Moodle Proctoring Tool UNISA

If you’re a student at the University of South Africa (UNISA), you’ve likely heard about the Moodle Proctoring Tool. This system is designed to help ensure that online exams are fair, credible, and compliant with academic integrity standards. With UNISA’s large student population, over 400,000 registered learners annually, maintaining exam security is essential. The Moodle Proctoring Tool allows you to take assessments from home while giving lecturers confidence that the person writing the exam is indeed you, and that no unauthorized assistance is being used.

What Is the Moodle Proctoring Tool at UNISA?

The Moodle Proctoring Tool is an integrated feature in UNISA’s official online learning platform, myModules (based on Moodle). It enables remote invigilation, meaning your exam session is monitored through your computer’s webcam, microphone, and screen recording.

The tool captures:

Video and audio of your environment
On-screen activity during the test
Identity verification through a photo or ID check

The Moodle proctoring tool is used during online exams to maintain integrity. Before exams, check UNISA exams online for full schedules and proctoring instructions. This avoids last-minute confusion.

What You’ll Need to Use the Tool

To avoid technical difficulties on exam day, UNISA advises students to prepare the following:

A reliable computer or laptop (Windows or Mac). Tablets and mobile phones are usually not supported.
Webcam and microphone that function correctly. These are non-negotiable since identity verification depends on them.
Stable internet connection with at least 2 Mbps upload speed. A wired connection is safer than Wi-Fi if possible.
Quiet and well-lit exam space, free from unnecessary movement or noise.
Official student ID card or government-issued ID for verification.

How Does Moodle Proctoring Work?

Moodle Proctoring is a robust tool designed to ensure academic integrity during online assessments, particularly multiple-choice question (MCQ) and quiz examinations. Here’s an in-depth look at how Moodle Proctoring functions and the steps students must follow to use it effectively.

1. Understanding Moodle Proctoring

Moodle Proctoring is primarily used for proctoring MCQ and quiz examinations. This tool monitors student activity during assessments to prevent misconduct, ensuring a fair evaluation process for all participants. Exceptions may apply, such as for specific examination types like CSET.

2. Identifying Proctored Modules

Students should confirm whether their examination modules will be proctored by Moodle Proctoring. This information is typically provided on the platform or through examination guidelines.

3. Camera Requirements

Moodle Proctoring requires access to a student’s mobile or laptop camera. To ensure smooth operation:

Activate the camera in your device’s browser settings before the examination.
Verify that the camera functions properly to avoid technical issues.

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4. Starting the Examination

Once a student initiates their MCQ or quiz attempt on the myExams platform:

The system will prompt the student to activate their camera through the mobile or laptop browser.
The proctoring tool will begin functioning as soon as the camera is activated.

5. Background Functioning

After activation, the Moodle Proctoring tool operates in the background:

It continuously monitors the student through their device’s camera.
No further actions are required from the student once the proctoring tool is active.

This seamless integration ensures minimal disruptions during the examination while maintaining strict monitoring protocols. Here you can perform UNISA Status Check

6. Mock Examination Preparation

To familiarize themselves with Moodle Proctoring, students are encouraged to participate in mock examinations. For example:

Course: ADOVH001 (available at unisa.ac.za) offers a practice environment to test the proctoring setup.
Mock tests help students address any technical or procedural concerns before the actual examination.

7. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Students who fail to activate the proctoring tool during an examination risk their marks being withheld. This is a critical requirement unless the student has been granted an exemption due to valid reasons.

Common Concerns and How UNISA Handles Them

Privacy: Recordings are stored securely and used only for academic integrity checks. UNISA follows South African data protection policies under the POPI Act.
Technical Failures: If your internet drops, the system usually saves your progress. You should reconnect as quickly as possible and continue.
Accessibility: Students with special needs can request alternative arrangements through the Disability Unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my internet fails during a UNISA proctored exam?

The Moodle system auto-saves answers frequently. If you reconnect promptly, you can continue where you left off. If the issue is severe, you may need to submit an incident report to the exam office.

Can I use my phone instead of a computer for proctored exams?

No. UNISA requires a laptop or desktop with a webcam and microphone. Phones and tablets are not fully compatible with the Moodle Proctoring Tool.

Is the proctoring tool always used for all exams?

Not always. Some modules still use written assignments or take-home exams. However, most online timed exams now include proctoring to ensure fairness.

What if I don’t have a quiet room at home?

You’ll need to arrange the best environment you can. If your home setup isn’t suitable, UNISA occasionally provides limited facilities at regional centers, but you must apply in advance.

Does UNISA monitor me live during the exam?

Not necessarily. In most cases, the system records your session for later review. Suspicious activity is flagged automatically and then checked by staff.

Taking an online exam with the Moodle Proctoring Tool might feel intimidating at first, but it’s designed to protect both your academic record and the credibility of your degree. By preparing your space, testing your equipment, and familiarizing yourself with the process, you’ll reduce stress on exam day and show your knowledge with confidence.

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Kagiso

With five years of experience as a professor at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Kagiso brings deep academic knowledge and practical understanding to his writing.Now he creates reliable content that supports students.