AI-driven remote proctoring and assessment at Laurier

Updated October 22, 2021

Wilfrid Laurier University is transitioning away from the use of AI-driven remote proctoring solutions beginning fall term 2021.

After hearing from students, faculty and industry professionals about the current issues with AI-driven remote proctoring software that monitors test-takers through video and audio observation, Laurier has made the decision to discontinue its use at our university. We are now actively discouraging the use of AI-driven remote proctoring with the intention of fully discontinuing use of the tool in remote courses by winter 2022 and in online courses by fall 2022.

During the fall 2021 term, courses that continue to make use of AI-driven remote proctoring software must also offer an alternative assessment for students. Students can elect to receive an alternative assessment, as chosen by their instructor, during the designated Option Period.

Frequently asked questions about:

• The Decision
• The Implementation
• The Option Period Process

What You Need to Know about the Decision

What is AI-driven remote proctoring?

AI-driven remote proctoring solutions include software which virtually monitors test-takers through video and audio observation and recording, presenting a comparable substitute to in-person, on-campus proctoring.

What should I expect in the fall?

Fall 2021 marks the beginning of the transition away from this software. Fall 2021 courses making use of AI-driven remote proctoring must observe the established guidelines for use and must provide an alternative assessment option for students. Full details of the Option Period process and timelines will be communicated to students in these courses at the start of the fall term.

Why is the university taking this position on AI-driven remote proctoring?

When issues of virtual proctoring anxiety, equity and privacy were expressed in relation to the use of an institutionally supported AI-driven remote proctoring tool, the university underwent a comprehensive review which included soliciting research support from a third-party company and conducting environmental scans across the sector to see how other universities were using or discontinuing use of similar AI-driven remote proctoring technology. Through this review, it was made clear that the advantages of using this technology to deliver remote assessments no longer outweighed the disadvantages

Why are you making this decision now?

The amount of negative sector-wide analysis and feedback from students and faculty members when delivering and taking tests using this technology increased with the increased use of AI-driven remote proctoring tools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing about the current issues regarding privacy, equity and student experience, we can no longer support the continued use of AI-driven remote proctoring.

Why not terminate use of this software immediately?

This period of academic disruption and emergency remote instruction has exacerbated the use of this technology. Presenting an Option Period for students in the fall term while strongly discouraging the use of the tool allows teaching support units and course instructors the time to redesign impacted assessments in a pedagogically sound way.

How will this impact academic integrity?

We will maintain high standards of academic integrity through existing support mechanisms and educational technologies and will seek out and provide support for tools and approaches that allow us to continue to cultivate a culture of academic integrity and student success at Laurier.

What You Need to Know about the Implementation

When will I know if my course is using AI-driven remote proctoring software?

You will know whether your fall term course has assessments using this software on the first day of your class when the syllabus is released.

Which course delivery methods are included in this change?

The fall term transition, including the alternative assessment option requirement, pertains to all course modalities – remote, in-person and online courses.

Are we getting rid of Respondus LockDown Browser?

No, this solution is not implicated in the transition plan. The current challenges with AI-driven remote proctoring tools which record and monitor users do not extend to tools like the stand-alone Respondus LockDown Browser, which prevents other applications and sites from being accessed during an online assessment. Respondus LockDown Browser does not record video during assessments.

When can I elect to receive an alternative assessment?

You can submit a form during the Option Period between Sept. 16 and Sept. 29.

Will I have a choice as to the type of alternative assessment I am offered?

Your instructor will choose from the institutionally supported alternative assessment methods provided and will communicate the solution with you as soon as possible after the Option Period closes.

Will I have to come to campus to write an assessment for my remote or online course if I opt-out of AI-driven remote proctoring?

No, you will not be required to travel to our campuses to write an assessment – including a quiz, midterm or final exam – for remote or online courses. Depending on the status of public health guidelines, students may have the opportunity to complete alternative assessments in-person on one of Laurier’s campuses or a proctoring centre closer to their location. In such a scenario, remote alternatives will be available to students who are unable to write in-person.

What if I do not meet the university's vaccination requirements and my alternative assessment is an on-campus, in-person assessment?

Students are responsible for ensuring that they are complying with the university's vaccination requirements, including completing a COVID self-assessment and following Laurier’s health and safety protocols and policies, prior to arriving on-campus for any activity. The mandatory vaccination policy requires that all students must be vaccinated or have a valid exemption to attend in-person classes and activities, including assessments, on Laurier’s campuses.

What You Need to Know about the Option Period

How will I be able to elect to receive an alternative assessment?

From Sept. 16 to Sept. 29, students in courses with AI-driven remote proctoring enabled were able to elect to receive an alternative assessment.

• The secure online form collected student information (student ID#, name, email). Students  indicated the course that is using AI-driven remote proctoring and indicated whether or not they were able to come to campus for an on-site, human proctored exam.
• Students who are registered with the Accessible Learning Centre and require exam accommodations should use the standard test/exam booking procedures once they know what alternative assessment their instructor has chosen. 
• Instructors will be notified of students who have requested to receive an alternative assessment.

What kinds of alternative assessments will be offered?

Instructors can choose at least one of the following options as an alternative assessment to an assessment using AI-driven remote proctoring:

• Provision of an equivalent assessment of learning outcomes as determined by the instructor.
• 1:1 remote human proctoring using Teams or Zoom in accordance with guidelines for use and arranged by the instructional team.
• On-site proctored assessments as public health and safety protocols permit – faculties must make arrangements with operational support from central service units.
• Off-site proctored assessments as public health and safety protocols permit – students must arrange for proctors in accordance with established practice.

Can I change my mind?

No, your decision to elect to receive an alternative assessment as communicated by submitting the form during the Option Period is considered final. Information about who has elected to receive alternative assessments is communicated to your instructor immediately following the Option Period and they are responsible for coordinating and communicating the approved option as soon as possible.