Schools using Canvas as their learning management system (LMS) have probably already experienced the benefits of its remote capabilities, especially in the past year. By leveraging their LMS, many schools were able to transition to remote learning seamlessly. However, in addition to remote learning, assessing the knowledge students gain from their LMS is crucial. This is where online proctoring comes in.
This post will discuss how integrating a secure online proctoring solution with Canvas helps students achieve their academic goals and ensures that your remote learning is effective.
First—What is Canvas LMS?
Canvas is a learning management system (LMS) used by colleges, universities, and K-12 schools worldwide. Teachers use the Canvas platform to post grades, assignments, and other information that students can access online.
Both traditional educational institutions and completely virtual schools use Canvas to streamline academics. Some schools use Canvas to replace some of the time spent in the traditional classroom (also known as "hybrid" or "blended" learning). In other cases, Canvas supplements traditional in-person classes.
While many LMS options are available, Canvas stands out due to its user experience and easy-to-use interface. Unfortunately, many LMS platforms still have outdated interfaces that are hard to use. Canvas, on the other hand, is very modern and cloud-based, ensuring total accessibility to students wherever they are in the world.
Online Proctoring Considerations for Schools Using Canvas LMS
Canvas is an excellent tool for facilitating consistent learning in the face of unpredictable circumstances, but administering exams requires extra layers of security. Sensitive student information and test materials must be properly secured. That's where solutions like ProctorFree come in. Additionally, online proctoring safeguards your schools' reputation by ensuring academic integrity and ID verification.
When using Canvas LMS and online proctoring software in conjunction, these platforms must integrate seamlessly and meet your organization’s unique needs.
The following are the top considerations you should pay attention to when choosing an online proctoring solution that will work with your Canvas LMS.
Consideration #1: User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI)
A sleek user interface (UI) may seem like a nice-to-have, but do not underestimate its importance! During unstable times of remote learning and test-taking, schools must put themselves in the shoes of their students and ensure that technology isn’t negatively impacting their ability to learn.
- Make the right impression on students with a superior user interface
Your learning platforms may be the only contact these students have with you during remote learning, so providing an exceptional experience that underscores their academic success is crucial.
Your school might have chosen Canvas because of its well-designed interface, so the online proctoring extension you choose should mirror that modern UI experience. In addition, the easier students can navigate these platforms, the fewer tech issues your staff will field. - Exceptional user experience cuts down on unnecessary distractions
Choosing an online proctoring solution that is easy to learn reduces the learning curve that distracts them from their studies and academic performance. Students already have a lot on their plates. A frustrating piece of technology adds insult to injury.
With a familiar interface, you provide test-takers with much-needed comfort and ease for their anxiety and potential rapid shifts to remote learning. - Quick, painless setup
Finding a partner who will tailor the solution to your needs is a must when you’re using online proctoring for the first time. Make sure they don't sacrifice speed and efficiency, though—the goal is to get the system up and running to facilitate learning as soon as possible. - Seamless connection with Canvas LMS
By finding a proctoring solution that integrates seamlessly with Canvas, you’ll be taking the path of least resistance. A brand like ProctorFree offers full-featured free accounts for every Canvas student. In contrast, other brands only offer "lite" versions with less than 500 users and don’t integrate as seamlessly with Canvas.
Consideration #2: Security for Students and Test-Takers
The privacy of students and test-takers is paramount for any organization administering exams online. Schools need to be confident that their students' data is secure and protected. Since online proctoring is remote and flexible, you should take precautions to protect your privacy, especially when verifying the identity of test-takers.
You can protect both your institution and your students by choosing an online proctoring solution with the following security features:
- Identity verification
Comprehensive ID verification is a critical built-in feature that every proctoring software should offer. When the test-taker launches their exam, the proctoring software will prompt for identity verification, automatically capturing an individual's photo and ID information.
During the exam, the proctoring software records a students’ testing environment, allowing administrators to review anything that raises red flags later, such as a test-taker getting up from their desk. The software will automatically flag these types of instances so you can maintain the integrity of the exam, even after the initial ID verification. - Data privacy and security
As our world becomes increasingly remote, every institution that gathers sensitive personal data must have the proper security in place to protect it. Exam content security protects the time and resources of teachers, professors, staff, and administrators.
Securing your exam materials and sensitive student information serves two purposes. One, it instills confidence in your institution that you’re proactively avoiding disastrous data breaches and leaks. Two, it helps students feel confident entering their personal information into your confidential portal. - Secure browser capability
Your online proctoring solution must offer a secure web component that opens a locked-down exam browser rather than a students’ default browser. A locked-down browser feature helps students stay focused, minimizes distractions and temptations, and ensures academic integrity at your institution.
A secure web browser doesn’t just serve your institution—it's something that the honest, hardworking students appreciate. These test-takers want the peace of mind that comes with knowing their studying and preparation paid off and that they’re competing on a level playing field with others.
Consideration #3: Customer Support
Customer support affects not only your organization but also the students you serve. Therefore, you must receive quality customer support from your online proctoring vendor. A comprehensive online proctoring system provides extensive support to administrators, professors, faculty, librarians, and students.
Many colleges complain about their online proctoring providers not listening to them or not caring about their needs. As a result, many smaller colleges and universities feel like small fish in large ponds, which is frustrating. Instead, you should seek a proctoring brand with a deep understanding and motivation to learn about your unique organization.
Since ProctorFree integrates seamlessly with Canvas, you can ensure that the customer support you receive has full knowledge of your entire system and can respond promptly to any questions, concerns, and tech issues that may arise. In addition, they are committed to minimizing support requests through training and support. As a result, your staff will be able to focus on other essential tasks that will keep your organization running smoothly.
Assessing Student Knowledge with Canvas and Online Proctoring
Using Canvas in conjunction with an online proctoring solution allows your school to survive and thrive during unpredictable times. Administering exams remotely requires you to ensure your exams’ security and academic integrity with a trusted exam platform.
To accurately assess student knowledge, choose an online proctoring solution that seamlessly integrates with Canvas to reduce distractions and delays. Responsive tech support creates a stress-free environment for students, allowing them to focus on their academic performance despite unpredictable shifts in their learning environment.
Most importantly, choose an online proctoring brand that actively partners with your organization, proving that they’re invested in your success and continued learning and growth with their product.
Are you interested in connecting your Canvas LMS to an online proctoring solution? Watch this short video to learn more.
