Faculty FAQ
Am I able to specify custom guidelines?
Absolutely! We seamlessly integrate with your LMS, allowing you to toggle options on and off easily. If your students need access to specific information, you can whitelist websites they’re permitted to access during the exam. You can disable printing, require students to only use a single screen, record their web traffic, prevent them from accessing external sites and applications, and require a room scan before the exam to ensure the student isn’t using illicit resources.
How do I view student results?
Test sessions are automatically available after students finish the proctored session. You can view these sessions in the Honorlock application in your LMS. After our human proctors review them, they will send you detailed reports that are easy to read. These reports will make a note of any incidents, and each incident will include a timestamp for the test session recording so that you can review it yourself and determine whether you need to address it.
Will students call me endlessly with software issues?
Absolutely not. We’re passionate about customer support. There’s no software to download—a feature that makes things a little easier. When issues do arise, we offer 24/7/365 phone, email, and live chat support. Throughout their exam, students will find support access just a click away. They’ll be able to contact us quickly and easily to troubleshoot any problems and get back on track with the assessment.
How does Honorlock protect my exam content?
We get it—you don’t want to have to write new exams every semester, but, as online test bank sites become more common, it gets harder to use the same questions from class to class. Our virtual proctoring system includes proprietary technology to search for and destroy unauthorized copies of your test. Once you enable Honorlock in an assessment, our software automatically searches for leaked exam content.
What if I there’s a technical problem while setting up an assessment?
Our 24/7/365 support is available for faculty as well. We provide you with a high-priority support phone number so you can get your test up and running and get back to what you do best—teaching.
Is training available for instructors?
Yes, it is! While our web proctoring integration is intuitive and easy to use, training is available for instructors. We offer on-site workshops, how-to guides, and one-to-one webinar training sessions.
Student FAQ
Is someone watching me the whole time?
Yes and no. Your webcam is recording you during your test, but no one is watching your exam in real time. We use AI technology to monitor your session, and, if it senses that something is wrong, it will trigger a live proctor pop in. The proctor will assess the situation, help you get back on track, and send any notes about the incident to your instructor. After your test, one of our exam proctors may review the exam session to look for any potential violations, and the recording will also be sent to your instructor along with any notes from our proctors.
What actions might trigger a proctor pop in?
Our AI system is built to ensure that you keep your focus on your exam without any external distractions. You may trigger a live proctor pop in due to insufficient lighting, background noise, or an incomplete room scan.
Why do I need a photo ID? What forms of ID are acceptable?
We verify the photo and name on your ID to ensure you are who you say you are. You can use any government issued ID (e.g., driver license or passport) or a student ID that has your photo.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a working webcam, microphone, and laptop or desktop computer. The webcam and microphone can be integrated or external USB devices.
How can I get started using Honorlock?
To start using Honorlock, head to your assessment in your LMS (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.). From there, you will be able to start taking your Honorlock proctored test by simply following the instructions displayed before the exam. If you run into any problems, contact our support team for assistance.
What if something happens outside of my control or the system flags something that isn’t a violation?
We use a combination of AI technology and human proctors because we understand that things happen. If you accidentally look off into the distance or your roommate walks into the room unannounced, our live virtual proctor will pop in to assess the situation, make sure there isn’t an academic violation, and help you get back on track with your exam. Your instructor will also be able to review the recording of your virtually proctored exam to review any flagged incidents.
What do I need to do before taking my exam?
Ensure your computer is charged and has a good internet connection. Use Google Chrome when you log in to take your test. You can run a one-click system check if you’re unsure about your operating system, version of Chrome, or internet speed.
What if something goes wrong during my exam?
Honorlock offers 24/7/365 technical support to assist students before, during, and after their online proctored exams. If you need any assistance, contact our support agents by phone or live chat. During your exam, our support menu is visible on-screen, and our agents are just a click away.
How does Honorlock protect my privacy?
We use secure encrypted protocols to save and view all student assets. Honorlock’s certified proctors and your institution’s faculty are able to review test session videos until they are deleted based on the school’s retention policy or after 12 months. Learn more about our commitment to your privacy and data security below.
Student Privacy
Does Honorlock sell my data or monetize my data to third parties outside of my school or university?
No. Honorlock will never sell or monetize your data.
What data does Honorlock collect from students using the service?
Honorlock collects a variety of information as explained in our Privacy Policy, such as: Student information (i.e. e.g., student name, course number, exam name. You will be asked to provide a copy of your student ID. This information is synced with your school’s learning management system (i.e., e.g., Canvas). You may be asked to upload a photo taken with the camera on your device and to do a scan using the webcam of your testing area. During the exam, if requested by your school, we collect a webcam video recording that includes desktop activity and audio recording. Exam and web pages visited by a student during an examination. If your school chooses to use a new Honorlock feature called App Unlock, in limited release, you will be asked to download an application onto your computer (in addition to installing a Chrome extension) designed to detect apps on your device that you use (or attempt to use) during the exam to help your school detect any use of prohibited programs during an exam. Honorlock’s widely available service operates solely through a Chrome extension (no application download) and doesn’t have this capability.
How long does Honorlock keep my data?
The standard retention period for student data is 365 days. Schools can customize the data retention period – shorter or longer – based on their policies and needs. Student data is deleted after this retention period. Only a request by a student’s educational institution will extend the retention period.
Is Honorlock tracking my online activities and watching me when I am not taking a proctored exam?
No, Honorlock’s service is designed to collect information (including information about websites you visit on your device) only during a proctored exam. In addition, you are free to uninstall the Chrome browser extension and any software you’ve been asked to install immediately following a proctored exam.
Where is my data stored and how well is my data protected?
All data in transit and data at rest is encrypted and stored within Honorlock’s private cloud in an Amazon (AWS) data center. Amazon’s data centers are SOC 3 certified, U.S. Privacy Shield, and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant.
Does Honorlock use facial recognition to verify my identity?
No. Honorlock uses facial detection, which only detects that there is a clear human face in the webcam. We do not identify the face, store any of the facial elements, or match the face to a database. If no face is detected, or if multiple faces are detected, AI will flag the incident and a human proctor may intervene.
Does Honorlock have control of my computer or my mobile phone?
Honorlock’s widely available products use only a Chrome browser extension that uses AI to detect the presence of faces in your camera and different voices. A student will have to install the browser extension to take an examination. The student can immediately delete the browser extension following the examination. Honorlock does not have the ability to control your computer, read your passwords or download any files at any point in time. Honorlock does not have access or the ability to control secondary devices such as mobile phones. If your school chooses to use a new Honorlock feature in limited release, you will be asked to download an application onto your computer (in addition to installing a Chrome extension) designed to detect apps on your device that you use (or attempt to use) during the exam to help your school detect any use of prohibited programs during an exam. Honorlock’s widely available service operates solely through a Chrome extension (no application download) and doesn’t have this capability.
Watch the 1-minute Student Privacy Video
Accessibility
The Honorlock interfaces for administrators, instructors, and end-users are fully ADA accessible and compliant with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Honorlock has also been developed and tested to conform to WCAG 2.0 level AA guidelines for accessible use.
Conformance to accessibility guidelines is part of our development process as our development team uses leading-edge accessibility testing tools throughout the development of our proctoring services and we are always looking for better ways to help the disadvantaged have a fair and objective testing experience.
All information including details and disclosures have been specified in our VPAT.
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FERPA
The Subscriber agrees that, for purposes of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (“FERPA”), Honorlock will be considered a contractor to whom functions and services have been outsourced by the Subscriber.
As a result of these function and services, Honorlock might have access to educational records, as defined by FERPA, and to other records that may be owed specific protections under Privacy Laws.
Honorlock agrees that it shall not re-disclose personally identifiable information or educational records that it receives from the Subscriber or due to the Subscriber, pursuant to this Agreement, unless such disclosure is authorized to perform the functions and services provided through this agreement or is authorized under FERPA.
Honorlock expressly warrants and represents that it shall not use the information or educational records provided by the Subscriber or due to the Subscriber for any purpose other than to comply with the terms of this Agreement with the Subscriber.
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Instructure Partner in Privacy and Security
Honorlock was awarded the credential for “Partner in Privacy and Security” as part of Instructure’s EdTech Collective program. The program was recently launched as a way to align Canvas Community members and partners together on initiatives that are most important to educators and higher ed leaders today.
The “Partner in Privacy and Security” credential is awarded to those who “received top-notch privacy and security ratings” for protecting student data after receiving a passing score from OneTrust, a category-defining enterprise platform used to operationalize trust, security, privacy, and data governance.
App Privacy Policy
Learn more about Honorlock's App Privacy Policy.
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Faculty & Student Support
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As an expert in online proctoring systems, I'd like to delve into the concepts and features discussed in the article about Honorlock, a virtual proctoring service. My expertise in this field stems from an in-depth understanding of the technologies and practices involved in maintaining exam integrity and ensuring a secure testing environment.
The article provides information for both faculty and students, addressing various aspects of the online proctoring system. Let's break down the key concepts:
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Custom Guidelines for Faculty:
- Faculty can specify custom guidelines for exams.
- Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS) allows easy toggling of options.
- Options include whitelisting permitted websites, disabling printing, enforcing single-screen use, recording web traffic, preventing access to external sites, and requiring a room scan before exams.
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Viewing Student Results:
- Test sessions are automatically available post-proctored sessions.
- Detailed reports are sent to faculty after human proctor reviews.
- Reports include timestamps for test session recordings, aiding faculty in reviewing incidents.
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Customer Support for Faculty:
- 24/7/365 customer support is available.
- No software download required, making support easily accessible.
- Quick access to support for troubleshooting during exams.
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Exam Content Protection:
- Virtual proctoring system includes technology to search for and eliminate unauthorized copies of exams.
- Automatically searches for leaked exam content, addressing the challenge of using the same questions repeatedly.
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Technical Support for Assessment Setup:
- Faculty have access to high-priority support for setting up assessments.
- Ensures a smooth process for faculty to focus on teaching.
Moving on to the Student FAQs:
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Monitoring During Exams:
- Webcam records the student during the test.
- AI technology monitors sessions; live proctor intervention triggered if issues detected.
- Proctors review recorded sessions for potential violations.
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Actions Triggering Proctor Intervention:
- Insufficient lighting, background noise, or incomplete room scan may trigger live proctor intervention.
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Identification and Equipment Requirements:
- Verification through photo ID (government-issued or student ID with photo).
- Requirements include a working webcam, microphone, and computer.
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Getting Started for Students:
- Instructions provided within the LMS for starting Honorlock proctored tests.
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Privacy and Data Security:
- Detailed information on data collection, retention, and security measures.
- Emphasis on Honorlock not selling or monetizing student data.
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Accessibility:
- Interfaces designed to be fully ADA accessible.
- Compliance with accessibility guidelines and standards.
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FERPA Compliance:
- Honorlock considered a contractor under FERPA.
- Commitment to not re-disclose personally identifiable information without authorization.
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Instructure Partner Recognition:
- Honorlock awarded the "Partner in Privacy and Security" credential.
- Recognition for top-notch privacy and security ratings.
In summary, Honorlock addresses faculty and student concerns, providing a comprehensive solution for secure online exams while maintaining a focus on privacy, accessibility, and compliance with regulations like FERPA. If you have further questions or need additional details, feel free to ask.
