Do I Need to Use Online Monitoring or Proctoring?

If your course typically has timed, in-person, proctored exams, there are a number of options to consider if you wish to use online proctoring tools. These options range from technologically simple to more complex and the appropriate solution will depend on your course assessment needs and requirements. Realize that as these options become more complex, there is more potential for technical issues, student anxiety, and need for individual accommodation.

Please note that it may be possible for you to use alternative assessment strategies or use existing Canvas Quiz settings to address any academic integrity questions you may have. For ideas and examples of alternate forms of online assessment and Canvas Quiz tool options, see Create Online Assessments.

Before employing additional online monitoring or proctoring, please carefully consider the following:

Using Respondus LockDown Browser

Respondus LockDown Browser is an application that can lock down a browser while students are taking a quiz: students are not allowed to print, capture the screen’s questions/answers, go to other websites, see the names of illustrations embedded in the exam, or access other applications on their computers. It does not, of course, ensure that students are not using another device or notes.

You will need to enable the LockDown browser option on a Canvas course site, and download and install the LockDown Browser. Find instructions on the Respondus LockDown Browser page.

Using Honorlock E-proctoring

Honorlock is an e-proctoring tool that is available to University of Minnesota colleges and departments. Honorlock uses AI to detect visual clues from video input to flag suspicious behaviors and alerts the Live Pop-in™ proctors for immediate intervention during an exam. It also has a lock-down browser options that prevent students from browsing the internet, printing or taking screenshots of questions/answers, and accessing other applications or folders.

Honorlock is a more robust proctoring tool but also a complex technology application, both for instructors to set up and for students to use. Generally, using Honorlock for online assessments requires a dedicated internet connection and a Chrome browser extension that needs to be installed in advance. Honorlock can be technologically challenging for students and instructors. Honorlock should be used only for high-stakes exams. 

If it is critical for you to use Honorlock for online assessment, e.g., because of licensing or accreditation requirements, please be aware of the Honorlock requirements and limitations listed below.

Technology Requirements

• To use Honorlock, students MUST have the following equipment:
  • A webcam
  • A microphone
  • Google Chrome browser
  • Install the Honorlock Extension for Chrome. It needs to be installed on the computer used to take the exam.
  • A reliable/dedicated internet connection. For the best experience, we recommend using a hard-wired connection with at least .75 Mbps.
• Honorlock 1.3 must be enabled within a Canvas course site.
• UMN licensing for Honorlock does not cover the use of mobile devices.

Accessibility Limitations

Using Honorlock presents challenges for users of assistive technology:

• If the assistive technology uses a “floating tool bar” that students must use to interact with the tool, students will be flagged for interacting with the computer outside of the test window and may be kicked out of the exam.
• Instructors can note specific accommodations in the Honorlock quiz set up for students who may be using assistive technology.
• Instructors may need to get a bypass PIN from Honorlock for students with certain accommodations.

Network Limitations

• Computers owned by companies, especially those that utilize firewalls, may not permit access to certain course materials or systems due to security restrictions.
• If slower satellite or cellular internet connections are used, it may cause delayed response or errors (timeouts, access problems).
• Using computers and the slower internet connection found in public places (e.g., coffee shops, libraries) may also cause delayed responses or errors (timeouts or access problems).

Canvas and Geographic Limitations

• International students may have difficulty accessing the exam with proctoring tools due to firewalls or government restrictions blocking the Canvas LMS. Review International Access For Proctored Online Exams.
• Students who are traveling to China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or the region of Crimea may have difficulty accessing online course content when in these areas.

Recommended Practices

Below is the list of suggestions that you might find useful when setting up exams with Honorlock options.

Be Selective with Honorlock Settings

• Unless you need the most rigorous proctoring, whenever possible, consider not enabling video options to track and monitor students.
• Create and require all students to take a practice test first (not for points) so they can identify and resolve any technical issues before the real exam.
• See Example Proctor Settings and Test Taker Guidelines for settings suggestions based on what type of exam you are giving.

Keep Your Students Informed

• Use the suggested syllabus statement to let students know you will be using Honorlock for exam proctoring.
• Encourage students to create a Google Chrome profile used exclusively with the Honorlock extension.
• Make sure your students have the minimum system requirements to use Honorlock.

Provide Help Resources for Students

• Share the Honorlock Student Guide with your students.
• Honorlock Help Center is the first line of support; direct students to contact Honorlock support if they experience technical issues during their exam. Their chat help is available 24/7, 365 days of the year.