environment for students by disabling access to other websites and applications. At times when this tool is not available, here are three potential alternatives to make the online testing environment more secured:
- If you have a low-stakes online assessment, secure your assessment using features available to you in Blackboard, without using additional tools.
- If you have a high-stakes online assessment, secure your assessment using ProctorTrack.
- If you have an in-person assessment, secure your assessment using LanSchool.
See the sections below for more details.
I have a low-stakes online assessment, what Blackboard features could I use?
There are a few ways you can secure your tests in Blackboard, without the use of any additional tools:
- Use question banks: which can be made with Blackboard’s AI Design Assistant, and can use your content using the Context Picker, or you can make them manually. When using question banks, you can randomize the questions that appear on each students’ test by following the instructions here!
- Video: https://youtu.be/2j5_2yFCbJ4
- Customize test settings: randomizing answers for test questions, adding password protection, as well as prohibiting backtracking, displaying only one question at a time, randomizing the order of questions, prohibiting late submissions, and setting a time limit in the test settings, which can also be used to help with test security.
- Learn how to display one question at a time on a Blackboard test here:
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- Learn how to add an access code to an assessment in Blackboard here:
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- And learn how to create timed assessments in Blackboard here:
I have a high-stakes online assessment, how would I use ProctorTrack?
ProctorTrack is a remote proctoring tool in Blackboard that leverages automation and AI to provide proctoring in online testing environments. It is only recommended for high-stakes assessments due to the cost associated with its use. This tool also requires multiple devices and cameras which students must agree to use before starting their assessment.
Important note: ProctorTrack must be approved by your department and/or faculty. Costs of about $12-19USD per student per 1 hour exam go directly to the department and/or faculty using the tool. Once your Associate Dean approves this tool for your course(s), CRNs can be submitted to the Innovative Learning Support Centre team to have courses set up with ProctorTrack. The approval process for the Innovative Learning Support Centre may take 1-2 days during busy periods (i.e. startup, midterms or before final exams).
Support for ProctorTrack
Instructors can learn more about ProctorTrack by going through this Instructor Support Guide. If students encounter a technical problem during a test, they should first speak with the proctor/instructor for help via a chat that is available at any time during the exam. If the proctor or instructor is unable to address the issue, the student is directed to the ProctorTrack technical support team by chat, phone, or email.
Review the Humber DIY Student Guide, and Humber DIY Learner Guide for using ProctorTrack for the first time prior to using ProctorTrack.
I have an in-person exam, how would I use LanSchool?
LanSchool is an in-person, lab-based proctoring tool available in certain Humber computer labs that enables instructors to view and monitor lab room computers. This external software is not integrated with Blackboard. You can learn more about LanSchool by accessing their website here.
The list of labs with LanSchool is available by request from ITS at Humber, or through your department. Tests using LanSchool and these computer labs will need to be scheduled for the upcoming semester.
Support for Lan School
You can find the LanSchool Classic Teacher Guide here, which shows how to use the Teacher Console, as well as a Quick Reference Card of features in the Console. There is also a Quick Start Guide, which shows the available features and how teachers can use them. For further support, you can find resources at the LanSchool help desk.
Need support? Contact the Innovative Learning Support Centre. We are here to help!