Thomas Edison State University has recently launched an Online Proctor Service for course exams that enable students using almost any web cam, computer with microphone and speakers and a reliable high-speed Internet connection to take examinations at the location of their choice.
“Students will no longer have to travel to approved proctor sites to take their tests,” said Esther Paist, associate vice provost of the Center for Directed Independent Adult Learning at Thomas Edison State University. “We are excited about this important step toward providing students with added convenience for taking exams.”
Paist said that online proctoring enhances academic integrity at the University and will result in students receiving their non-essay exam scores much faster than with site-based, pen/paper exams.
To use the Online Proctor Service, students must have a web cam, a computer with microphone and speakers and high speed Internet access. During the test administration, a proctor monitors students via web cam. Students will have two-way communication with proctors throughout the test administration period via the computer’s microphone and speakers.
About 25 courses already have the Online Proctor Service in place as an option for mid-term exams. The University is in the process of preparing the rest of its courses for the transition from pen/paper exams administered in site-based locations and un-proctored online final exams to proctored online exams. One this is done, all exams at Thomas Edison State University will be administered via the Online Proctor Service and students will be required to take their exams via online proctoring.
Paist said this preparation will take place in phases, beginning with the October 2010 term. In the next phase, which is scheduled to begin in the February 2010 term, the University will gradually replace all other pen and paper exams (both midterms and finals) with proctored online exams.
“Because online testing will eventually replace site-based testing in most, if not all courses, students must acquire a simple, inexpensive web cam,” said Paist. “Students who have a web cam built-in to their computer can also use that.”
For more information about online proctoring, students can visit the College’s Online Proctor Service web page.
Toni M. Terry, BA