Who doesn't use a proctor?

[videogamesrock]

Does Shmoop still use a proctor?  If yes, who doesn't?

[lillingworth]

Every source has some type of proctor, whether it's biometrics or video. If you're taking Shmoop classes you might want to verify that your credits will be accepted somewhere. They're a bit of a pariah now.

[videogamesrock]

Ok thanks. So all now use a proctor.


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[Lacedonia4]

Ok thanks. So all now use a proctor.


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Sophia is the only one that doesn't use proctor with camera and microphone. they just ask you to type a line and use that as identification.

[anewmanx]

How hard is it for you to actually learn your material and not cheat.

[bluebooger]

How hard is it for you to actually learn your material and not cheat.

what does cheating have to do with anything ?   
you're making awfully big assumptions there              

maybe they don't have a web cam and don't feel like paying $200 for $50 webcam right now  
maybe they don't want to go through all the hassles : install special software to monitor your actions, install special browser, be in a room with no one else around and no noise 

some people have kids that scream and make noise 
some people have parents or roommates that listen to tv loudly 

I was reading the WGU reddit about some horror stories people had with proctors : one proctor wanted to stop the exam because a cat came into the room 
another said the webcam had to show the test taker's face FULLY -- not from the side -- but also had to show the monitor 
another proctor would not start the exam because the test taker had a printer in the same room 
another proctor wanted to stop the exam because the test taker put their hand on their chin to think and when they did their hand covered part of their mouth LOL   
another proctor told a student he could have a cup of coffee, but only if it was in a clear glass and not a mug ! ha ha ha 

when I do the milestone's for Sophia algebra I sit on my bed, just wearing jogging shorts, no shirt, my laptop on my lap and I do the exam with a youtube video of Tibetan Singing Bowls playing in the background 
HA HA HA

none of that would be allowed with a proctor

[alab21]

How hard is it for you to actually learn your material and not cheat.

I just finished Sophia College Algebra and Statistics. I learned a ton from both. I did leave feedback requesting they add more optional practice problems to Algebra. Statistics had a few extras added which were handy. I did all available videos and transcript practice problems in both, if I needed more hands on practice problems and worked them along with the instruction (paused to try to answer before them). I also took notes - I need that for retention.

Overall it was a great experience.



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[Merlin]

The Sophia "biometric proctor" is really not very invasive and there is no camera. ALEKS uses a lockdown browser on their ACE recommended courses, but it doesn't require a camera. Those two are probably the best options for people who don't have (or don't want to deal with) a camera and being monitored while testing.

That said, nobody can complete an entire degree using just those two sources of credit, so most people will need to bite the bullet and deal with real proctoring (live or online) at some point to complete a degree.

maybe they don't want to go through all the hassles : install special software to monitor your actions, install special browser, be in a room with no one else around and no noise 

some people have kids that scream and make noise 
some people have parents or roommates that listen to tv loudly

While proctors generally don't care if small kids or animals are in the room while testing, most people figure out ways to get around those issues. Taking exams in a closet or bathroom for example, or waiting until everyone goes to sleep. Worst case, if it were me, I'd head to the library to take a test (well, when not locked down from Covid-19 anyway).

Even if it weren't for proctors, I would never want to take an exam with all that noise or distraction. How would you focus on the exam?

As for the hassle, I'd say get used to it... it really isn't that big of a deal and after the first few proctored exams you will start to forget they are even there. Dealing with proctoring is the cost of the privilege of being able to take exams online rather than having to go into a test center. Some concessions just have to be made to keep people honest, since if you make it easy for people to cheat, some will. Not everyone, but there are plenty out there who will.

I was reading the WGU reddit about some horror stories people had with proctors : one proctor wanted to stop the exam because a cat came into the room 
another said the webcam had to show the test taker's face FULLY -- not from the side -- but also had to show the monitor 
another proctor would not start the exam because the test taker had a printer in the same room 
another proctor wanted to stop the exam because the test taker put their hand on their chin to think and when they did their hand covered part of their mouth LOL   
another proctor told a student he could have a cup of coffee, but only if it was in a clear glass and not a mug ! ha ha ha 

when I do the milestone's for Sophia algebra I sit on my bed, just wearing jogging shorts, no shirt, my laptop on my lap and I do the exam with a youtube video of Tibetan Singing Bowls playing in the background 
HA HA HA

none of that would be allowed with a proctor

Every school has different requirements for proctoring. Some of the things you mention actually are allowed, but the rest honestly make sense not to be allowed. Voices (or videos) in the background will almost always get flagged since the proctor won't be able to tell if someone is giving you the answers or not. It is also why they won't allow you to speak while taking the test... you could be dictating to someone else.

To be fair, most of the "proctor issues" that people report on reddit are blown out of proportion. In some cases, I wouldn't be surprised if they were made up. Yes, there are bad proctors out there who make up their own rules or don't follow the rules of the school, but they are generally weeded out pretty quickly. If a proctor isn't following the rules set by your school or course provider, you can always elect to speak to a supervisor or ask for the exam to be suspended pending review by the school's student services or testing department.

[videogamesrock]

How hard is it for you to actually learn your material and not cheat.

My webcam no longer works on my laptop...so there's that.

[Lacedonia4]

How hard is it for you to actually learn your material and not cheat.

My webcam no longer works on my laptop...so there's that.

Most courses with weighted system of grading allow to take most of the exam open book and then if you aced all the open book ones, you have to score very little to pass the final (i.e. Straighterline). But there is always a ton of studying involved. Most people want to learn and be honest.