University to spy on online test takers

Troy (AL) – Troy University is planning on using specialized web cams to prevent test cheating by online students. The webcams will monitor and flag suspicious motions during big tests and microphones will record all noises. Spikes in audio or strange motions can then be analyzed by the student’s instructor.

Students will have to pony up $125 dollars to pay for the webcams and microphones which peer into a silvery ball, giving them 360-degree vision. Cambridge-based Software Secure makes the application that controls the webcam. The software also prevents test takers from access other files on the hard drive and requires the student to login with their fingerprint.

Graduate students will begin using the webcams this fall. If everything goes well, webcams will spy on undergrads next year.