When exams shifted to online platforms, tools like ProctorU started being used to keep things fair and honest. It’s a software that helps in invigilating exams virtually. But like any other system, students soon figured out how they could attempt to cheat on ProctorU. These aren’t foolproof methods, and they’re definitely risky, but they’re certainly creative. Let’s explore how students have tried to bend the rules.
1. Exam in a Virtual Machine
A common trick involves using a virtual machine. A virtual machine (VM) runs an entire computer inside your existing system, allowing students to create an isolated environment. In such setups, students start the exam on one screen and use the actual computer on the other without ProctorU realizing it. The software running in the main OS wouldn’t detect activity inside a VM, giving people an edge.
However, ProctorU’s AI is getting better, and there are mechanisms to spot when resources get suddenly split or if there’s irregular CPU usage. Still, it doesn’t always catch every attempt. Virtual machines can go undetected if configured correctly, which makes this method a recurring headache for proctors.
2. External Assistance – The “Bluetooth Method”
Another creative technique students use is seeking external help during the test. One method involves Bluetooth earbuds. Small and almost invisible, they allow someone outside to provide answers without being visible on the webcam. They rely on friends or subject experts sitting in another room to relay the information.
Even though ProctorU requires students to perform a 360-degree room check, some people manage to hide these small devices out of sight. There have been real cases where Bluetooth devices went unnoticed.
3. Screen Mirroring for Help
Some students use screen mirroring. Screen mirroring means displaying your computer’s screen onto another device. They might connect their computer to a TV or another monitor in a different room. That way, another person can see the questions live and assist with answers, with ProctorU being none the wiser.
Screen mirroring relies on setting up the environment right and making sure the camera can’t capture any reflective surfaces. Even with ProctorU’s use of room scanning, some reflections or connections can go unnoticed. A good number of students admitted they used some variation of this trick, and it worked for them, but only because they had practiced and set things up properly beforehand.
4. Using Multiple Screens
Having multiple screens has been another approach for some. Students sometimes use a laptop to take the exam and have a separate device nearby—like a tablet or phone—where they can search for answers. ProctorU’s AI is supposed to track eye movements, but many students train themselves to make it less obvious. They keep the second screen at an angle that allows peripheral viewing.
The trick here is subtlety. A sudden shift in eye direction would make the AI suspicious, but gradual movements, looking down or shifting slightly, might not be enough to trigger alarms. Studies like those found on education technology journals indicate that eye-tracking software struggles to accurately flag minor deviations, making it possible to cheat if someone is careful enough.
5. Fake Technical Issues
Creating fake technical issues is another clever way some try to gain extra time or bypass monitoring altogether. Students sometimes deliberately throttle their internet connection, causing lag or disconnects. They claim they can’t hear or see the proctor, giving them time to check materials or get answers from someone.
ProctorU does give some leeway for technical disruptions since legitimate issues happen, especially with varying internet qualities. According to government broadband studies, internet stability can be inconsistent, especially in rural areas. Students use this fact to their advantage, making their disconnections seem authentic and getting extra time to “fix” things.
6. Desktop Partitioning and Specialized Browsers
Another interesting trick includes using multiple accounts or creating desktop partitions. You partition your desktop so that ProctorU only records one specific view, and you use the other partition to search for answers or communicate with someone else.
Specialized browsers also exist for bypassing proctoring tools. These browsers mimic regular ones but have hidden features to bypass monitoring. Some even include shortcuts that can hide or mask what’s happening. However, using these involves substantial risk, as once detected, it becomes very evident that the student was trying to cheat.
7. Recording and Predicting Answers
Some students have taken to recording entire test sessions and questions, building up a database of common questions and answers over time. Once they’ve done a few exams, they can often predict what questions might show up again. Sharing these databases with friends or using them during retakes gives them a significant edge.
This kind of crowdsourced “cheat bank” approach means that even without directly cheating during an exam, students can gain an unfair advantage. Recent articles on educational forums confirm that question recycling in standardized tests is more common than many might think, making this tactic effective for repeat takers.
8. Keyboard Foot Pedals
This one is unusual but surprisingly effective. Keyboard foot pedals, often used by gamers or transcription professionals, can be set up to perform specific actions. For instance, they could be configured to change browser windows or trigger searches hands-free. Since their hands remain on the keyboard or mouse, it doesn’t arouse suspicion from ProctorU.
These pedals are usually hidden under the desk and are not typically checked during room scans. This allows students to open notes or communicate with someone without lifting a finger. It’s a sophisticated trick but comes with obvious risks if the room scan catches any part of the setup.
Final Thoughts: Risk Versus Reward
It’s clear that technology has made cheating more sophisticated, but ProctorU also keeps evolving. For every creative workaround, there’s a countermeasure waiting. But students still keep trying to cheat on ProctorU—often believing they won’t get caught. What many fail to consider is that if caught, the consequences are severe: disqualification, suspension, or worse.
No exam system is entirely foolproof, but each workaround comes with its own level of risk. It seems like a game of cat and mouse, with both sides trying to outwit the other. While these hacks might seem clever, they often end up doing more harm than good in the long run. Instead of investing energy into ways to cheat, it might just be more productive to study and face exams with genuine preparation.
For more information on the risks and consequences associated with academic dishonesty, you can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s official stance on cheating. It provides insight into just how serious institutions are getting when it comes to online exam integrity.