U of T currently has agreements with two online proctoring services (who have been fully vetted for information security and data management practices): Examity and ProctorU (see CTSI's "Online Proctoring Guidelines" for full details regarding governance, academic integrity, and service agreements).
What is online proctoring?
Online proctoring allows students to write an exam online, while being adjudicated to ensure academic integrity.
How can these services ensure that there is no plagiarism or cheating?
Each service varies slightly, but they rely on variations of:
- Photo identification (via webcam)
- Live proctor checks room
- Screensharing
- Video recording with AI enhanced flagging
- Browser lock down to restrict access
Do the assessments have to be digital or can they be paper?
The assessments do have to be in a digital format. Online proctoring services offer invigilation, but not a platform environment for creating and taking the assessment. This means that the assessments should be designed and built in an alternate online service. The recommendation in Quercus.
Are any online proctoring tools integrated into Quercus?
As of March 2020, no online proctoring tools have been integrated into Quercus.
How can I get started?
To begin, the Online Learning Strategies Portfolio ([email protected]) will provide consultation and support for eProctoring implementation. Additionally, you are encouraged to contact your local business officer to talk about the financial process. Payment for the service can come from ancillary fees, program funds, or the cost can be paid directly by the student (if it is being set up as an exception versus being available for the class as a whole). Lastly, the FASE EdTech Office would love to know if you are implementing this service and would be happy to help you implement and support it.
How long will the implementation process take?
While technically relatively easy, the administrative process can be time consuming. You are encouraged to begin this process three months before your scheduled assessment.
What are the different service levels of proctoring?
The level of proctoring is usually selected based on the importance of the assessment. High stakes assessments would most likely use live proctoring while low stakes assessments would use the automated options.
- Live Proctoring: The highest level is live proctoring for the entire assessment. This is an involved process, requiring check ins between the proctor and the student as well as monitoring via webcam for the entirety of the exam.
- Live launch and review: The medium level includes a proctor initiating the assessment after verifying the student and recording the entire assessment (but does not include live monitoring).
- Automated proctoring: The lowest level of proctoring includes an automated launch and records each session. While there is no live proctor in this option, there is AI flagging of the recording available.
How much does online proctoring cost?
Depending on the level of proctoring selected, the cost varies from approximately $8 - $25 per student per assessment.
Can students be proctored remotely?
A major benefit of online proctoring is that students can be adjudicated from anywhere (that they have a stable Internet connection). This is especially appealing for those running online courses where students are distributed or for those who require an accommodation because they cannot attend an in person exam session.