Proctoring (SMOWL) guidelines and rules for students

VIRTUAL implementations at Haaga-Helia UAS may have a proctored (=remotely monitored) exam. Participating in a proctored exam requires the following: 

  • You have a device compatible with the SMOWL proctoring software. The device must have a browser, webcam and microphone compatible with the SMOWL software. In addition, you will need a mobile phone or tablet (i.e., a device with a camera that can scan a QR code), which will serve as a second camera during the exam.
  • You are able to install the SMOWL CM proctoring software for at least for the duration of the exam. Instructions for installing the SMOWL CM proctoring software.
  • You have a valid passport, EU/EEA identity card or Finnish drivers license.
  • You must register to the SMOWL proctoring service from the Moodle site of your Haaga-Helia course well in advance before the exam (recommendation 72 hours before the proctored exam.) Instructions for registering with SMOWL. Registration with SMOWL is valid for 12 months. Registration does not need to be repeated if you take another proctored exam in Haaga-Helia UAS.
  • You must take a test exam on the Moodle site well in advance (recommendation 72 hours) before the actual proctored exam with the same device that you will be using on the proctored exam. This allows you to solve possible technical problems before the proctored exam. More information on second camera monitoring.
  • If you have problems with registering to SMOWL or taking a test exam, please refer to SMOWL's student instructions and FAQ. You can also ask for help via SMOWL chat available at the lower right corner in at SMOWL site (The owl icon).
  • Before the exam, you must turn off all applications running in the background on your device. Instructions for how to view programs running on your computer.

Rules for taking a proctored exam

Before taking a proctored exam, make sure of the following:

  1. Take the exam in a quiet space where there are no other people.
  2. During the exam, you are not allowed to speak out loud, except at the beginning when you state your name.
  3. Microphone requirements:
    • The microphone must remain active and continuously transmit audio throughout the entire exam.
    • Turning off or muting the microphone is strictly prohibited.
    • Do not use microphones with strong noise-canceling features that suppress ambient sounds such as keyboard clicks.
    • If your microphone has noise-canceling settings, disable them before the exam.
  4. During the exam, your face must be fully visible, it cannot be covered. The lighting of the space must allow your face to be seen properly, your face should not be in the shade. For example, if there is a window or a bright light behind your back, it may darken your face.

  5. Place the second camera in such a way that it shows 
    - you,
    - your computer screen and
    - your desk verifying that you do not have any forbidden elements with you. Note: Read also the detailed instructions on second camera placement. 

    kuvituskuva
    Example of correct second camera placement.
  6. You are not allowed to wear headphones during the exam.
  7. You are not allowed to use a phone during the exam. Make sure that your phone is on silent mode before starting the exam.
  8. You are not allowed to leave your computer during the exam. You must stay in front of your device's camera throughout the exam.
  9. You are not allowed to take screenshots or video recordings with your computer or an external camera during the exam.
  10. During the exam, you are not allowed to use any software other than the browser you have used to log in to Moodle and any applications specifically mentioned by the teacher in the exam instructions. (E.g. the use of Excel may be allowed in some exams.) You are only allowed to work on the Moodle exam on your browser. N.B! Before the exam starts, remember to turn off all applications running in the background on your computer, e.g. Teams, WhatsApp, Spotify, etc. Instructions for how to view programs running on your computer

Failure to comply with these rules and guidelines is a violation which will result in rejection of your exam performance.

PLEASE NOTE: Proctoring software does not prevent you from doing prohibited actions, however, it collects evidence of them.