Instructions and Rules for Students Taking a Remotely Proctored Exam (SMOWL)

A course at Haaga-Helia may include a remotely proctored exam. To participate in a remotely proctored exam, you must meet the following requirements:

  • 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.
  • 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, close all background applications running on your device, especially remote access software and AI applications (for example, AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot).  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 may not speak aloud except when providing information requested at the beginning of the exam.
  3. Microphone requirements:
    • Your microphone must remain active and transmit audio throughout the entire exam.
    • Muting or disabling the microphone is strictly prohibited.
    • If your microphone uses noise-cancellation 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. 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 in 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. You may not use any applications during the exam other than the browser used for the Moodle exam and any applications explicitly permitted by the teacher (for example, Microsoft Excel in an Excel exam). The browser may only be used for accessing the Moodle exam.
  11. Before the exam begins, close all unnecessary applications and background processes. In particular, remote access software and AI applications (such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot) must not be running during the exam. If any such application is detected as running during the exam, the exam attempt will be rejected regardless of whether the application was actually used. The use of remote access software or AI tools during the exam constitutes grounds for suspected academic misconduct.

Important

Failure to comply with these rules constitutes a violation of the exam regulations and will result in your exam submission being rejected.

Please note that the proctoring software does not prevent prohibited behavior. However, it records monitoring data, which may be used to identify violations and may lead to the rejection of your exam attempt.