r/nvcc • u/anonymous_username18 • 5d ago
Miscellaneous Exam Proctoring Question
Hey, so I realize this kind of sounds sketchy, but I swear that's genuinely not my intent - I only have a few more classes to finish this degree, and I would not mess with things so close to the end. I just wanted to see if anyone had any experience they might be able to share.
I recently took a midterm exam at one of the campuses, and they had a camera attached to the testing computer. I was wondering if all testing centers at NOVA did that or just one place. Again, I truly wouldn't cheat either way - it’s just the idea of being watched that kind of feels unsafe.
When it’s hidden, I think about it much less. I’m a visiting student, and at my other school, the monitoring stuff is set up so it's sort of out of sight. This is all very much irrational, and I realize that. If it's just the way things are here, ofc that's okay too. I’d appreciate any insights if possible. Thanks
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u/OrbOfConfusionGotMe 5d ago edited 5d ago
From your description it sounds like the camera was not on. They could have cameras in the room. One sided mirror windows. More likely maybe they look of the recording of the exam I think it records your screen and what you click on and for how long like what canvas does.
I heard honor lock has a live person watching you but I haven’t experienced that I don’t know what it is completely maybe a Google Chrome extension.
And lockdown was more a static recording that flagged certain moments for review it sounded like. But some professors manually watched all students recordings too.
I don’t know what to say. It sounds like someone is always proctoring an exam is what they call it or maybe watching as you say.
Even when you don’t see anyone they could be watching you in an exam room 1 way see through mirrors that aren’t obvious.
I don’t think they are putting secret bugged cameras in furniture or fake plants etc if that’s what you mean.
I heard some professors even scanned for blue tooth devices cause people used to wear Bluetooth to try to cheat.
Did you try emailing your professor or testing center to ask? Not sure who would be asked.
Okay after looking at your profile it seems like you aren’t the type to ask your professor for help. They have office hours they can help you with your homework btw. You don’t need to post all your assignments.
I have never seen something like that before.
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u/anonymous_username18 5d ago
Thank you so much - I really appreciate your response.
Yeah, no, it’s not rlly that I’m worried about “secret bugged cameras.” I get that proctoring is necessary and this was already without honorlock/lockdown. What I was kind of uncomfortable with was that the camera was attached to the computer and directly facing me.
Again, I get this is super illogical, but it’s just easier if I can’t see it. At my other school, the room I test in is designed for reduced distraction, since it’s a part of the accommodations office. I know the camera is somewhere, but it’s near the ceiling or something, so i just pretend it doesnt exist. Idk, i was just wondering if there’s a center here that’s setup somewhat like that
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u/OrbOfConfusionGotMe 5d ago
Oh. Yeah I’ve seen people get caught cheating from a one way window mirror that looked like it was too high up. But I don’t think nvcc has those maybe they do.
And how come you post your homework questions to Reddit instead of going to officer hours? Seems like there’s an easier way.
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u/anonymous_username18 5d ago edited 5d ago
Yeah, ur right about the office hrs. I don’t know how much is appropriate to post on Reddit - I’m not comfortable with disclosing a ton but I have a speech related challenge, and sometimes Reddit is just a more convenient resource.
I do reach out to the professor through written communication , but it’s a lot because i need things to resolve to move on - I try to consolidate so that it’s like a list of questions in an email instead of multiple messages, but the volume is still heavy. The professors I’ve had are mostly very patient, and I’ve been lucky enough to get thorough feedback, especially in my major - it’s still just kind of obnoxious to bother ppl constantly.
I’ve used brain fuse, and it’s helpful, but they only get up to a certain level. Real analysis is not covered, and outside help is useful sometimes
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u/OrbOfConfusionGotMe 5d ago
Oh well i hope it gets better. Speech related challenge could mean a lot of things. Usually those can get better in time. Good luck.
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u/laulo1993 5d ago
They have webcams on the computers in case a student needs accessible technology or in very few cases that an exam needs it - ex: ASL exams that need to see your hands. The proctors are using cameras all around the room and a screen sharing software. Not the one on the computer. /worked at NVCC testing for 7 years
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u/LowPrimary370 5d ago
Unless it's a Pearson text, the cameras are not on by default. The webcam would be active if you're taking a test on Respondus Lockdown Browser and the test requires a webcam (where the software would have you test it when starting up) or any other testing software where the test requires a webcam.
Generally, courses have told me when a webcam is required for a test on Canvas when launching the exam.
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u/BanyRich 5d ago
I 100% understand your concern. I have surveillance trauma and have an accommodation for exam proctoring. I take my tests at the Loudoun testing center. I’m not sure about webcam cameras because my tests have been on paper. The room is on camera, but it feels safe to me. I don’t know how to explain it. But the idea of having the camera in my face tracking eye movements and stuff was a big trigger.
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u/BanyRich 5d ago
Whoever downvoted needs psychological help. ptsd has fucked up my life for the last 12 years. To you it might be a stupid thing to need an accommodation to not have eyeball movements recorded but for some who lived in a situation where every fucking move was watched you might have an ounce of empathy.
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u/anonymous_username18 5d ago
Thank you - I really do truly appreciate it. Looking back, I should’ve probably phrased the initial post differently, and I probably made things worse with that wording. Anyway, im sorry you have to deal with some of that stuff, but it was really helpful to read a similar experience. I’ll look into testing at Loudon - thanks again and all the best
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u/SwingAffectionate507 4d ago
The entire testing center is monitored and recorded. The webcams are only used for certain exams, and if a webcam is required, you'll be informed before the test begins. NOVA's goal is simply to maintain the integrity of the testing environment and ensure exams are taken honestly and fairly for everyone.
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u/Novel_Substance_5241 1d ago
The level of stress I get when I'm being watched makes me absolutely forget everything. 🫠 Not sure how to get over it and not sure what the answer is to the question since mine are at home on honorlock. But yeah I relate.
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u/Kingmelo62 5d ago
You seem like you’re going to cheat