Proctorio is one of several tools Ohio State uses to help maintain fairness and protect the integrity of your work. Proctorio offers the freedom to take your exam anywhere and at any time within the given time frame, however, there are several best practices to consider.
What to Expect
- Proctorio is not compatible with iPad, may cause issues for those with limited internet bandwidth, and may not be accessible internationally. If you are concerned about Proctorio for one of these reasons (or any others) reach out to your instructor to discuss alternative options
- When you use Proctorio, you may be recorded via your webcam and microphone, depending on the settings chosen by your instructor. However, there is no physical person observing you.
- Proctorio is not making decisions about whether or not cheating has occurred. That will be up to your instructor if they choose to review your recorded session and after discussion with you about any concerns.
- At the start of the session, you may be required to show your camera your BuckID, driver's license, or passport and scan the room to make sure you are alone and able to take the exam independently without resources that may be unauthorized, depending on the settings chosen by your instructor. This may feel strange, but, again, no one is observing you but this does help to maintain the integrity of you and your classmates’ work.
- As you take the exam, there is support built-in so that you don’t have to leave the exam to get help if you need it.
Proctorio Tips
1. Take a deep breath
Exams can be anxiety-provoking and stressful. Take deep breaths and think about spending a few minutes before the exam exploring the Wellness app for some stress-relieving tips.
2. Take your exam in a quiet place
This is important no matter what so that you can adequately focus. Using Proctorio, this will also help ensure your session is free from “flags,” since Proctorio will be recording your session and may flag strange sounds as something for the instructor to review later. This also means you’ll need to avoid playing music during your exam, even if it might help you focus.
3. Take your exam in a place where you will not be disturbed
Another great tip for any exam! Proctorio will mark moments where someone else appears to be in the space with you for review by your instructor. Do your best to ensure you have space to yourself. Consider discussing study and exam time ahead of time with family, roommates, etc. If someone does enter your space during an exam, you might reach out to your instructor proactively to explain the situation.
4. Strong internet connection
It’s bound to be stressful if your internet gives out mid-exam. And since Proctorio is using your webcam, there is a strong draw on bandwidth. Again, talk with roommates to try and keep internet use clear during the time you are taking your exam.
5. Other devices
Many of us have multiple devices we use daily – smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches. During your Proctorio session, however, you’ll want to remove these from your area to make sure they don’t put off some ambient sound or light that might raise flags.
6. Battery
Your laptop battery dying mid-exam would definitely be stressful. Make sure you are fully charged and/or plugged into power. Your laptop will be working hard to record the session and that will take a lot from the battery.
If your department or program uses an alternative tool, such as Examsoft, you should receive information from your instructor.