Test proctoring

Just in time for Christmas, something new for you: test proctoring!

Test proctoring lets you require that a third party keep an eye on your online students when taking a test. It uses SMS messaging to give the proctor codes to "check in" and "check out" to verify that he was there the entire time the student was taking the test. Here's how it works:

  1. When setting up the test, you can specify whether or not to require proctoring. You can also require proctoring for specific students by adding a proctoring exception.
  2. The student goes to take an online test in Populi as normal.
  3. Before he can start the test, Populi asks for contact information from the proctor, including a mobile phone number. The proctor fills it out right there—no separate login required!—and submits it.
  4. Populi sends the proctor an SMS with a check-in code. The proctor enters the code and lets the student back on the computer.
  5. The student takes the test.
  6. After the student submits the test, the proctor receives another SMS with a check-out code. After entering the code and checking to confirm that the student took the test without cheating, it's all done!
  7. If everything is above-board, then no further action is needed. But if the proctor has concerns, she can contact the school; likewise, the course faculty will find the proctor's contact info attached to the test.

Test proctoring should come in handy for schools of all stripes, especially those that administrate a lot of online tests. Read more about proctoring in the Populi Knowledge Base.

We released a bunch of other new things alongside test proctoring. Take a moment to look at this week's Release Notes (and while you're at it, subscribe to the forum so you don't miss anything new!).