Technology has changed the way students take tests. My daughter was able to extend one of her holiday breaks by scheduling her exam at home. FAU actually uses two different online test-taking services to prevent online class students from cheating on their online exams; Honorlock and Lockdown.

The company Honorlock was actually created by FAU students who felt it was unfair for students to take the class online and cheat. Honorlock is based out of Boca Raton. The way Honorlock works is by monitoring your computer screen/computer actions and recording a video of yourself throughout the test. To begin the test you have to take a picture of yourself, your student ID, and do a 360 scan of the room you are taking your test in. Once you do this, the exam will start. You are screen sharing with Honorlock for the entire length of the test to prevent students from looking up answers on their computers.

Lockdown Browser is a similar type of program to Honorlock. Lockdown Browser also videotapes you taking the test and they monitor your screen. Lockdown Browser launches its own internet for you so you can take your test in a secure location. The Lockdown Browser prevents you from looking at other websites and from cheating using the device you are taking it on.

With Honorlock, you do not need to schedule as it is on-demand proctoring. Since it is 100% browser-based, there is no software to download.; however, you do have to make sure the Honorlock extension is installed. And, it only works with certain operating systems and internet speeds so students will want to make sure their computer meets the minimum requirements. For a list of dos and don’ts using Honorlock.

Lockdown does require students to install the software. It does not work on standard browsers including IE, Firefox, or Safari. For installation, demos, and tutorials on how it works. When the service works, it’s fine. I had a situation where the program randomly quit and shut me out.  I had to log back in and continue taking the test. It was extremely stressful because I did not want them to think I was cheating when the program quitting was not my fault. The best advice is to contact Honorlock immediately when you log back in and tell them what happened. In my case, they were able to see that it was indeed the program’s fault and not mine. All of the teachers write in the syllabus that if we are experiencing issues with Honorlock, we contact Honorlock and not our teacher, because apparently there is nothing they can do. You have to go through the program so that if you really did nothing wrong, they will make sure to notify your professor that it was a mistake on their end. Honorlock does offer technical support before, during, and after the proctored text via phone or live chat.

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HaveUHeard that Microsoft Office 365 is free for all enrolled FAU Students?  For information about downloading this helpful technology.

Students also receive 1TB of storage through OneDrive. As an FAU student, you receive technical assistance with connectivity and other authentication issues. If you need help with your computer or Fau’s Canvas, submit a ticket or call the helpdesk, 561-297-3999.

Before you head out to get a computer for your students, some of the colleges have specific requirements that differ from general recommendations. Click for the FAU Software recommendations, specific colleges may have other requirements. While the computer of choice for many students is trending toward Macbooks, before you head out to get a computer for your student, some of the colleges have specific requirements that differ from general recommendations. Check your individual college and degree program hardware and software requirements as you may find that a Dell, Microsoft Surface Pro or HP may better serve your student’s needs. Microsoft Surface has a great price, any hp is great. If you want to make a little more of an investment, the Apple Macbook Air and Apple Macbook Pro are highly recommended. A lot of students also bring tablets/ Ipads to class and are great for note-taking.

Students may print at various campus locations. Students can add funds to their Owl Card to use the services. For printing prices, locations, and other policies. For incoming students, they will receive directions for setting up the FAU network. Just make certain you have an Ethernet cable. FAU does have wireless Internet across campus, but Ethernet Cables are recommended for students living in the dorms. For all their technology goods, they can show their Owl pride by decorating their laptops, cell phones, gaming devices, and even their amazon echo with customized FAU stickers.

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