BigBlueButton (BBB)

As an exam-taker, you need the following:

1) A primary device for Brightspace and BBB chat, such as a laptop/desktop;

2) A secondary device with a webcam and a microphone (built-in or external), such as a cell phone/tablet;

3) Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Edge 2018 and higher, or Safari browser (please keep in mind that Internet Explorer is not supported by BigBlueButton);

4) High-speed Internet.

You will work in Brightspace, while BigBlueButton will be running in the background. Please make sure to check BigBlueButton tab regularly for announcements. Alternatively, you may choose to split your screen in such a way that Brightspace takes up most of the space, while the BigBlueButton window of a much smaller size is in the corner. Just move the e-Proctoring session tab to a new browser window and resize it as you find convenient. If someone contacts you in BBB, a red circle will appear on the person icon (left side bar toggle) in the BBB tab . This may help you notice any chat messages as they come in.

Ask your course instructor about the alternative modes of assessment that are available.

Please take a screenshot of an error (if you receive any). If this happens while you are not actually writing an exam, submit an exam support request, with the screenshot attached, and the necessary assistance will be provided to you. If the examination is in progress, inform your proctor and continue the session as usual (if the problem is with the microphone, log in with Listen only). After the exam is over, submit an exam support request with the screenshot attached, and the support team will get in touch with you to troubleshoot the problem before future sessions.

This strategy is fine and you don’t need to turn off your cell phone even if it is not used for e-Proctoring. Leave it in plain view.

You can test access, as well as the webcam, the screen sharing, and the microphone, on BigBlueButton’s website. If you are unable to access the website, you may need to configure Carleton’s Virtual Private Network (VPN). Please make sure to set up VPN prior to exam day. If you are unable to see or hear yourself, please take a screenshot of the error that you receive (if any) and submit an exam support request with the screenshot attached – the necessary assistance will be provided to you.

Yes, you will. In that case, please be prepared to show a government-issued photo ID for the authentication (e.g., a driver’s license, a provincial photo card, or a passport).

Yes, you can use scrap paper during the exam if it is authorized by your instructor. It is important, however, to show both sides of the sheets to the proctor to verify they are blank to start with. Use good judgment and follow the instructions when the proctor asks you to show your environment. You may be required to destroy used scrap paper in view of the proctor after the exam.

Use a place with good Internet connectivity, low noise, and good lighting. Ensure there is no one around you. Keep your phone off for the entire duration of the exam unless you use it for Zoom If you have a roommate who is taking the same exam, please find a different location to write yours.

If your household member walks into the room during the assessment with an unrelated to exam question, don’t worry. Politely remind them you’re taking an exam and they need to leave you alone until the exam is completed.

Refresh the page or click on the BBB activity link to join again.