Imagine a week without your cell phone. For many, it’d seem pretty strange because they’re so intertwined in our lives. With a few taps—or words to Siri and Alexa—we use them to track our workouts, set timers while we cook, adjust our thermostats, and even monitor our health.
Unfortunately, the use cases also extend to being used to gain an unfair advantage during online exams. In fact, it’s the number one violation Honorlock sees during our remotely proctored exams.
Test takers use them to search the internet for answers, ask AI tools like ChatGPT for help, and interact with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa.
Fortunately, Honorlock’s online proctoring solution has the most comprehensive approach to detecting cell phones and preventing them from being used during online exams.
How does Honorlock detect cell phones?
Honorlock’s cell phone detection involves a combination of several proctoring tools in addition to review by our live proctors.
Multi-device detection
Honorlock’s proctoring software can determine when test takers try to use their cell phones to access test bank content during their exams. This feature protects against tablets as well.
Apple Handoff Detection
Our newest feature, Apple Handoff Detection, is exclusive to Honorlock and detects if a phone is present in the testing area. Our proctors then add a violation if the test taker is seen using a cell phone during the exam.
But even if it’s an Android phone, their behaviors to use the phone will likely be flagged by our AI. For example, AI flags when a test-taker looks down or voices specific keywords like “Google” or “Siri”.
Once flagged by the AI, a live proctor will watch the session live to determine if the test taker is using a cell phone or not.
Prioritized proctor review
All violations for suspected cell phone use are reviewed and verified by a human proctor to give you confidence in your exam results. In addition, Honorlock’s proctors are trained to spot cell phones that can be seen in reflections or light emitting from the phone.
Speech detection
Honorlock’s speech detection is ideal for instances when test-akers use voice commands to interact with voice assistants, like Siri or Alexa, on a device hidden from the webcam.
Our speech detection listens for specific keywords and phrases that activate and operate voice assistants, such as “Hey Siri,” “Alexa,” or “OK Google.”
This approach allows test takers to speak aloud while solving problems without being unnecessarily flagged and interrupted. It also creates a better testing experience compared to proctoring solutions that use sound detection, which can flag unimportant sounds like coughing or a dog barking.
About Honorlock
What is Honorlock?
Honorlock is an online proctoring company that partners with higher education institutions and professional education organizations, providing software and services that protect academic integrity and support test takers 24/7/365.
How does Honorlock work?
Honorlock blends live human proctoring with AI-proctoring tools to prevent cheating and create a non-invasive testing environment with fewer distractions.
Here’s how Honorlock’s exam proctoring works:
- Honorlock’s AI monitors test takers’ behavior.
- If the AI detects suspicious behavior, it alerts a live proctor to review.
- After reviewing, the proctor only intervenes if potential cheating occurs or to help support the test taker.
- Admins can access in-depth exam reports with time-stamped recordings within the LMS after exams are complete.
Other Honorlock features and benefits
In addition to the cell phone detection tools we mentioned earlier and our blended proctoring approach, Honorlock also:
Blocks AI tools like ChatGPT
Honorlock’s proctoring solution uses a combination of tools to block the use of AI and extensions, like ChatGPT and Transcript, during exams.
Provides 24/7/365 US-based test proctoring with live support
Proctored exams can be taken anytime without scheduling, and live support is available if needed.
Uses the webcam to record behavior and scan the room
The test taker’s webcam is used to monitor behavior throughout the proctored exam and it can be used for an optional 360-degree room scan to ensure no unauthorized resources or people are present prior to starting an exam.
Locks the browser
Honorlock’s BrowserGuard™ prevents (and/or flags) access to other browsers and applications and disables keyboard shortcuts like copying and pasting during proctored exams.
Verifies ID
Quickly verifies and authenticates test taker identity to ensure the person taking the test is the same as the person getting credit.
Finds leaked test content
Honorlock’s Search & Destroy™ technology automatically finds leaked test content on the internet and gives test administrators the ability to send content takedown requests with one click.
Protects exams taken on third-party platforms
Proctor exams on third-party platforms such as MyMathLab, Pearson, and more.
Integrates with your LMS
Honorlock’s proctoring software integrates with: Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, D2L Brightspace, Intellum, Docebo*, and Open LMS. We also provide open APIs for custom integrations.
*Coming soon
Puts accessibility first
With minimal system requirements, support for low bandwidth, integrations with accessibility technologies, and individual accommodations ensures a fair and accessible testing experience for all learners.
Learn more about how Honorlock’s approach to online proctoring is revolutionizing and improving the entire testing experience in higher education and professional education.
I'm an expert in online proctoring and academic integrity, and my in-depth knowledge of the field allows me to provide valuable insights into the technologies and strategies employed by companies like Honorlock. I've closely followed advancements in online proctoring solutions, keeping abreast of the challenges and innovations in maintaining academic integrity during remote examinations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
1. Cell Phone Detection:
- Multi-device Detection: Honorlock's proctoring software can identify attempts to use cell phones or tablets to access test content during exams.
- Apple Handoff Detection: Exclusive to Honorlock, it detects the presence of an Apple phone in the testing area, with proctors adding violations if a phone is seen in use.
- Behavioral Flags by AI: The AI flags suspicious behaviors, such as a test-taker looking down or uttering specific keywords like "Google" or "Siri" during an exam.
2. Proctoring Review Process:
- Prioritized Proctor Review: Suspected cell phone use violations are reviewed and verified by human proctors to ensure the integrity of exam results.
- Reflection and Light Detection: Proctors are trained to spot cell phones through reflections or emitted light from the devices.
3. Speech Detection:
- Keyword-based Speech Detection: Honorlock's speech detection listens for specific keywords and phrases like "Hey Siri," "Alexa," or "OK Google" to identify instances of test-takers interacting with voice assistants during exams.
4. Honorlock's Proctoring Approach:
- Blended Proctoring: Honorlock combines AI monitoring with live human proctoring to prevent cheating and create a non-invasive testing environment.
- Intervention Process: The live proctor intervenes only if potential cheating is detected or to assist the test-taker.
5. Additional Features and Benefits:
- AI and Extension Blocking: Honorlock blocks the use of AI tools and extensions like ChatGPT during exams.
- 24/7/365 US-based Test Proctoring: Live support is available around the clock, and exams can be taken without scheduling.
- Webcam Monitoring: The webcam is used to record behavior and optionally perform a 360-degree room scan before starting an exam.
- BrowserGuard™: Prevents or flags access to other browsers and applications, disabling certain keyboard shortcuts during exams.
- ID Verification: Quickly verifies and authenticates the test-taker's identity to ensure integrity.
- Search & Destroy™: Automatically finds leaked test content online and facilitates content takedown requests.
- Third-Party Platform Integration: Proctors exams on platforms such as MyMathLab, Pearson, etc.
- LMS Integration: Integrates with learning management systems like Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and others.
6. Accessibility and Fair Testing:
- Minimal System Requirements: Honorlock ensures accessibility with minimal system requirements.
- Support for Low Bandwidth: The solution accommodates low bandwidth to provide a fair testing experience.
- Integration with Accessibility Technologies: Honorlock integrates with accessibility technologies to support all learners.
This comprehensive overview showcases Honorlock's commitment to enhancing online proctoring, ensuring academic integrity, and creating a fair testing environment for all users.
