We have changed how proctored exams and homework will be handled for online sections of courses delivered by ELO.
The numbers of proctored exams and homework for online courses have grown dramatically, straining the system we had previously used to administer them. In order to accommodate this growth, we are making changes by automating the process and eliminating the amount of printed paper that must be handled. We believe that these changes will result in a smoother workflow for instructors, students, and ELO staff. It will also reduce the small number of unacceptable, yet inevitable, errors that occur when handling thousands of printed assignments and exams.
The Engineering-LAS Online Testing Center will be administering all proctored exams and online testing for distance/online students. Doug Bull (515-294-7255) is the manager of the Engineering-LAS Online Testing Center and will be your main point of contact. We have automated the proctor approval and exam administration process. An online system has completed six months of testing and will now be used for proctor approval and instructor submission of exams for distribution.
Because of rigorous guidelines governing the selection of proctors, it is imperative that potential students are made aware of the proctor requirements before they decide to register for a course. An instructor must contact the ELO main office if a proctor is required for their course once an instructor has been designated.
The Process
If your course requires a proctor, instructors must:
- Add the course to the online proctoring and testing system using the following steps.
- Tell students to have their potential proctor fill out our new online form for approval. Students must fill out a new proctor form each semester for each class. If online students wish to take their proctored exams on campus, they may do so at the new Engineering-LAS Online Testing Center in 2352 Gilman in lieu of finding a proctor.
- Please add the following language to your course’s syllabus: You are required to have a proctor to take your exams. Please read over the Proctored Testing for Students (http://www.eol.iastate.edu/proctored-testing-guidelines-for-students/). You must have your potential proctor fill out the following form to be approved: http://www.testing.las.iastate.edu/oc-proctor/application
Proctor Criteria
The instructor reviews the criteria established by ELO and Engineering-LAS Testing Center as to the types of individuals who may be approved as proctors and the restrictions on computers that may be used. If the instructor feels that the criteria and process serve their exam needs, they add their course using the online testing form.
Proctor Approval Information
As proctor forms come in for processing, staff at the Engineering-LAS Online Testing Center will attempt to assess the qualifications of the proctor such that they are reasonably certain that the proctor will perform the services as outlined in the Information for Proctors. If the proctor is not approved, the Engineering-LAS Online Testing Center staff will send an e-mail to the candidate indicating the reason/s that they were not approved. A copy of this information will be sent to the instructor as well. Note: It is the student’s responsibility to follow up on the status of their proposed proctor by contacting them to see if they have received approval (i.e. instructions and passwords).
Information for Proctors for Exams
Instructors should compose a set of instructions to be sent to proctors when they send out exams. When setting up the exam in the learning management system be sure to include, as part of the exam, the instructions and guidelines. This will allow the off campus proctor to view specific instructions for your exam. This information will include information and passwords needed to administer the exam to students.
PLEASE NOTE:
ELO and the Engineering-LAS Online Testing Center is very restrictive on who we approve to act as proctors. You may find that some students are unable to find a qualified proctor. Please communicate with students that it is imperative to locate a proctor as soon as the course begins.
Students may not take a proctored exam in a private residence. The computer used to access and upload the exam must be the same computer or terminal used to complete the proctor approval form. This provides a much greater degree of security and allows us to monitor for infractions. Most public or “official” terminals have static IP addresses or can be specifically identified as belonging to an official organization. Using these terminals helps to minimize the likelihood of academic dishonesty.
If you have any questions regarding the process outlined above, please contact Doug Bull, Engineering-LAS Testing Center Manager, 44 Carver Hall, 515-294-7255, or Jess Haht, 2552 Gilman Hall, 515-294-4304.
