Online exams can be stressful for. And online proctoring can amplify that stress if it isn’t used correctly. Instead of focusing on the exam itself, the wrong approach to proctoring can lead to more questions and concerns that can negatively impact their performance.
- How does online proctoring work?
- What if I need to reschedule my exam?
- Do I have to download software?
- Will they think I’m cheating if I talk to myself?
- Does a stranger watch me the whole time?
- What if my internet is too slow?
Catching cheating vs improving the test-taking experience
Online proctoring is just a way to catch cheating, right? It shouldn’t be.
Catching cheating is the focus for many online proctoring companies, but Honorlock goes far beyond that. Honorlock takes a different approach to online proctoring that focuses on improving the testing experience while still protecting academic integrity.
Simply put, Honorlock makes things easy for test takers and it just works.
How does Honorlock improve the testing experience?
Quick summary of how Honorlock works:
- Honorlock’s blended proctoring solution combines AI with human proctors.
- AI monitors exams and alerts a human proctor if it detects potentially problematic behavior.
- The proctor can review test taker’s behavior in an analysis window and decide whether to intervene and redirect the them or not.
Quick summary of how Honorlock works:
Honorlock allows proctored exams to be taken 24/7/365 and there’s no fee for canceling the exam or for exams that take longer to complete.
Unfortunately, some companies charge exam takers if they cancel an exam within a certain time frame before it starts. Even worse, in some cases, exam takers have to pay for exams by the hour. This means paying more money for longer exams.
No online proctoring software to download
Honorlock’s online proctoring software is browser-based, which means there’s no software to download to take the exam.
Easy to set up & no extra logins or passwords required
Honorlock’s online proctoring platform integrates directly with your LMS, such as Blackboard (and Blackboard Ultra), Canvas, and D2L, which is important because test takers won’t have to create extra profiles that require extra logins and passwords, and they can get support with without leaving the exam window
Some online proctoring platforms have clunky LMS integrations, which creates a poor experience and they’ll probably have to create additional profiles on different platforms.
Works with poor internet connection
Test takers won’t need to worry about their internet connection during a proctored exam with Honorlock. If the internet connection is slow or if there’s an outage, our software works normally except it captures still images of the webcam and the screen instead of a video recording.
On the other hand, some other proctoring services charge a fee if a test taker has an issue with their internet connection,
Detects voices instead of unimportant sounds
The terms “sound detection” and “voice detection” are often used interchangeably, but they’re different.
Sound detection triggers for basically any sounds during an exam, like sneezing or a doorbell ringing.
Honorlock’s Voice Detection listens for specific keywords and phrases, such as “Hey Siri” or “OK Google.” This helps reduce the number of false flags that exam administrators have to review, and test takers won’t be interrupted for sneezing or talking.
Provides accommodations
- Extended time limits and due dates
- Bathroom breaks
- Alternative options to answer questions
- Allowing the use of assistive technologies
Honorlock proctors are trained to provide support during times of stress
A nationally certified counselor and educator trained Honorlock’s online proctoring team to identify signs of stress and provide support during those moments.
This human-centric communication helps test takers gain confidence in the process and with our test proctors.
Honorlock is proven to reduce test anxiety
The University of North Alabama and Honorlock conducted a test anxiety survey to better understand the causes of test anxiety and how online proctoring impacts it.
The test takers were surveyed before and after taking assessments proctored by Honorlock. The survey found that every test taker who interacted with an Honorlock proctor had a significant decrease in anxiety for future exams.
“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.” – quote from a post-exam survey interview
Honorlock is proof that when online proctoring is done the right way, it’s a resource that supports test takers, promotes academic integrity, and protects the reputation of your programs.