Let me explain how the Intelligent Remote Invigilation System (IRIS) works:
When the remote invigilation system is active it will be recording a video of you, captured through your computer’s web camera. It will also be recording sound from your computer’s microphone. Every few seconds it will take a screenshot of whatever is showing on your computer screen. There are some things you can do to make sure IRIS works properly and doesn’t accidently flag something as suspicious behaviour.
Optimal exam set-up at home
You will need to make sure that where you are taking the exam is suitable and that the technology you have is reliable. You will require:
1. A quiet private place to take the exam, where you won’t be disturbed.
2. A computer with a working microphone and webcam that is reliable and clear
3. A strong internet connection that won’t go down during your exam.
Make sure your face is clearly visible at all times
Students need to have bright diffused light, a neutral/blank background, avoid shadows on their face, avoid glare from glasses on their eyes by tilting their computer screen, avoid obscuring their face from slouching, wearing a hat, hooded top or sunglasses.
Here are some tips:
* Make sure your workspace is well lit, and that no one else is present or likely to walk past
* Make sure your facial features are clearly visible in the camera view, and that your head is distinguishable from the background. You might need to adjust the lighting.
* Don’t wear a hat or anything that can darken or obscure your face
* Always face the screen and camera, avoid looking around
* Try to avoid covering your face with your hand
There should be no sound:
* Use a quiet room with limited background noise
* Do not wear headphones, IRIS needs to hear what you hear
* Don’t have music playing
* When IRIS is active you will see a pop-up window showing the image visible through your web camera
* When IRIS can make out your face it will draw an outline on top of your image and begin tracking your position.
* If it can’t see your face, a red warning bar will show in the IRIS pop up window
Here are some additional points about how IRIS works:
* IRIS is activated when you click on the “Start Invigilation” button
* You need to go through the first three setup steps before you can start your online assessment
* IRIS will automatically enter the password to allow you to start the online assessment
* You can minimize the IRIS window, but don’t close it
* During your assessment IRIS will store some temporary files on your device
* At the end of the assessment IRIS needs some time to upload the recorded files
* Don’t shut IRIS down, once it finishes uploading your recording it will automatically shut down
Authenticating your ID on IRIS:
IRIS requires students to hold up their photo ID to the camera, takes a photo of it and face matches it to their actual face using AWS facial recognition algorithms. This step enables the student to be correctly identified as the right student and automatically authenticates their identity.
Authentication won’t work if the student doesn’t set up their exam environment correctly. Some students are not authenticated on IRIS due to the student using ID with no photo, poor lighting or bad quality photos. Students have several attempts to capture their ID so it’s important to remind them to make sure the photo capture is clear and well lit. Students can use any photo ID e.g. passport, drivers licence if their student ID doesn’t have a photo.
Remember:
IRIS is just a tool to help monitor and maintain academic integrity during online tests.
It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate integrity by reading and following the instructions and completing the test without assistance.