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Las Positas College

Online Proctoring - Proctorio FAQs

What is Proctorio?

At LPC, it is permissible for instructors to use Proctorio in their classes. Proctorio is a remote proctoring tool integrated into Canvas quizzes that helps maintain the academic integrity of online exams.  It allows instructors to choose settings that manage how an exam is proctored. Those settings include recording you and the room you are in via your web cam, recording your web browsing during an exam, locking down your web browser, and disabling printing.

How does Proctorio work?

Proctorio uses the Google Chrome browser and the Proctorio extension for Chrome (see below) to communicate with your computer only during an exam. Depending on the settings chosen by the instructor, it can capture your movements, and when you complete the exam, it can send video and other data to the instructor for review.

If there is student activity that the instructor chose not to allow during the exam, Proctorio can flag that activity. It is then up to the instructor to review video, audio, and/or other data before deciding if any action is warranted.

During an exam, there's really nothing you have to do; just take the exam normally. The exception is if your instructor requires you to show a valid ID prior to beginning the exam. In that case, you will hold it up in front of the web cam.

How can I prepare for Proctorio?

If you do not have the Chrome browser, which, incidentally, is the preferred browser for Canvas, you will need to download and install Chrome. You must use a computer or laptop (Windows or Mac) with a working web cam and microphone. Currently, Proctorio does not work with mobile devices. 

You will also need to install the Proctorio extension for Chrome.

Find a quiet, comfortable, private room or area to take your exam. When beginning the exam with Proctorio, the first screen students see is an instructions page. This is for full transparency. It details all the information being collected during the exam and what has been restricted based on the settings the instructor has selected. Make sure to read this page.

Depending on the settings chosen by your instructor, Proctorio will go through pre-checks to make sure your computer is ready. If your Desktop does not pass the System Diagnostics Test, click the Re-test button, then select your screen so the Share button is enabled and you can click it. It might not be enabled by default. View a video showing how to select the screen first before clicking Share

Does Proctorio compromise the security of my computer?

Proctorio does not access any content on students' computers, especially not any of their passwords, files, or data. The Chrome browser extension that students must install only runs when a Proctorio exam is running, and once the exam ends, the tool immediately stops. The extension is a small program that does not modify your computer; it only modifies the Chrome browser.

How much does Proctorio cost?

It is free to LPC students.

If my exam is recorded, who sees my data?

Recording an exam is optional for instructors. If they choose to do so, that recording is available only to the instructor and authorized college officials. Proctorio cannot view the recordings. Proctorio also uses “double-encryption” technology to maintain the integrity of student data from the recordings.

What about my privacy rights?

Proctorio adheres to all student privacy rights in accordance with FERPA law. Additionally, there are no human proctors who monitor students while they are taking an exam. Here are a few other links that should be helpful:

How will I know at the beginning of the term which Canvas courses use Proctorio?

Instructors have been asked to include this information in their syllabi and in a welcome letter to send to students prior to the beginning of the semester. If you do not see this information, contact your instructor and ask if they will have their exams remotely proctored.

How can I tell in Canvas if my exams use Proctorio?

Within Canvas, navigate to where your exams are located, typically in Modules or Quizzes. If the quiz title says “Remotely Proctored,” Proctorio will be used with it. 

What if I have a technical problem or just want to get more information about Proctorio?

Proctorio offers 24/7 support and can answer your questions by chat by clicking the shield icon in Chrome, by email at support@proctorio.com, or by phone at 1-866-948-9087 or 1-480-428-4076.