Greens MP Michael Berkman sounds alarm over exam monitoring software
A Greens MP has called for UQ stop controversial software monitoring online exams, citing privacy risks and serious anxiety among students.
UNIVERSITY students have reported ProctorU supervisors looking through their private computer files, leaving halfway through the exam, and asking to take pictures of female students but not males, reigniting calls to cease using the controversial software monitoring online exams.
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Greens MP for Maiwar Michael Berkman has written to the University of Queensland (UQ) calling on them to stop using ProctorU, citing privacy risks, and that the software appears technologically fraught and causing serious anxiety for students.
He said UQ students told him stories of poor supervisors behaviour including asking to take multiple pictures of female students with and without glasses, while male students with glasses reported this didn’t happen to them.
“I was already concerned that ProctorU supervisors are not directly vetted by UQ, that ProctorU records images of student ID cards, location, and biometric data, and that there was no real opportunity for students to opt-out, especially given the announcement was made after the relevant census date,” he said.
“Now I’m hearing from students who have experienced myriad technical problems with the software, causing unreasonable stress and delays.
“Students are telling me they’re having panic attacks, crying through confusing and delayed exams, and opting to defer courses they need for their degree, because of this software.”
It follows Mr Berkman’s previous efforts to thwart the sandstone institution’s use of the controversial software, first writing to the Vice-Chancellor in April.
“I appreciate that UQ staff have been working incredibly hard to adapt – but it’s clear this software is creating unreasonable stress and anxiety for students, and may have significantly affected some students’ performance in exams.”
A UQ spokeswoman said they had now invited Mr Berkman to a meeting with to discuss his concerns about ProctorU, and their priority was to protect the health of students and staff while maintaining academic integrity.
The spokeswoman said they were able to redesign 81 per cent of Semester 1 assessments so they would not require online invigilation but it was not possible for the remaining assessments, where some accrediting bodies require invigilation of major exams.
“As all examinations are recorded, the University is able to substantiate complaints made by students. All concerns are taken seriously, and we are working with ProctorU to resolve them and improve the experience for students during this examination period.”