Virtual Proctoring for UNCG Students
Your instructor may require you to use a virtual proctoring tool and service for exams. Get ready in advance of the test so that you have time to obtain a webcam, find a quiet environment, or make other preparations.
Prepare for a Proctored Exam
Your instructor may select one or more of these different software tools for online proctoring at UNC Greensboro; follow the steps for the specific tools they have chosen for your class.
Respondus LockDown Browser or Resondus LockDown Monitor
- Windows: 10, 8, 7
- Mac: OS X 10.12 or higher
- iOS: 10.0+ (iPad only)
- Web camera (internal or external) & microphone
- A broadband internet connection
During a test proctored by Respondus Lockdown Browser, you will not be able to print, capture screen content, go to other websites, or access other applications.
Microsoft Teams
Taking a proctored exam via Teams is similar to joining class or video call via Teams. You will join the specific Teams room the instructor has set up for the exam, and follow any specific instructions given to you for accessing the test (for example, there may be a unique link or access code). During your exam, the proctor will watch test takers through webcam.
Prior to taking an exam with Microsoft Teams-based proctoring, be sure you have installed the New Teams application on your device, and set up your webcam and turned it on.
Before Your Exam
- Review Test Date, Time, Guidelines, and Format. Review your course syllabus and create a calendar event in your Microsoft Outlook Calendar or a paper planner. If you don’t know where to find exam information, check your syllabus or calendar, or send your instructor an email. Ask your instructor specifically which materials you can and cannot use for the exam.
- Study. Preparing for your exam begins on day one. Use your course calendar and syllabus to plan out your semester. As you read course materials, do so for comprehension by quizzing yourself, highlighting materials, taking notes, or even re-reading. Whenever possible, take a practice exam with a classmate or within a study group. Want to more support? Reach out to the Academic Achievement Center to talk with one of their academic coaches or to schedule with a tutor.
- Test Your Technology. If you’re taking the test on your own device, make sure your computer’s operating system is up-to-date and that your browser is the most recent version. We recommend you do this check the day BEFORE the test, just to be safe. Create a backup plan in case your computer has problems or your internet connection is disrupted. Thirty minutes before your exam, plug in and power up your computer, check your internet connection, close out everything unrelated to your exam, and silence your mobile devices and notifications.
- Request Accommodations if Needed. You may request accommodations by contacting the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services to learn more about disability support services and student eligibility.
On the Day of Your Exam
- Plan for Issues. If taking your exam from your own device, have your instructor’s email and/or phone number and technical support info handy. (For Zoom or Respondus, contact UNCG 6TECH.)
- Set up Your Testing Environment. Find a quiet, comfortable, distraction-free place to take your exam that has a stable internet connection.
- Ensure your face and testing area are clearly visible and well-lit. If possible, it is best to have a clear solid background (such as a plain wall).
- Gather any materials you need and are allowed to use during the test, and put a clock on your desk so you can keep up with time.
- Post a sign on your door and/or lock it to let people know you’re testing. No one else should be in the room when you’re taking your test.
- Place your computer on a firm surface, like a desk or table, rather than on a soft surface like a bed or your lap.
- If using Microsoft Teams, keep your volume on so that you can hear if your instructor speaks, such as to give you a 10-minute warning.
- Make sure that you continue to look at the screen at all times. Don’t look off-camera because it might appear that you’re looking at notes or other unauthorized resources.
- Do not obscure the camera. Be careful not to move or tilt your webcam after the test has started.
- Make sure that your area is clear of papers, books, and other sources of information that you might use for finding answers on the test.
- Ensure that your entire face is fully visible. Don’t wear a hat or anything that obscures your face. Avoid sitting with your back to a window, which will make your face hard to see due to backlighting.
- Ensure you’ve set aside sufficient time for your test.
- Turn off all other devices, and place them out of your reach.
- Remain at your computer for the duration of the test; do not walk away until you’re finished.
- Have Your Equipment Ready. Make sure you have an internet-enabled device such as a laptop, computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working webcam. Also ensure you have:
- Stable internet connection.
- Your photo ID (needed for Respondus).
- Double-Check Your Work. Before you click “Submit,” review your test to ensure you’ve answered every question. Once you click “Submit,” make sure your submission has been accepted before closing out your browser.
Virtual Proctoring Student FAQs
Some UNCG faculty will require students to use LockDown Browser to access one or more quizzes in your Canvas site. LockDown Browser limits your activity on your browser when taking a quiz in Canvas. LockDown Browser does the following while you’re taking a quiz in Canvas:
- You cannot access the quiz using other browsers.
- You’ll see your quiz displayed in full-screen, which cannot be minimized.
- You will not be able to access the browser menu and toolbar options except for Back, Forward, Refresh and Stop.
- You will not be able to access other applications, including messaging, screen sharing, virtual machines, and remote desktops.
- You will not be able to print, screen capture, copy or paste. All right-click menu options, function keys, keyboard shortcuts, and task switching will be disabled.
- You cannot exit your quiz until you submit it for grading.
- Faculty are able to add exemptions to what gets locked. For example, faculty can allow you to visit specific websites, website domains, and/or view specific documents or use specific software.
Respondus Monitor works with LockDown Browser to create a proctored testing environment wherever you are. Monitor uses the camera on your computer to record you taking the quiz. You’ll use your camera to take a picture of yourself, take a picture of your student ID, and do an environmental sweep.
You can use LockDown Browser on your desktop or laptop (Mac or PC), or an iPad. Phones, Chromebooks, and Android devices are not supported.
Respondus Monitor requires you to have Respondus LockDown Browser already installed on your computer. Monitor requires access to both your camera and microphone. Once you review and agree to the Terms of Use, Respondus can run a webcam check to help you set up your equipment.
If your webcam is not supported, or you don’t have a built-in webcam on your device, you can borrow one from the Jackson Library reference desk.
Yes. Respondus LockDown Browser must be loaded to your computer before you can access the quiz. It will install a LockDown Browser icon on the desktop.
Download the Respondus LockDown Browser for UNCG here. UNCG has their own version of this browser that our students must use.
If you’re attending another school that uses LockDown Browser, you must use their version of LockDown Browser to access their quizzes. LockDown Browsers are specific to an institution.
When it’s time to take your quiz using the LockDown Browser, click the LockDown Browser icon on your computer. It will take you directly to UNCG’s Canvas login page. Login from this Canvas screen to see the normal Canvas dashboard. Access your course and quiz to begin.
Note: You only need to access Canvas via the Lockdown Browser icon when taking an assessment. When accessing other Canvas content, you can enter the course normally without the LockDown Browser.
No. As a UNCG student, you will not have to pay a fee for the use of Respondus Monitor.
Contact 6-TECH immediately. If your technical issues are occurring during a limited quiz time range, please notify your instructor as well.
We recommend that you take your exam in a place with a good, stable internet connection. If you believe you might lose connection during your exam, let the proctor know before the exam starts. In an event where you drop out of a virtual proctored exam because of your internet connectivity, please contact your instructor as soon as possible.
Your webcam view should show your:
- face
- computer screen
- desk/work area