Academic Technology Proctoring Guidelines
Proctoring Guidelines
SAIS has discontinued the use of Securexam's "BlueBook" testing software, which we had previously employed to prevent students from accessing external information and cheating during exams. The program presented a number of significant technical and support issues. Simply put, it wasn't reliable enough, and the support we did received from its developers was inadequate. We continue to evaluate other similar secure testing products this term, but we are also piloting a new honor code-based electronic testing policy that would eliminate the need for potentially problematic security software.
Program Coordinators will be responsible for providing the following information to proctors.
Effective Monday, March 3, 2009 our electronic testing policy states:
- Faculty may allow their students to use their own laptops and Microsoft Office-compatible word processors to type exam essay questions without addition security software. This will be left up to the discretion of individual faculty members.
- Every student at SAIS is bound by the terms of the school's Honor Code, which contains provisions detailing what constitutes cheating and the inappropriate use of electronic resources for academic gain. Those provisions prohibit opening any programs other than the word processor, visiting the internet, copying-and-pasting from other resources, and using mobile PDA devices and cell phones for the duration of the exam.
Students who opt to type exams will be required to sign a statement reaffirming their compliance with the Honor Code at the start of the test. This form will be provided by proctors prior to the start of the exam, or students may print out the form and bring it with them.
- Proctors will more proactively monitor and support students who are using their own computers for testing purposes. They will remain in the exam room or find a stand-in should they need to step away. They will also periodically browse the aisles to confirm that electronic testers are in compliance with the honor code.
- Students will be required to email completed exams directly to their instructor or program coordinator immediately following the testing period and before leaving the exam location. In the event of wireless connectivity problems, students may save their exams to a flash drive or other removable medium and give it to the proctor, or they may transfer the file to another laptop and email the file before leaving the room. Students must write their names at the top of their exams.
- Students will take electronic exams at their own risk. Neither the IT department nor the Instructional Technologist will troubleshoot student machines for this purpose.
The Honor Code statement students are required to sign can be downloaded HERE (pdf).
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For more information, contact
Nathan Kreps, Manager of Academic Technology
1740 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Room 414
Washington, DC 20036
202.663.5652
nkreps@jhu.edu
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