OK, now I have a possible straighterline issue......

[rebel100]

I just finished the first four exams in Straighterlines College Algebra. I click on the final only to find that I have to sign up with Proctor U, pay $30, and then take my exam while being watched. I'm not really bothered by the proctoring, but when did this start? I have scoured the website and the syllabus....no mention of proctoring....what am I missing?

[bricabrac]

This is what I found under the FAQ section:
Why do I need a password for some exams?
StraighterLine exams and quizzes may be linked to the StraighterLine Student Identity Verification system. In order to enter the quiz or exam you will need to complete a brief Identity Verification process which requires you to place a toll free phone call, enter your Student ID Number & PIN*, enter the Exam Serial Number and then recite and record a brief message. Once you've completed the process the system will automatically provide you the appropriate Exam password.
Students must complete the ID verification process in order to access the protected exam or quiz. Students who have completed an exam without a corresponding ID verification may receive a zero on the exam in question.
Your Student ID and PIN are accessible by logging into your StraighterLine.com account (not Blackboard/the course site). This is where you also manage your course subscriptions and payments.

How can I have an exam proctored?
[SIZE=2]ProctorU is an optional proctoring service that students may use to meet transcript requirements made by some universities and Partner Colleges. Proctoring through ProctorU has an additional fee which the student must pay to use the service. To use the service, first register at ProctorU.com and schedule your exam proctoring session. At the time of your exam, be sure that you have already retrieved your exam password before initializing the proctor session.[/SIZE]
Please note: You have a maximum time limit for all StraighterLine tests and exams. When using ProctorU's service your exam's time limit is the stated StraighterLine time limit or the ProctorU limit of 2 hours (which ever is shorter).



Rebel100,
I would call the advisor (whoever that is these days). Depending on where you are transferring the courses to may have a proctorU requirement. If you are using ACE, as I did for the last few courses, I called the 800 number for a password. If this information was not told to you or posted upfront upon signing up, I would call and ask for a refund immediately. I checked all the usual places, home screen, course description, course syllabus and it made no mention of proctorU service/additional fee; which to me, is very sneaky and deceptive. It would have cost you $20 to take the same course through ALEKS!

Please keep us advised on how this plays out. Full disclosure is empowering. There are so many better sources for credit available. I'm sure if you knew there was a proctor requirement, you would have just taken the CLEP?

Good luck!

[rebel100]

Figured it out, all good. I will update later.

OK.......the final requires you to call in and retrieve a code to access the test. To provide the utmost confusion this info is listed directly above a link for "proctor u". It seemed that I needed to register with them to take the final.....that is not the case, you just get the code and plug it in, and your off on your test.

Sorry for my confusion

Go Straighterline, Rah Rah Rah

Thanks Bric....I appreciate you!

[ryoder]

Straighterline rocks!
I can't tell you how proud I still am of myself last year at Christmas time. I finished Accounting I&II in two weeks through SL.com and did most of my test taking at my father in law's house while my wife was upstairs watching girly movies over Christmas break. I would come up the stairs and triumphantly announce that I got another A on my exam. Then have some egg nog with rum

[SandraNC]

Are Straighterline math tests multiple choice?

[durandtheman]

I took College Algebra, it was Multiple Choice. It is timed and you will have to make calculations on your own, but it is all multiple choice.

[rebel100]

I should add that the format is friendly, and it made Algebra "doable" for me. As hard as I tried ALEKS just never worked out for me. I'm a big Straighterline supporter....just the confusion at the end was unexpected. Once it was worked out the multiple choice test was manageable.

Note that there are 100 questions over 5 exams, each worth 5 points, total of 500 possible points. 350 points or 70 correct answeres means you pass with a "C". 80 correct or 400 points is a "B". It's a very workable format!

[SandraNC]

Thanks for information about the math test format at Straighterline!

[huntdeer]

Today I called Straighterline and found out a new proctoring fee and requirement for all classes regardless of EPC. I'm so glad to get this info today. My son just finished two classes and really like the service but the extra fee puts $10 more dollars per credit -- effectively a 18% increase in the cost per credit, approximately -- and a huge monkey on our backs for each final. We were about to sign up for a years worth of classes. SL is not grandfathering anyone even if the sign up today! So every student after 11/1/12 will be required to pay and have an online "big brother".

I called them to ask clarification questions. After SL confirmed the above, I lobbed in a complaint about fees and the new requirement. They said nothing was "set" as yet but that is the plan and tomorrow SL intends on making the announcement on their site. Perhaps if others call them and register their opinion, they may reconsider. May I encourage members of this group to consider phoning Straighterline today and providing them with their feedback about this new policy. Who knows, it may help steer them in a different direction? There number is 877-878-8375.

[rebel100]

Today I called Straighterline and found out a new proctoring fee and requirement for all classes regardless of EPC. I'm so glad to get this info today. My son just finished two classes and really like the service but the extra fee puts $10 more dollars per credit -- effectively a 18% increase in the cost per credit, approximately -- and a huge monkey on our backs for each final. We were about to sign up for a years worth of classes. SL is not grandfathering anyone even if the sign up today! So every student after 11/1/12 will be required to pay and have an online "big brother".

I called them to ask clarification questions. After SL confirmed the above, I lobbed in a complaint about fees and the new requirement. They said nothing was "set" as yet but that is the plan and tomorrow SL intends on making the announcement on their site. Perhaps if others call them and register their opinion, they may reconsider. May I encourage members of this group to consider phoning Straighterline today and providing them with their feedback about this new policy. Who knows, it may help steer them in a different direction? There number is 877-878-8375.

I'm not surprised by this, there is an issue of academic integrity that I'm sure SL needed to address. I suspect the move will open them up to a huge stream of additional income as more colleges will likely be encouraged to steer students their way. Sucks for us...but I understand why they are doing it.