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Honorlock Online Proctoring

Honorlock provides a unique blend of proctoring to support academic integrity.  While each session is on-demand, automated proctoring; live proctors are available and conduct Live Pop-Ins when students trigger an intervention with suspicious activity.  There are several easy features and benefits to Honorlock.  Learn more below.

Honorlock logo

With an Honorlock proctored exam, students do not connect with a specific proctor to be observed during their exam.  Instead, students complete an automated identity verification process and then take their exam.  As they are working, Honorlock AI is monitoring the student's webcam, audio, and screen to determine suspicious behaviors.  These behaviors will be flagged for instructor review and in some cases will initiate a live proctor to pop-in on their session to assist the student and secure the testing environment. 

Honorlock features:

  • No scheduling required for students to take their exams; it is on demand.
  • The first and only proctoring system that combines the benefits of automation with those of a live proctor with the Live Pop-InTM.
  • Search and DestroyTM searches for and destroys unauthorized copies of test questions on the internet.
  • Prevents students from copying, pasting, and printing during the exam.
  • Detect the use of unauthorized secondary devices so students can not use devices hidden from sight.
  • Browser GuardTM prevents access to unauthorized web content, unapproved computer applications, and multiple monitors.
  • Honorlock Voice Detection uses AI to analyze for keywords that often indicate academic dishonesty (e.g. cheat, lookup, search, Siri, Google, etc.).
  • Provides 24/7/365 world-class service and support through chat and email from Boca Raton, Florida
  • Ability for instructors to set up a practice exam so students can install the Chrome plug-in in advance and get comfortable with Honorlock.
  • Student exam sessions are ready for instructor review in Honorlock immediately after the student completes their exam.

Learn more about these features through this Honorlock fact sheet.

This Honorlock checklist will come in handy if you are a new user, require troubleshooting assistance, or if you are an instructor seeking a concise resource to share with your students.

 

Honorlock is FERPA compliant and uses securely encrypted protocols to save and view all test taker assets. Honorlock's certified proctors and institutional faculty are able to review test session videos until deleted based on the school's retention policy.

Faculty Resources

Resources for faculty on getting set up with Honorlock, communicating with students, reviewing results, and more.  Please review the information below for general information, key points, and sample text you can provide to your students.  We also provided information for students on this page, see the "Student Resources" tab above.  Please direct students to this web page for more information and/or include Honorlock resources in your course.  You may also benefit from reviewing Student Resources so that you are aware of the student experience and can better field any questions you receive.

View our latest Honorlock Faculty Training session below. 

Here is a general overview of the instructor's online proctoring process with Honorlock:

  1. Review the resources on this page for using Honorlock.  Also, please review the Student Privacy and Student Resources tabs on this page.  Students will ask you questions and this website can help you address their concerns especially regarding student privacy.
  2. Test your system.  Honorlock provides automated checks that will confirm your operating system and browser versions are compatible with their platform.  Do this now by visiting the Honorlock Support web page (opens new window) and scroll down to Minimum Requirements.  You can also check your requirements manually by reviewing their minimum requirements page (opens new window).  Make sure you are using an updated Chrome browser.
  3. Install the Honorlock Chrome browser extension (opens new window).
  4. Set up your exams with Honorlock either in D2L Quizzes or a third party tool.  Directions below.  Important: Honorlock will assign a password for D2L quizzes once it is enabled.  Do not change this password.  Students will never see the exam password.  The software will enter the password for them.  If you feel your exam does not warrant the security to be password locked, then it does not need to be proctored and that is absolutely okay.  Not all quizzes, tests, exams need to be proctored. 
  5. Consider setting up a practice exam (opens new window) so students can install the Chrome plug-in, test their system, and get comfortable with Honorlock in advance.  There are specific steps to setting up a practice exam.  If you set up a regular exam but name it "practice exam," this is considered an actual exam, not a practice exam.  Depending on our contract at the time, this will incur additional fees for the University as either per exam or per student.
  6. Communicate with students because it is extremely important for successful proctored exams.  See some sample text below to get you started. 
  7. Students take their proctored exams.  Because students will not connect with a specific live proctor, they can take an Honorlock automated proctoring exam on demand.  Students will not experience a live Pop-In unless they exhibit suspicious behaviors or have technical issues.  Note: Consider adding in a small buffer to your D2L quiz time to allow for proctor interventions.  Proctors strive to complete interactions within two minutes.
  8. After proctoring concludes, review the identity verification information provided by each student and the results of student testing sessions in Honorlock.  Directions below.  It is ultimately up to you to decide if there were any instances of academic misconduct.  Honorlock is there to help you make an informed decision.

Honorlock integrates into D2L.  Once you set up the exam with D2L Quizzes you can set up your exam for proctoring.  The student experience will be seamless where they go directly to their D2L Quiz to begin proctoring.

Note: the link to Honorlock is in D2L under Resources, see image below.location of the Honorlock link in D2L under Resources

You can use Honorlock for third party exams (Honorlock Universal) like those in McGraw Hill, Pearson, etc. as well.

Note: the link to Honorlock is in D2L under Resources, see image below.   location of the Honorlock link in D2L under Resources

After proctoring concludes, review the identity verification information provided by each student.  Honorlock will email you a results summary for the exam flags; however, additional details and reports are available in Honorlock.  It is ultimately up to you to decide if there were any instances of academic misconduct.  Honorlock is there to help you make an informed decision.

Note: the link to Honorlock is in D2L under Resources, see image below.   location of the Honorlock link in D2L under Resources

Honorlock's website provides a comprehensive resource for guides and troubleshooting (opens new window).  Here are some additional features you may want to check out:

  • Create and apply exam profiles (opens new window) so that you can save your favorite settings or make specific profiles for exams.
  • Browser Guard (opens new window) prevents access to unauthorized web content, unapproved computer applications, and multiple monitors.
  • Search and Destroy (opens new window) searches for and destroys unauthorized copies of test questions on the internet.  Multi-device detection helps detect the use of unauthorized secondary devices so students can not use devices hidden from sight.  Both of these tools are available to D2L Quizzes using Honorlock.  If you are using Honorlock for a third part exam (Honorlock Universal) i.e. not using D2L Quizzes, you will need to manually upload your questions from the third party site to Honorlock within D2L (opens new window) for this feature to work.  You will want to upload your exam questions to Honorlock at least 72 hours in advance so Honorlock has time to search and destroy.
  • Honorlock Voice Detection uses AI to analyze for keywords that often indicate academic dishonesty (e.g. cheat, look-up, search, Siri, Google, etc.).  Learn more about how this works.
  • Two options to assist with accommodations:
    • Provide specific students with accommodations with Honorlock (opens new window) as a note you enter during set up.  Proctors have access to this information automatically but you should inform your students on any accommodations you enter for them.
    • If a student has an accommodation or a particular need to be proctored in-person, the instructor can chat with Honorlock support and request that they generate an Accessibility Code. The instructor provides the code to the proctor; the code should never be given to the student. The proctor enters the code (opens new window) for the student.
    • These are either or options per student.  You would not use both at the same time for the same student.
  • Two options to help your students experience Honorlock before being graded so students can install the Chrome plug-in, test their system, and get comfortable with Honorlock in advance. These should only be used for low-stakes assessments, as it will simulate the proctoring experience, but there will be no recording or flagging to review after the session is complete.  
    • Set up a simulated - not proctored exam (opens new window).  Simulated - not proctored exams allow you to create your own exams in D2L or use a third party tool like McGraw Hill.
    • Set up a practice exam (opens new window).  Practice exams use test questions created by Honorlock.  There are specific steps to setting up a practice exam.  If you set up a regular exam but name it "practice exam," this is considered an actual exam, not a practice exam.  Depending on our contract at the time, this will incur additional fees for the University as either per exam or per student.
    • You can use both options during a course but you would not use both options on the same exam.
  • Honorlock also allows you to manage critical session email recipients (opens new window). This means that you can include an email address to which alerts can be sent if an Academic Violation is found. This person must be authorized to receive emails regarding the exam session.

  • Learn how to disable Honorlock (opens new window) if you decided to not use it for an exam.

It is likely that your students have never experienced online proctoring before.  New is often overwhelming and student test anxiety is already high.  It is important to include information about online proctoring and what students can expect in your course syllabus, support resources, and when you introduce the exam.  Below is generic text written by Distance Education that can be customized for your course.  Also, Honorlock has made a suggestion for information to include in your course syllabus (opens new window) and have provided a list of the standard exam guidelines (opens new window) you can share with students.  These are the guidelines Honorlock will you by default if you have not made any changes.  If you have made changes, make sure you share your specific exam guidelines with your students.


"In [course name], you will use Honorlock online proctoring for taking some/all of your exams.  Think of it as the online version of taking an exam in a classroom.  The biggest advantage of Honorlock online proctoring is you can take the exam on demand, at a time you choose within the specified exam window in a private location of your choice.  Prior to online proctoring, students would have to come to campus on a set day/time or find a local proctor in their area!


The exams that will be proctored include [enter name(s) from D2L quiz list].  With an Honorlock proctored exam, you will not connect with a specific proctor to be observed during your exam.  Instead, you will complete an automated identity verification process and then begin your exam.  Since this process is automated, should you experience any technical issues while taking an exam, you must contact Honorlock directly and immediately.  Use the chat feature within Honorlock for the best support as Honorlock can often fix/help with technical issues directly through the chat tool. 


As you are working, Honorlock is monitoring you through your webcam, audio, and screen to determine suspicious behaviors.  These behaviors will be flagged and in some cases will initiate a live proctor to pop-in on your session to assist you and secure the testing environment.  I will review flagged behaviors to determine if any actions are needed.  [This is a good place to refer your students to your academic misconduct policy] 


Online proctoring will require the use of a computer, webcam with microphone (your computer may have one built-in), and an updated Chrome web browser.  Honorlock will need to install a browser plug-in.  Your internet speed must be at least 1.5 Mbps.  A wireless connection works but a wired connection is preferred.  Students experience less technical issues with a wired connection.  Test your system in advance. Complete the HonorPrep guided tour (opens new window) to check your system and browser compatibility, become familiar with Honorlock including the identity verification process, and learn what to expect while you take your proctored exam. 


[List exam guidelines or provide them with a link to the standard exam guidelines (opens new window)]


To get started, install the Honorlock Chrome browser extension (opens new window).  Then, select the appropriate exam in D2L under Tasks and then Quizzes.  During your proctoring session you will be asked to show an APSU student or government issued ID to verify your identity.  When you have completed your exam, you must submit the exam in D2L before disconnecting from Honorlock.  For a complete step-by-step guide on taking an Honorlock proctored exam, visit Distance Education's Honorlock web page and select the Student Resources tab.  Contact me [list preferred contact methods] with any questions about your exam and requirements for using online proctoring."


[You should also consider providing students with links to the tool privacy and accessibility information.  See the links at the bottom of this page.]

Honorlock's website provides a comprehensive resource for troubleshooting (opens new window).  Please visit the website if you are getting a specific error.  Also, here are things to check if you are having technical trouble with Honorlock:

Student Privacy

Resources

Student privacy protection is important to APSU and Honorlock.  Students may find the following resources helpful:

Actions

To mitigate concerns, students can take a couple actions, see the list below.  These approaches are not required since Honorlock requires very little data/access; however, it may make the student feel more comfortable.

Student Resources

Has your instructor asked you to use Honorlock online proctoring? 

You are in the right place!  Please review these resources.

Think of online proctoring as the online version of taking an exam in a classroom.  The biggest advantage of online proctoring is you can take the exam at a time you choose within the specified exam window in a private location of your choice.  Prior to online proctoring, students would have to come to campus on a set day/time or find a local proctor in their area!

Not all courses require proctored exams.  Refer to your course syllabus, course content in D2L, or contact your instructor to determine if you will need to use online proctoring.  More information and step-by-step guides are below.

There are a couple key points to keep in mind when taking an Honorlock proctored exam:

  • With an Honorlock proctored exam, you will not connect with a specific proctor to be observed during your exam.  Instead, you will complete an automated identity verification process and then begin your exam.  As you are working, Honorlock is monitoring you through your webcam, audio, and screen to determine suspicious behaviors.  These behaviors will be flagged for your instructor to review and in some cases will initiate a live proctor to pop-in on your session to assist you and secure the testing environment. 
  • Because you will not connect with a specific live proctor, you can take an Honorlock automated proctoring exam on demand within your instructor's exam window.
  • You must use the Chrome browser for Honorlock.  It requires a browser plug-in that works best on Chrome and provides some automated features not available in any other browser (e.g. password sync and chat support auto fixes).
  • You can take an Honorlock proctored exam through D2L or a third party like McGraw Hill, Pearson, etc.  The steps are different so review the resources below carefully.
  • Learn more about Honorlock with this FAQ (opens new window).

Review the resources in this section as well as under Taking Your Exam so you are well informed and more comfortable with Honorlock and completing your exam.  To gain a comprehensive understanding of the Honorlock exam process and requirements, embark on the HonorPrep Guided Tour. This experience will walk you through the necessary steps to complete an Honorlock exam. The following steps also provide you with information regarding each part of the process:

  1. If you have concerns about your privacy, please review the information on the Student Privacy tab to learn more about how Honorlock protects your information.
  2. Review the standard exam guidelines (opens new window) so you are aware of the testing area and behavior expectations.  Your instructor may alter the standard testing guidelines and provided specific guideline to you.  
  3. Identify a place where you can take your exam.  You will need a quiet location where you can take the exam alone that does not contain any unapproved materials.  The exam space could be a room in your/family/friend home, office, private study room, etc.  You instructor may ask for a 360 degree room scan.  If there is anything in the room you would not want others to see, please remove it from the room or cover it.  Make sure your workspace is clear.  For more information, please refer to No. 2 above.
  4. Gather the necessary equipment and instructor approved resources including:
    • Government or APSU issued photo identification card,
    • Any materials your instructor approved such as scratch paper, calculator, etc.,
    • Computer with an updated Chrome browser,

    • Webcam and microphone (if not included or working on the computer), and

    • Internet connection with at least 1.5 Mbps. A wireless connection works but a wired connection is preferred for better stability.

  5. Test your computer. Honorlock provides automated checks that will confirm your operating system and browser versions are compatible with their platform.  Do this now by visiting the Honorlock Support web page (opens new window) and scroll down to Minimum Requirements.  You can also check your requirements manually by reviewing their minimum requirements page (opens new window).  Make sure you are using an updated Chrome browser.

  6. Make sure you are using an updated Chrome browser (opens new window) and install the Honorlock Chrome browser extension (opens new window).

Most often your exams will be in D2L.  Faculty may refer to them differently, but all quizzes, tests, exams, etc. are located in the same place.  Once you are in your course in D2L, select Tasks and then Quizzes. 

You can take an Honorlock proctored exam through a third party like McGraw Hill, Pearson, etc.  The steps are different from taking an Honorlock exam in D2L so please review the video below for directions.

Note: the link to Honorlock is in D2L under Resources, see image below.location of the Honorlock link in D2L under Resources

Honorlock's website provides a comprehensive resource for troubleshooting (opens new window).  Please visit the website if you are getting a specific error.  Also, here are things to check if you are having technical trouble with Honorlock:

Watch this troubleshooting Honorlock video to see some of these suggestions in action.

 

Support

  • Student should contact their faculty with any questions about the exam and requirements for using online proctoring especially if they have any circumstances that could affect their ability to use online proctoring. 
  • Contact Honorlock directly and immediately if you experience any issues while using Honorlock. 
  • If you have general questions about online proctoring or need D2L assistance, please contact Distance Education Support (online@apsu.edu or 931-221-6625).