Straighterline & ProctorU. Is Examity an option?

[TrailRunr]

I use a 2013 era Macbook with latest and greatest OS X and have no recent problems with ProctorU.

I had to junk my Windows XP laptop recently. It started to run slow once it heated up. I couldn't dissipate the heat fast enough. Wiping the OS didn't help. Running Linux surprisingly didn't help. It was time to let her go to computer heaven.

[alzee]

ProctorU itself isn't the problem and never has been -- the software they run is just bog standard helpdesk software (+Rescue from LogMeIn). It does require reasonable bandwidth and CPU resources to stream the desktop, but it'll run fine or not on any given machine regardless of the testing source; Meaning if it works for you when you schedule a proctored exam for Saylor, it'll also work for a TECEP, and also work for StraighterLine.

StraighterLine's site itself has been troublesome lately though for myself and others.

I locked down (blocked) all the external scripts they were trying to load via the FF plugin, and then unblocked them one by one until I was able to log in. After that I started abusing their "retake the first exam as many times as you want" policy for one of my courses to continue testing until I had the bare minimum allowed to successfully take an exam. Since then, I just stick to that setup for my SL courses and continue to use Chrome for everything else.

[bjcheung77]

ProctorU itself isn't the problem and never has been -- the software they run is just bog standard helpdesk software (+Rescue from LogMeIn). It does require reasonable bandwidth and CPU resources to stream the desktop, but it'll run fine or not on any given machine regardless of the testing source; Meaning if it works for you when you schedule a proctored exam for Saylor, it'll also work for a TECEP, and also work for StraighterLine.

StraighterLine's site itself has been troublesome lately though for myself and others.

I locked down (blocked) all the external scripts they were trying to load via the FF plugin, and then unblocked them one by one until I was able to log in. After that I started abusing their "retake the first exam as many times as you want" policy for one of my courses to continue testing until I had the bare minimum allowed to successfully take an exam. Since then, I just stick to that setup for my SL courses and continue to use Chrome for everything else.

You wouldn't happen to have the list of plugins and add-ons/extensions in chrome that you use or a screen shot?
I was just curious what maybe causing these issues, have you tired it in incognito mode or in IE private mode?
Would IE/FF or Chrome in safe mode work with it? haha, i'm wanting to find out and not come across issues...
Then again, it could be the computer *sigh*...

[bjcheung77]

I've recently completed SL courses and exams through ProctorU using Chrome. I haven't had any problems, but I'm on a fairly new computer with Windows 10.

I'm on Windows 10 as well, I hope not to come across this issue... only thing is, my PC/Laptops are a bit on the older side and not as recent as I would like.
I think it's got the bare minimum to run the applications and hopefully it doesn't stall... otherwise, I might need to re-invest in a new setup to fix that...

[alzee]

You wouldn't happen to have the list of plugins and add-ons/extensions in chrome that you use or a screen shot?
I was just curious what maybe causing these issues, have you tired it in incognito mode or in IE private mode?
Would IE/FF or Chrome in safe mode work with it? haha, i'm wanting to find out and not come across issues...
Then again, it could be the computer *sigh*...

I don't use any special plugins in Chrome, and I use it as my default browser. here's an example...

It will start off looking like this.. the progress wheel filling up VERY slowly. Note that I am done with this course.



Which eventually leads (often) to this:



When I investigated I found it just following tons and tons of external script loads that are really plain irrelevant to what I'm trying to accomplish. I'm taking a course, there's no reason they need to be loading dozens of social media scripts and other garbage. I don't have a script blocker, ad blocker, or anything like that installed in Chrome -- so I just switched to firefox which does have all that stuff installed. It works fine once I default to "block everything" and then just allow the few scripts in that the site requires in order to actually function.

[alzee]

PC wise.. Thinkpad W510 (Core i5, 4G, SSD) running Win10 Pro x64. It's not exactly 'new' but it does everything I require of it just fine.

[bjcheung77]

Anyone on a Mac Mini? I want to get one, haven't purchased Mac computers, just a couple of iPads and iPhones to use.
I can just hook up my 24" monitor to it and use the same keyboard/mouse, printer, etc... it shouldn't be too expensive.
Can someone who has a Mac Mini or a Mac Desktop/Laptop comment on the issues if any with Straighterline? Thanks,

[traveler]

Hi All,

This is currently working for me. I am not a computer expert (disclaimer). Everyone has different systems and possibilities, and perhaps this is helpful to someone. I am not affiliated with any product or service.

I'm using a Vista laptop, with 'Firefox version 46.0.1', for SL (used for webcam). I don't use that laptop much, (so java was still blocked from years ago).

Was having java issues on SL, and couldn't even schedule proctor till a search in Mozilla located a plugin called NoScript, which allows some java to 'work', and you can block at will (based on individual settings). Found this in Add-ons Manager for Firefox, where the 'java help search' suggests 'NoScript' and or 'Ghostery'. I don't even seem to have any java (scared of that), but the site is working so far. I did have to update Adobe Flash Player, and turn off a Lot of Hidden pop-up blockers.
After this class, I will turn on all those blockers again.

Haven't ever done the Proctur U, but on the SL webpage, look for 'System check' or 'ProctorU - Test It Out'; which runs a Camera, Mic, Port, Bandwidth, Flash, OS check.
In System check, the site checks for recommended settings. [straighterline.com/systemcheck/test

Side issues -
Chegg ebook hangs, and has to be refreshed during test.
Tracking happens during test and bogs system down too?

Thank you all for posting this info. I have a final tomorrow, and now am concerned that something may fizzle. Just did a chat with SL, and it should take about 10-15 minutes to set up normal session.

Regards,
traveler

[traveler]

Hi all - Update -

That setup I had (posted) didn't fizzle out during final.
Not sure yet if any suspicious activity should be investigated further. (In a world surrounded by suspicious activity.... )
However, I have so many security options, I can't even wink properly.
Did find it kinda creepy when ProctorU 'validated' me; by listing some independent findings from over 20 years ago.
Cheers,
traveler

[dfrecore]

Did find it kinda creepy when ProctorU 'validated' me; by listing some independent findings from over 20 years ago.

If you've ever had to validate your identity for other companies, this is a common way to do it. If you order your credit report over the internet, they will do this. It all comes from your credit reports, and they have the info based on your SS#.