Straighterline proctor policy

[Publius]

Here's an option for those that don't want Proctor U accessing their computer. I've contacted Proctor U, and they've confirmed it.

Use a different computer. A library's, a school's, one from a friend that doesn't mind, or buy a cheap $300 computer and use that.

You don't HAVE to use YOUR computer. Just make sure that it has a webcam and meets all the tech requirements.

[M. Lerner]

Thanks for the suggestion of using another computer. None of the public computers I have used have webcams, but maybe I can find one. BTW, thanks for giving advice without insulting me. I am more behind the times than most people with internet use. I have never Skyped, nor have I ever shared my computer.

[perriquit]

What concerns me the most is not giving access to my computer, which is already a lot, but to give them access to personal and private information such as drivers licenses, passports etc that could be used to steal my identity. How can we trust a person that is paid almost minimum wage to be a safe guardian of our private information?

From what I understand they take a picture of your ids before the test. That is very scary for me. Where do they keep it? how long? who has access to it? could be used in very unethical ways.

[Publius]

What concerns me the most is not giving access to my computer, which is already a lot, but to give them access to personal and private information such as drivers licenses, passports etc that could be used to steal my identity. How can we trust a person that is paid almost minimum wage to be a safe guardian of our private information?

From what I understand they take a picture of your ids before the test. That is very scary for me. Where do they keep it? how long? who has access to it? could be used in very unethical ways.

When I called Proctor U, they said they don't take a photo of your I.D. for SL exams. They do take a picture of you though. How you would when or whether they take a picture, I have no clue, since you won't see a flash or anything of that nature. Most likely be a screen shot or what not. Perhaps you could request that during the beginning when they take the photo of you and check your I.D. that they allow you to see their screen. Doubt they would but it's an option.

A better option would be to make a copy of I.D. (via a printer/scanner/etc.) and black out everything except maybe your Name, Photo, and address. Perhaps your address as well, but they'll probably already request that info.

[EI2HCB]

This is an interesting idea, allowing a paid employee watch you while you do an exam isn't unusual, the issue arises when it happens in your home and they are recording your personal data. something like Lifelock insurance may not be a bad idea to gaurd against ID theft, I've got a seperate computer for proxy internet surfing I guess the company needs to put together a number of demonstation videos that people can watch addressing peoples fears as the go along.
For example it should be easy to verify your I.D via their corporate web presence, establish a live feed with you on the computer and then transfer you to one of their minions who is the actual eyeballs for the test.

[dposborne]

Why does everyone grab their tinfoil hat when Proctor U is mentioned? They are honestly not that bad. I used them on my midterm at TESC for Strategic Management and they did not steal my secrets (unlike my local mailbox...) or make off with my nuclear codes.

I have to agree, I have taken 6 exams (3 midterms and 3 finals) for TESC through ProctorU and have had no issues. You can actually see your computer screen the whole time, there is no way for them to be able to access any personal information without you allowing them to. The stuff they ask you for is already information that (with a little digging) anyone can probably find out about you on the internet.

[namwen]

In my case this concerns minors. I closely monitor and lock down all adult interaction with my minor children that I feel I should.

[dposborne]

In my case this concerns minors. I closely monitor and lock down all adult interaction with my minor children that I feel I should.

I do the same. I have 4 kids myself.

The program probably doesn't work for every person or situation, but for the most part it does work and it works well in my opinion.

[namwen]

I'm not a critic of the program. If I can't find a way for it to work for me then I'll move on and not complain. Someone will be happy to take my money, I'm sure.

[brucet3]

What concerns me the most is not giving access to my computer, which is already a lot, but to give them access to personal and private information such as drivers licenses, passports etc that could be used to steal my identity. How can we trust a person that is paid almost minimum wage to be a safe guardian of our private information?

From what I understand they take a picture of your ids before the test. That is very scary for me. Where do they keep it? how long? who has access to it? could be used in very unethical ways.

Perriquit,

Not saying your worries are unreasonable, but have you ever used a credit card at a restaurant? Or swiped at a gas station? Your more likely to get that info stolen in those situations than from someone glancing at your ID over the internet.

Personally I think the best defense against identity theft is to just have bad credit like me