In this article, we discuss everything related to the proctor key.
Click on the links below to go directly to a specific section:
What is a proctor key?
The proctor key is a unique code generated for each exam administered with Schoolyear. The code can be used in various circumstances by proctors or other support staff to release a student's exam after Schoolyear detects a possible attempt at cheating.
When do I need a proctor key?
You only need the proctor key in two scenarios: when a student starts the same exam for the second time and when a yellow screen appears. We explain these scenarios briefly below. Click on the headings to expand the explanation.
Hardware: applies to all devices, i.e. Windows (university owned & Bring Your Own Device), MacOS (university owned & BYOD) and Chromebooks (university owned).
Example: Student starts Maths Test 1. Closes it and restarts Maths Test 1. Because the student has already seen the content of the test, they may only return to the test if permission is granted. This can be released with the invigilator code or via the Schoolyear Dashboard.
Schoolyear displays a so-called yellow screen when a possible attempt at fraud is detected. More questions about yellow screens? Please contact your faculty administrator.
Hardware: Does not apply to Chromebooks, only to Windows (university owned & BYOD) and MacOS (university owned & BYOD).
Voorbeeld: If a student closes and reopens the laptop lid during a BYOD test, Schoolyear will display a yellow screen. This is to prevent students from leaving the classroom without closing the Schoolyear environment. This can be released with the proctor key.
Please note: It is not advisable to allow the student to retake the test if he or she is blocked, other than in scenarios 1 and 2. This is because Schoolyear suspects the student of a serious offence for attempting to cheat.
When and how is the proctor key generated?
The exam proctor key is generated as soon as you link an Ans exam to Schoolyear and create a time slot. As long as you do not remove the Schoolyear integration with the exam, the proctor key will remain the same. This makes it possible to generate the proctor key well in advance of the actual exam and share it with the staff who need it.
Want to know more about integration with Schoolyear? See: Hoe gebruik ik Schoolyear binnen Ans? (copied)
Where do I find the proctor key?
Click on the headings to expand the explanation.
- Open the desired examination for which you wish to view the proctor key;
- Navigate to the settings;
- Click under Integrations on Schoolyear;
- Click in the overview next to Proctor Dashboard on View;
- Lastly click in the Schoolyear Dashboard on Reveal proctor key.
- Navigate in Schoolyear to Exams
- Select My exams
- Select your exam
4. Lastly click in the Schoolyear Dashboard on Reveal proctor key.
Hoe gebruik ik de surveillanten code? How do I use the proctor key?
As discussed under ‘When do I need the proctor key?’, there are various scenarios in which a student may be blocked. In that case, they will receive a notification stating that the proctor key must be submitted in order to resume the exam. The student will inform support staff that they need assistance. Additionally, the Proctor Dashboard also shows which students' exams have been blocked. Depending on the type of block, it can be lifted in the Proctor Dashboard itself, or a staff member will have to manually enter the proctor key on the student's computer.
Please note: the proctor key is a security measure and must not be shared with the student.
Contact and information
Would you like to learn more about the features in the Schoolyear dashboard? Please refer to our other guides.
- Functionalities in the dashboard
- How do I use the Device Check setting?
- How do I use Schoolyear within Ans?
Do you require assistance? Please contact the functional administrator of your faculty.