Overview
Instructors use online exam proctoring tools like Proctorio when giving exams to help ensure academic integrity. Proctorio uses an authentication process to verify the student’s identity, then captures audio, motion, and systemic changes to identify suspicious behaviors. At the conclusion of the exam, time-stamped comments, screenshots of potential violations, as well as video and audio recordings of the student taking the exam, are available on the instructor’s dashboard. CU Boulder currently uses Proctorio’s automated level of proctoring. Information related to what data is collected, accessed, and stored at this level is detailed below.
Automated Proctoring
The default service provided by OIT to the campus is Proctorio’s automated proctoring service. When a student’s exam begins, they will be auto-authenticated. Proctorio automatically analyzes and captures images of test-takers and their IDs, then displays both in the Proctorio Gradebook and flags any anomalies for review. While the student takes the exam, the Proctorio integration with Canvas records audio and motion in the testing environment.
Depending on the rules of the exam, set by the instructor, Proctorio may also check for any disallowed activity, such as accessing certain websites or peripherals (such as a second monitor). Proctorio can further prevent functions like copy/paste, as well as any software that could mirror, record or otherwise track the exam. Proctorio uses AI to flag potential suspicious activity.
Proctorio operates within the Chrome browser and requires a browser extension to download. It can be removed after testing. It is not active before the exam is accessed, nor after the exam is complete.
Upon completion of the exam, if Proctorio has flagged any suspicious behavior, it provides timestamps and screenshots of those behaviors to the instructor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What data does Proctorio collect?
At the automated level of proctoring, Proctorio collects your first name, last name, CU Boulder email address, phone number, and a photo of your Buff One Card or government issued photo ID.
During the exam, Proctorio uses the camera and microphone on your device to record the environment you are testing in. Proctorio also requires you to share your screen so that it can record the activity on your computer while you take the exam.
What data does Proctorio access?
At the automated level of proctoring, Proctorio uses the camera and microphone on your device to record the environment you are testing in. Proctorio also requires you to share your screen so that it can record the activity on your computer while you take the exam. At your instructor’s request, Proctorio might require you to use your computer’s camera to make a 360 degree scan of your testing environment.
Who has access to the information collected by Proctorio?
At the automated level of proctoring, in addition to Proctorio, your instructor, Teaching Assistant, and OIT have access to the information collected.
Does Proctorio sell the information it collects?
No. The information that Proctorio collects is owned by the University of Colorado Boulder.
How is the information captured by Proctorio used?
Proctorio uses your first name, last name, CU Boulder email address, phone number, and a photo of your government-issued photo ID or Buff One Card to verify your identity before you take an exam.
After an exam, Proctorio shares recordings it captured with your instructor. Your instructor may review this information to determine if any cheating has occurred.
Proctorio’s proctors are rigorously screened before hire and well-trained in best practices related to proctoring, privacy, data security, and customer service. Proctorio also employs firewalls and encryption to protect student data, audio and video. Student data is never sold or rented to third parties. Proctorio is FERPA- and COPPA-compliant, and California Student Privacy Certified.
For more information, please review Proctorio’s privacy policy or contact the IT Service Center at oithelp@colorado.edu or (303) 735-4357.
Does Proctorio use facial recognition software?
Proctorio uses facial detection software, rather than facial recognition software. Facial detection software is used to detect the presence of a face. Facial recognition or identification software is used to detect the presence of a particular person’s face. Proctorio’s software is used to determine if the camera is working and that only one person is present. Next, Proctorio attempts to determine whether a student looks away from the exam for too long, detect if the student leaves the testing environment, and determine if a secondary face is present within the testing environment. Proctorio does not collect or store any biometric information.
(Citation: Inside Higher Ed, 4/30/2020, “University of Venus, Response from Proctorio”)
Is Proctorio’s facial detection software discriminatory?
There is some evidence that algorithm-based facial detection software is biased towards white, male users. However, Proctorio does not use their software to track the identity of the user; in fact, Proctorio does not collect any biometric information. The facial detection software is used only to confirm that the camera is working properly and to record the test-taker’s movements during the proctored exam. If Proctorio cannot identify your face during the verification process, you will not be permitted to take the exam. If this happens to you, please contact your instructor to request alternate arrangements for taking your exam.
What happens to the recordings after an exam? Are they retained for a certain period of time?
Recordings are stored for one year (366 days) after the last attempt.
