WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR DELIVERING EXAMS?
There are many options for delivering exams and assignments (see the Keep On Teaching: Strategies and Technologies page for further information). One of the most common options is to create an exam in Blackboard or Canvas. Exams may be proctored using Proctorio (see www.kent.edu/proctoring). If a faculty member is delivering short answer or essay questions, they may wish to consider creating an assignment instead. This allows the instructor to collect all written exams in a central location, to grade these questions in the same location within Blackboard/Canvas, and if selected in settings, to use SafeAssign (Blackboard) or TurnItIn (Canvas) to compare student work with an extensive database to prevent plagiarism. Another option for delivering exams includes distributing take-home exams and asking students to return them by email.
DO I STILL NEED TO GIVE A FINAL EXAM?
Consistent with Policy 3-01.4, every course requires a final examination. Final examinations can take various formats including a final paper or student presentation. If you are changing the final examination in your course, please ensure that (a) all students are well informed about the changes through a revised syllabus, (b) the change is not negatively affecting any students in the class, or if it potentially affects some students negatively consider an alternative arrangement for the students who are potentially negatively affected. The Department Chair/School Director should be consulted in making changes to the final examination.
DO I STILL GIVE MY FINAL EXAM AT THE ORIGINAL TIME SCHEDULED?
Consistent with Policy 3-01.4, Final examinations scheduled during Final Exam Week should occur at the time they are scheduled. Thus, if you are giving a synchronous final exam during Final Exam Week, this exam should occur only at the time the exam is scheduled.
WHAT OTHER ASPECTS SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN GIVING A FINAL EXAM?
In evaluating the length of the exam, particularly in situations where you are using proctoring software (e.g. Proctorio) ensure you allow sufficient time for set-up and for student ID checking.
If exams in your face-to-face class were proctored, and you are now considering an alternative to a proctored exam, please discuss these alternatives in your academic unit before proceeding.
In requiring a student ID, consider that all students have a KSU ID but not all students may have a different type of photo ID. Make sure students are aware well in advance they need to show an ID for the exam and ideally provide multiple options of ID.
If you are changing the final examination in your course, please ensure that (a) all students are well informed about the changes through a revised syllabus, (b) the change is not negatively affecting any students in the class, or if it is potentially affecting some students negatively consider an alternative arrangement for the students who are potentially negatively affected.
In making any changes/modifications to examinations check with SAS about potential accommodations students in your class may need.
WHAT SPECIFIC ASPECTS SHOULD I CONSIDER FOR PROCTORED EXAMS?
If you are delivering a proctored exam in Blackboard or Canvas with Proctorio, consider creating a low-stakes or no-stakes practice quiz with Proctorio for practice and tech troubleshooting prior to a high-stakes exam. Also, consider sharing the following information to prepare your students prior to their first Proctorio assessment.
Top 5 Tips For Your Proctored (Proctorio) Online Exam to Share With Students
- Tech Check! Prior to the test/quiz/exam, ensure that Chrome and the Proctorio Extension are installed and current.
- Reboot & Refresh. Reboot your computer right before the testing session.
- Get the Most from Your WiFi! Because of the larger numbers of Internet users at home, connectivity may be slower than usual at peak times. Right before a test, run a bandwidth test. If your bandwidth test reports a speed below 1mbps, ask other members of your household to refrain from heavy internet activities (streaming video, downloads, etc.) while you take your test. If it has been a long time since your WiFi router and/or cable modem has been rebooted, a reboot can help improve connectivity as well. Being physically close to the WiFi router often helps too.
- During the Exam. When in an exam, allow a few extra moments for graphics and videos to download.
- Help & Support! If you need any help with Proctorio, click on the Proctorio extension in Chrome and choose "Live Chat" or visit proctorio.com/support for chat and email support.
