10-08-2012, 04:30 AM
I found this review on yelp.com, very informative
I have used this service multiple times (approximately 3-4) and have had some sort of difficulty every time, ranging from those technical in nature, proctor inconsistencies, to down right ineptitude. This last instance left me baffled, so I felt I had no recourse other than to warn others that may need a proctoring service to search elsewhere.
I took a final exam which consisted of 2.5 hours of written work and was briefed by the proctor (Kaila W) at the beginning of the exam that I was able to utilize references for the exam. Me, exercising my integrity, informed the proctor that I would be moving momentarily to obtain a reference, at this point 30 minutes into the exam, the proctor states that she was mistaken and references could only be used on retakes. I had used a least two references already (so this in and of itself calls into question the validity of this service).
The other issue I had was the only webcam I have is on my Macbook (which does not have Word...and the professor had a word count on the final). So, I was using my 2nd laptop (which other proctors had allowed previously) to draft a word document. The proctor took exception to that and instructed me to delete my draft, thus forcing to type directly to the class website. At the conclusion of my final I highlighted all my work, went to the edit tab, clicked copy (as a precautionary measure) and submitted my work. Low and behold, my schools website timed out, which prompted the proctor to have to enter a password for the final. She took control of my mouse and I noticed her moving about and to my dismay, she was copying a link. I tried to stop her, but was too late, she had just deleted 2.25 hours worth of work. (its a good thing I didn't have powers of "The Force" at this point because my actions would have sealed my ascent to the Dark Side).
To say that I was livid would be an understatement, as probably indicated by the fact I tossed my headphones a good distance when I realized all my work was gone. At this point she turned off her webcam, so now ProctorU could see me, but I could not see them.
She attempted to get some tech support to help (which they didn't). They contacted my school, informed them of what occurred and told me in short I would need to retake the final. The proctor informed me she would notify ProctorU's Student advocate and they would be in touch with me. When I asked when they would be in touch, the proctor stated maybe tomorrow (which happens to be the last day of my class).
This was an utter and total waste of $26.50. If you are obtaining your degree via distance learning and need a proctor...save yourself the time, trouble and money and find a more reliable service.
(Update) Well..as I expected an entire 24 hours has passed...and no contact from Proctor U or their "Student Advocate" to attempt any resolution to my problem. This place gets a very well deserved "1 Star".
I have used this service multiple times (approximately 3-4) and have had some sort of difficulty every time, ranging from those technical in nature, proctor inconsistencies, to down right ineptitude. This last instance left me baffled, so I felt I had no recourse other than to warn others that may need a proctoring service to search elsewhere.
I took a final exam which consisted of 2.5 hours of written work and was briefed by the proctor (Kaila W) at the beginning of the exam that I was able to utilize references for the exam. Me, exercising my integrity, informed the proctor that I would be moving momentarily to obtain a reference, at this point 30 minutes into the exam, the proctor states that she was mistaken and references could only be used on retakes. I had used a least two references already (so this in and of itself calls into question the validity of this service).
The other issue I had was the only webcam I have is on my Macbook (which does not have Word...and the professor had a word count on the final). So, I was using my 2nd laptop (which other proctors had allowed previously) to draft a word document. The proctor took exception to that and instructed me to delete my draft, thus forcing to type directly to the class website. At the conclusion of my final I highlighted all my work, went to the edit tab, clicked copy (as a precautionary measure) and submitted my work. Low and behold, my schools website timed out, which prompted the proctor to have to enter a password for the final. She took control of my mouse and I noticed her moving about and to my dismay, she was copying a link. I tried to stop her, but was too late, she had just deleted 2.25 hours worth of work. (its a good thing I didn't have powers of "The Force" at this point because my actions would have sealed my ascent to the Dark Side).
To say that I was livid would be an understatement, as probably indicated by the fact I tossed my headphones a good distance when I realized all my work was gone. At this point she turned off her webcam, so now ProctorU could see me, but I could not see them.
She attempted to get some tech support to help (which they didn't). They contacted my school, informed them of what occurred and told me in short I would need to retake the final. The proctor informed me she would notify ProctorU's Student advocate and they would be in touch with me. When I asked when they would be in touch, the proctor stated maybe tomorrow (which happens to be the last day of my class).
This was an utter and total waste of $26.50. If you are obtaining your degree via distance learning and need a proctor...save yourself the time, trouble and money and find a more reliable service.
(Update) Well..as I expected an entire 24 hours has passed...and no contact from Proctor U or their "Student Advocate" to attempt any resolution to my problem. This place gets a very well deserved "1 Star".