SmarterProctoring

Shelton State is now using SmarterProctoring for all proctored testing. Overall, SmarterProctoring offers an easy-to-use, credible way to manage and administer proctor exams with support for all types of classes. It integrates with Canvas and allows the instructor and student options for how an exam is to be taken, including:

Automated Proctoring - Reliable artificial intelligence (AI) is used to monitor and review a student's proctored exam. After the exam is completed, a human reviews the recording.
Live Online Proctoring - A human proctor observes the testing session while the student is taking the test.
Local Testing Center Proctoring - Testing is provided for free at the Shelton State testing center on the Martin Campus.
Remote College Testing Center Proctoring - Testing is provided for a fee charged at a testing center at an institution near the student.
Proctoring Professionals - Network of individuals that others schools may have approved (high schools, military centers, etc.)
Instructor as Proctor - The instructor may proctor the exam on campus at dates/times specified by the instructor.
Hybrid Virtual Proctoring - A combination of the automated proctoring and the instructor live proctoring exams. This method has the student being observed by a human while also allowing the AI software to monitor and review the exam.

Ultimately, which of the above choices are available to the student depends on what options the instructor makes available for an individual test.

What can get flagged during an automated proctoring session?

The student failed to maintain eye contact with the screen.
The student talked during the session.
People walked in and out of the webcam view.
The student left the view of the webcam for a period of time.
The student visited another webpage other than the page the exam is on.

Once the exam is completed, the instructor will be notified of any anomalies that were detected by the AI. The instructor can then review the flagged area(s) to determine if further action is required.

Details

There can be some confusion about what does and does not happen when an exam is proctored online. Below is a simple explanation of what does and does not happen.

What DOES Happen

Record the student’s screen and webcam that is shared during an exam session.

Record the student’s screen and webcam that is shared during an exam session.

Provide authorized faculty access to review videos including any flags that were added due to suspicious behavior.

Provide authorized faculty access to review videos including any flags that were added due to suspicious behavior.

Ask the student to do a scan of the space/room in which they are testing.

Ask the student to do a scan of the space/room in which they are testing.

Record the student’s screen and webcam that is shared during an exam session.

The recorded session is reviewed by SmarterProctoring and Instructor for any academic violations.

What DOES NOT Happen

Monitor anything outside of an active exam session.

Monitor anything outside of an active exam session.

Monitor network traffic or devices other than where the exam session is being taken.

Monitor network traffic or devices other than where the exam session is being taken or review browsing history or currently installed programs.

Share any student information outside of SmarterProctoring and Canvas.

Share any student information or recorded exam session outside of SmarterProctoring and Canvas.

Sell or share student information, including exam session recordings with any other entity.

Sell or share student information, including exam session recordings with any other entity.

Getting Started

Install the Google Chrome Web Browser
1. Update Chrome to the latest version - In Chrome go to Settings --> About Chrome
2. Make sure Chrome is set to accept cookies - In Chrome go to Settings --> Privacy and security --> Cookies and other site data
Test both the speed and stability of your internet connection where you plan to take your exams. You can test your Internet speed at SmarterServices Speed Test.
Install the SmarterServices Google Chrome Extension.

The Right Testing Environment

It is important when you test to make sure you have the right testing environment. So make sure you have the following things, if you don't, schedule to take your test at the testing center on campus

A quiet area where you will not be disturbed for the entirety of your test (No people, pets, phones, background noise).
A table and chair (Do not try take your test in your bed or lying on the couch. Find a place you can sit up and take your test. You will think better there.)
A well-lit area (Think about the lighting in a classroom, this is the kind of lighting you should have when taking a proctored test online).
A reliable, high-speed internet connection (Can you reliably watch streaming videos from the computer you will be taking your test on?

Prepare for an Automated Proctoring Session

Go to your Canvas Course
Click on "Proctoring"
Located the Exam you would like to take
Select "Choose a proctor"
Select "Automated Proctor"
Make sure you are in Google Chrome
Select "Start Exam"
If you previously chose Automated Proctoring as your proctor but did not start your exam at that time, you will need to click "Start Session" to begin your exam.
If you have not already done so, you will be prompted to download the chrome extension for your exam. Chrome may also request access to your Camera & Microphone. Make sure you click on Allow to provide access to your microphone and camera and then click on the Get the SmarterProctoring Extension button to proceed.
A new tab will open to the Chrome Web store. Next to SmarterProctoring, click the Add to Chrome button and follow the instructions to add the extension.
Close the Chome store tab.

Begin an Automated Exam

You are now in Google Chrome and have installed the SmarterProctoring Extension. You should now be ready to begin your exam. The following steps will take you the rest of the way.

On the next screens, you will see both the Exam Details and information on Preparing for Your Exam. Read all of the details on each page and then click "Continue" on both screens to proceed.
Next you will do a system check.
1. Choose the camera and microphone you plan to use.
2. Confirm you have a reliable and good connection speed.
3. Confirm you only have the allowed number of screens
The following screen will ask for your consent to be recorded during the exam. Your camera, screen, and audio will be recorded for the duration of the exam. You cannot proceed without agreeing.
Next, you will take a picture of yourself. This picture will be compared to the picture on your government-issued ID, so make sure you can be seen clearly in the photo. Try to avoid wearing a hat, sunglasses, and unless you are in a public location where it cannot be avoided, a mask. Make sure to click the button labeled Take Photo. If you are happy with your photo. Click the Confirm button. If you would like to retake your photo, you can select the Retake button.
Take a picture of your government-issued ID.
The next step will be to share your screen. Make sure you click inside the preview window. Once you click inside the window, the "Share" button will become active.
Next, you will complete a Room Scan. To do this, click the "Record" button, pick up the camera, and slowly rotate it around to show the entire room. Pay special attention to your desktop and the areas that will be in your view while you are testing. Once you have completed the scan, click "Stop recording."
Finally, the last page will let you know you've made it through the "onboarding" and you are "All set" and ready to start the exam.
Click "Continue"

Start your Exam

You should now be taken to the Exam you had chosen and should be ready to begin.
1. Confirm the name of the Exam
2. Click "Take the Quiz"
3. The password should be automatically entered for your exam, and you should only need to click "Submit" to start your exam. If for some reason the password is not entered, you can click on the blue key icon at the top of your screen and select . If this does not work, take advantage of the Show Support Chat button.

A Student's Responsibilities When Testing

As a student taking an online test, there are certain things that you are responsible for to ensure success. Failure to make sure these things are taken care of can cause you to be unsuccessful in your testing attempt or, worse yet, fail to earn credit for your test, and cause you to instead earn a zero. With this in mind, it is important that you take the testing process seriously.

Find a quiet place without any interruptions.
You will be recorded, so make sure you are fully dressed.
Turn off the television and any music.
Do not wait until the last day, or worse yet, a few hours to take your test. Things happen. Give yourself time to be successful. If you run into trouble when you start trying to take your test, use the chat directly on the page. They will help you immediately.
Do not under any circumstances turn off the camera or microphone. If it turns off on its own, use the chat feature for help to reengage it.
Take your test somewhere that your computer or laptop has a surface to sit on.
While testing, if something happens outside the scope of the test, explain what you are doing before you do it. For example, if you drop something, explain you are picking it up, so the proctor or instructor will understand why you are looking under your desk and know you aren't looking under there for answers.
Whether your test is live proctored or automated, your testing session will be viewed. Make your test attempt as straight-forward as possible.
Ensure you are using Chrome and have installed the SmarterProctoring plugin.
Make sure you have a reliable internet connection. If you do not have a computer or laptop or reliable connection, there are a limited number of laptops and/or hotspots available for students to checkout at the Shelton State library.
If you do not have a suitable place to take a test, plan at least 24-hours in advance to take the test in the testing center Monday - Thursday 9-5. You can schedule this in the Proctoring area of your Canvas course.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the exam session is being recorded?

The extension is installed, not engaged in an exam session.
Extension is actively in an exam session, nothing is being recorded. The extension is active in an exam session, nothing is being recorded.
The extension is active in an exam session and recording is enabled.

What do I need to take a test?

You will need a laptop or desktop with a working webcam AND microphone to successfully take your exam with Automated Proctoring. Using your phone as a webcam for your computer through external software is NOT compatible with Automated Proctoring.

If you choose to use a laptop, make sure it is plugged in or it is fully charged before you start. It must stay on and awake during the entire test.

You also need a reliable internet connection. You can test both the speed and stability of your internet connection in the room/location where you plan to take your exam. Try to take your exam in a room that is in close proximity to your WiFi router. You can test your Internet speed at SmarterServices Speed Test. If your Internet speed is not regularly at or higher than 1Mbps download and 1Mbps upload; you may need to call your Internet service provider for assistance or arrange an alternate location that meets the above requirements.

If you don't have a computer or a quiet space, you can use SmarterProctoring to schedule time in the Shelton State testing center. If you don't see that option on your test, ask your instructor to add it.

Can I use a Chromebook with SmarterProctoring?

Yes, a Chromebook can be used for all functionality of SmarterProctoring, including automated and record-and-review testing. For more information, check out the SmarterProctoring blog post on this topic.

Can I use my a Phone or Tablet to take my exam?

You CANNOT use tablets or phones for automated proctoring. Only laptops (Macs, Windows-based PCs, or Chromebooks) or desktops (Macs or Windows-based PCs) can be used.

How does SmarterProctoring protect my privacy?

All data that is transmitted from your machine to SmarterProctoring is fully encrypted and secure. As soon as data arrives in SmartherProctoring's network, it remains encrypted as it is stored on the file system. Only authorized users at Shelton State can access your data.

How long does the video recording of my exam session stay in the SmarterProctoring system?

Videos are retained for 1 year.

What data is asked from a student when taking an exam, and what is retained in the system?

• First and last name
• Email Address provided on account setup
• ID verification images provided during exams
• Selfie photo taken during exams
• Video/audio of their screen and webcam during exams

If I have privacy concerns, who can I contact?

Please email privacy@smarterproctoring.com and SmarterProctoring will be happy to address any of your privacy concerns.

Can I remove the extension? If so, how do I do it?

Yes. After your exam session is complete, right-click the extension icon in your browser and select “Remove from Chrome.” This process will ensure the extension is fully removed from your computer.

What if my question hasn't been asked?

SmarterProctoring has a larger list of support questions asked with much more detailed answers on their Student Support Site. Once there, you can also access their Support Chat, where you can ask any additional questions you might have.