Online Exams
Learn how to deliver your Canvas exams online, including how to handle handwritten student work and the different proctoring options.
Exam Format Considerations
The first question you should consider around exams is whether they can be completed entirely on a computer with mouse and keyboard inputs. If any part of the exam requires students to complete handwritten work on paper, then we recommend a two-step process.
Process for exams that DO NOT require handwritten work
Exams that can be completed entirely on the computer are usually easier to grade, less stressful for students, and easier to proctor. Question types could include multiple choice, fill in the blank, matching, numerical answer, short answer, true/false, essay, or formula questions.
Process for exams that DO require handwritten work
Some exams require that students produce work with pencil and paper. In these situations we recommend a two-step process where students provide their final answers in an online quiz within the designated time limit. In a second step, students scan and upload their handwritten work using a scanner or cell phone scanner app. Review our video on this two-step process.
Proctoring Considerations
Exams can be unproctored, proctored by faculty and/or TAs with Zoom, or proctored online by Honorlock. Faculty who wish to use Honorlock should contact the Office for Digital Learning as soon as possible.
Unproctored Exams
Unproctored exams can be timed or untimed. Questions should be formatted in a way that assumes students have access to textbooks, websites, and other resources during the exam.
Zoom Proctored
When using Zoom proctoring for an exam, instructors and TA’s can monitor student activity, and students can “raise their hand” to ask questions. See our FAQ: How do I use Zoom to proctor an online exam?
Honorlock Proctored
Honorlock is a proctoring service that combines artificial intelligence and human proctors, creating a fair and equitable experience for students while ensuring exam integrity. Learn more at Tech Tool: Honorlock.
Unproctored Exams
Unproctored exams can be timed or untimed. Questions should be formatted in a way that assumes students have access to textbooks, websites, and other resources during the exam.
Zoom Proctored
When using Zoom proctoring for an exam, students can “raise their hand” to ask questions and instructors and TA’s can monitor student activity. See our FAQ: How do I use Zoom to proctor an online exam?
Honorlock Proctored
Honorlock is a proctoring service that combines artificial intelligence and human proctors, creating a fair and equitable experience for students while ensuring exam integrity. Learn more at Tech Tool: Honorlock.
Syllabus Language
If you are using online proctoring, you must include this language in your syllabus:
This course may require you to take exams using certain proctoring software that uses your computer’s webcam or other technology to monitor and/or record your activity during exams. The proctoring software may be listening to you, monitoring your computer screen, viewing you and your surroundings, recording and storing any and all activity (including visual and audio recordings) during the proctoring process. By enrolling in this course, you consent to the use of the proctoring software selected by your instructor, including but not limited to any audio and/or visual monitoring which may be recorded. Please contact your instructor with any questions.
Or include the language specific to Honorlock (if applicable):
This course may require you to take exams using certain proctoring software that uses your computer’s webcam or other technology to monitor and/or record your activity during exams. The proctoring software may be listening to you, monitoring your computer screen, viewing you and your surroundings, recording and storing any and all activity (including visual and audio recordings) during the proctoring process. By enrolling in this course, you have consented to the use of the proctoring software selected by your instructor, including but not limited to any audio and/or visual monitoring which may be recorded. You will need to use one of the compatible operating systems which are listed in Honorlock’s Minimum Requirements table. Additionally, you will need to use Chrome and download the Honorlock Chrome Extension. You may also review Penn State’s statement on privacy in online proctoring. Please contact your instructor with any questions.
Honorlock support is available 24/7/365. If you encounter any technical issues, you may contact them through live chat on the support page or within the exam itself. Some additional guides you should review are the Student FAQ, Honorlock Knowledge Base, and How to Use Honorlock.
Need some help?
Get In Touch
Request Support or Connect with us in our Open Office Hours
About the Office for Digital Learning
Promoting innovative approaches to engineering education on campus and online, we offer a variety of degree and certificate programs, develop individual online courses, and work with faculty to enhance teaching and learning.
Need some help?
Get In Touch
Request Support or Connect with us in our Open Office Hours
About the Office for Digital Learning
Promoting innovative approaches to engineering education on campus and online, we offer a variety of degree and certificate programs, develop individual online courses, and work with faculty to enhance teaching and learning.