good for the institution and for the learner. We’ve dedicated ourselves to taking the technical online proctoring experience and making it more human and stress-free.

More about Inc and the Inc. 5000

Inc. 5000 list ranking methodology

Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places.  

About Inc.

Inc. reaches more than 50 million people across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media.

Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this list gives top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent.

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See the surprising ways online proctoring improves testing

Best features and benefits of online proctoring software

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1. Blocks AI tools like ChatGPT

ChatGPT and other similar AI tools can answer test questions and write in-depth responses in a matter of seconds. And it’s even more concerning that tools for AI detection and plagiarism can’t really detect AI-generated content.

But with remote proctoring software, you can prevent these tools from being used during online exams. But you’ll need a lot more than browser lockdown software because a test taker can just use their cell phone to beat it.

Your proctoring platform also needs these features to block AI:

Cell phone detection: detects when test takers try to look up answers on their cell phones as well as device-sharing applications.

Extension Detection Technology: browser extensions, like Transcript, can make it easy to cheat by automatically answering test questions. They’re easily accessible and very common, but with extension detection technology, you’ll know when test takers attempt to use them.

Smart Voice Detection: listens for keywords and phrases like “Hey Siri,” which could be used in addition to voice dictation to operate ChatGPT on another device.

Video monitoring: the webcam monitors and records behavior and checks the room for cell phones, notes, and even other people.

2. Proctors hands-on alternative assessments that create real-world situations

Traditional questions, like multiple choice, are staples in assessments, but it’s just as important to assess knowledge with alternative assessments that recreate real-world situations, sometimes referred to as authentic assessments.

“If they aren’t going through those kinds of things, they may not be prepared for the next level or applying it in a real situation,” Paul Fisher, Associate CIO & Director of the TLT Center at Seton Hall University.

But the issue is that most online proctoring platforms have rigid settings that limit the types of questions that can be proctored.

However, some have flexible settings that can proctor activities that recreate real-world situations, such as:

Fisher gave examples of how Seton Hall uses online proctoring for alternative assessments: “The accounting programs use Honorlock to proctor tests where they’re using software to fix balance sheets and other similar documents, while other programs use it for short answer and essay questions.”

3. Detects cell phones and browser extensions

Did you know that over 70% of exam violations are caused by test takers using cell phones or another device?

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why online proctoring software with cell phone detection is so important to protecting exam integrity. This software can detect device-sharing applications, like Apple Handoff, and when test takers try to look up answers on their cell phones.

4. Finds leaked test content on the internet

Unfortunately, it’s pretty common for instructors to find leaked test content on sites like Chegg and Quizlet. That’s why you need Search and Destroy™ technology, which automatically searches the internet for your leaked test content and gives you the ability to send one-click takedown requests.

5. Reduces testing costs

Physical testing centers’ overhead costs, such as utilities and maintenance, staff wages, and hardware and software, can be expensive. Online proctoring can help save money by reducing (or even eliminating) the need for physical testing centers.

6. Gives more time to teach instead of administer tests

How many hours of your course hours are spent administering tests?

“The time savings reaped by faculty is an estimated 8.5 hours per semester, per course… That’s nearly three weeks worth of class time returned to the faculty member.” Brian Marchman, Assistant Provost & Director of Distance Learning & Continuing Education, University of Florida

How much more value could you give to learners if you had those hours back? Honorlock’s on-demand remote proctoring can give you those hours back because tests can be taken outside of class hours and live support is available 24/7/365.

7. Increases access & improves accessibility

According to the US Department of Education, 1 in 5 college students have a disability, and more than 40% of students paying tuition independently are in or near poverty. With that in mind:

Honorlock’s proctoring software is compliant with web accessibility standards and allows instructors to provide accommodations, like taking a proctored assessment without a webcam. And if a test taker has slow internet speed, our software has failsafes in place that work when internet speeds drop below streaming video thresholds. And with Honorlock’s 24/7 proctoring and live support, test takers with busy schedules can take proctored tests at a time and place that works for them.

“Honorlock helps us get to the core of our mission here at Warrington: being able to offer an MBA to just about anybody. Having a proctoring service focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion made choosing Honorlock an easy fit for us.” – Naz Erenguc, University of Florida, Director of Admissions at the Warrington College of Business

8. Helps reduce test anxiety

Tests are stressful, but did you know that taking a test in a different room or even in a different seat can negatively impact performance? And with online exams, there’s added stress because test takers have technology concerns.

But in a student survey, 100% of students who interacted with a live remote proctor from Honorlock indicated that it reduced their test anxiety. 

Honorlock’s combination of AI with human proctors means test takers won’t be watched constantly during tests. Our AI monitors behavior and alerts a live proctor to review the situation if it detects any issues to determine whether to intervene or not. This way, test takers won’t be interrupted unless it’s necessary. Honorlock’s full-time remote proctoring team received training by a nationally certified counselor and educator to better support test takers during moments of assessment frustration and anxiety.

“The proctor popping in was different than I expected – in a positive way. I imagined them being more strict. I felt that the proctor was helpful and a lot less intimidating than I thought.” – Student survey quote in a post-exam interview

9. Detects voices, not sounds

If the proctoring software uses sound detection, instructors could be left reviewing flags for irrelevant sounds…

Dog barking – flag to review.

Coughing – flag to review.

Tapping pencil – flag to review.

As mentioned earlier, Honorlock’s Smart Voice Detection listens for keywords and phrases, like “OK Google” and “Hey Siri,” so you’ll only have to review what’s important.

But what if a test taker talks to themselves during the test and says a phrase that the Smart Voice Detection listens for, such as ‘ OK Google’?

This phrase would trigger Honorlock’s Smart Voice Detection, but it would also notify a live proctor to review the situation, where they would see that cheating didn’t occur, so there’s no need to intervene.

Honorlock’s online proctoring software is different by design

Our approach to proctoring is different because we know that it’s more than just catching cheating. 

Honorlock’s flexible platform positively reshapes the way tests are administered by improving the entire assessment experience, ensuring equity and access, and effectively protecting academic integrity. 

For institutions looking ahead, investing in Honorlock’s proctoring services and software is a step towards a smarter future with more opportunities to improve education.

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Prewritten AI Policy Statement

AI tools can help improve teaching and learning, but instructors have concerns about how they’re used. Use our prewritten AI Policy Statement to set expectations for acceptable use of AI tools in your courses.

What goes into an AI policy statement?

Some AI policy statements resemble extensive legal documents, while others are just a few bullet points. Regardless of format, make it clear and easy to understand for learners in your course.

PART 1: Introduction & purpose

Briefly (and clearly) state your stance on AI & key takeaways

If learners only read this part, what are the must-know takeaways?

PART 2: What are AI tools?

Explicitly define what you consider to be AI tools.

To some, AI only means tools like ChatGPT. To others, it may mean using AI writing tools like Grammarly. So, be clear about the AI you’re referring to.

Group them by type (chatbots, writing assistants, browser extensions, apps, voice assistants, etc.) and name a few examples for each group, but emphasize that just because a tool isn’t named doesn’t mean it’s allowed to be used.

PART 3: Acceptable AI use

Be clear about when and how they can or cannot be used.

This will be short if you want to block AI entirely. But if you want to allow it at certain times, discuss when and how and use a few specific examples.

PART 4: The negative impact of using AI tools

AI puts data privacy, academic integrity, and reputation at risk.
Discuss how taking AI shortcuts devalues their education and the program’s reputation, which ultimately impacts their investment. And discuss other items, like data privacy.

PART 5: AI Policy enforcement

How you’ll enforce this policy, penalties, and revisions.

Example AI policy statement for your courses

Note: The primary example assumes an instructor is only allowing AI use in a few specific instances but blocking it otherwise. You’ll see expandable boxes in some sections that contain alternative language for an instructor that wants to block AI in all cases.

Introduction & purpose

I recognize the importance and benefits of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, which is why my position is to embrace and integrate them into certain course activities, like interactive projects, with full transparency about their use. However, using any AI tools during an exam or quiz is never permitted. The information and guidelines in this policy ensure that AI is effectively and ethically used in this course.

The remainder of this document provides important information to understand as a participant in this course.

Alternative text for blocking Al (click to expand)

I recognize the power and potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in shaping the educational landscape and even our lives in general. However, I want to make it clear that we will not be integrating or permitting the use of any AI tools in this course. The remainder of this document provides important information to understand as a participant in this course.

What are AI tools?

AI tools mean something different to each person, especially related to education, so I’ve grouped them into categories and named a few tools for each. Please note that countless AI tools exist, and the omission of a specific tool doesn’t mean its use is permitted. If you have questions about a certain tool, do not use it until we’ve discussed it and I indicate that its use is allowed.

Alternative introduction text for blocking AI (click to expand)

AI tools mean something different to each person, especially related to education, so I’ve grouped them into categories and named a few tools for each. Please note that countless AI tools exist, and the omission of a specific tool doesn’t mean its use is permitted.

 

Type
What they do
Example tools
Chatbots
Generates written responses, answers questions, & checks work
ChatGPT (and GPT-4), Google Bard, Bing AI, Jasper AI
AI writing assistants
Edits, rephrases, & rewrites text to improve writing
Grammarly, QuillBot, Hemingway Editor
Applications
Answers questions & completes numerous “homework help” tasks
Course Hero, Photomath, Wolfram Alpha, Socratic
Voice assistants
Takes voice commands to provide answers to questions & operate portions of devices.
Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana

Acceptable use of AI tools

We’ll use AI in this course to enrich your learning experience with interactive activities and as a way for you to gain practical experience with important technologies.

Key takeaways for AI use in this course:

Do not use any AI tools during any exams or quizzes.

Do not use AI tools during any assignments or activities without specific permission and instructions.

Credit and cite any time you use AI.

Except during exams and quizzes, you may use writing assistants to check your written work for grammar and punctuation.

Writing assistants and other AI should not be used to write, paraphrase, or change the style and composition of your writing.

Using AI as a supplement is permitted. Examples include using browser extensions or apps to check your answers to practice questions.

Never enter any personally identifiable information or other relevant information into AI tools

Alternative text for blocking AI (click to expand)

Use of AI tools is not permitted in any aspect of this course, including exams, quizzes, projects, or any activities.

 

The negatives of using AI tools

Integrating AI into course activities helps create interactive and engaging learning experiences. However, it’s crucial that you adhere to the guidelines about the use of AI tools because it impacts the entire learning experience and your data privacy.

Inappropriate or unauthorized use of AI tools to gain an unfair advantage and any other forms of academic dishonesty not only devalue your education but also jeopardize the integrity and reputation of the entire course and program you and others have invested in. That said, I ask that each of you fully, honestly, and ethically commit to using AI only as instructed.

Data privacy

I trust that you’re careful with personally identifiable information, but it can be mistakenly shared, such as when you’re checking your written work in ChatGPT. Let’s assume the assignment allows you to use ChatGPT, and you copy all of the text from the document and paste it into ChatGPT, including your information at the top of the page:
First & last name
ID number
Date & time
Course name
Instructor name

While not likely, others could receive any or all of that information, which could be enough information to determine who you are, your institution or organization, and your location. So, please do not use any personally identifiable information or other relevant information about yourself or others in any AI tools.

Alternative text for blocking AI (click to expand)

While some courses integrate AI tools, my decision to prohibit them doesn’t mean I won’t leverage technologies for different aspects of this course. These technologies will be used to create an enriched and interactive educational experience that drives creativity and collaboration.

But to give you more context on my decision, I believe that AI tools currently pose challenges related to academic dishonesty and data privacy. Many AI tools quickly answer test questions and even generate in-depth written responses that can be rephrased to go undetected by plagiarism detection tools.

Equally important, it puts your data privacy at risk. For example, did you know that everything you type into ChatGPT is saved and could be given as a response to other users? Imagine if you accidentally provided personally identifiable information and other relevant information if you used it to check your work and you copied and pasted all the text in your document, which included your first and last name, institution or organization, course name, date and time, and instructor. Just that information alone is enough for someone to know who you are and where you may be at a specific time.

 

AI Policy enforcement

I take academic integrity very seriously, and I will address any violations of this policy and follow [institution’s name] disciplinary policies and procedures. If you have any questions about the information, policies, and guidelines in this statement, I urge you to contact me to discuss them.

This policy goes into effect on the first day of this course, [insert day, month, and year].

I trust that each of you will make ethical decisions about the use of AI tools in this course and I’m looking forward to a rewarding experience for everyone, including myself.

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Protecting Integrity & Improving Student Outcomes

Ever get the feeling that students’ exam scores are too good to be true… but you don’t have proof they’re cheating? You aren’t alone.

But you won’t know for sure unless you have the right data and tools.

Without those, bell curves can start to look like ski slopes, which is what an R1 university professor experienced before using Honorlock’s online proctoring platform. He knew cheating was probably happening, but he didn’t have proof… yet. So, he took action and began using Honorlock’s online proctoring software on the next two assessments.

And guess what? No more ski slopes. Grades immediately normalized because academic integrity was protected throughout Now at the start of each semester, he informs students that exams will be proctored by Honorlock to establish a healthy learning environment. When you create a fair testing environment that improves student outcomes and protects integrity, everyone wins.

Want to learn more about Honorlock?

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