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Honorlock Side Camera

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New: Side-Angle Camera

Honorlock Side Camera allows instructors to require an additional camera angle during an exam. This may be used when instructors want students to show a wider view of their testing space, such as a side-angle view of the student’s workspace, desk area, and computer screen.

If you enable this setting, inform students before the exam that they may need an external webcam (preferred) or a mobile phone that can be used as a camera. Students should test their setup before exam day, especially if they plan to use a phone as a webcam or need to position the camera away from their computer.

Student setup expectations for Side Camera

Students can change the camera source only during the Student Photo step of the Honorlock authentication process. If they do not select the correct camera during this step, they may need to close Honorlock and relaunch the exam to return to the Student Photo step. For guidance on switching cameras during authentication, see Switching Cameras in Honorlock.

  • An external USB webcam is recommended when possible because it is usually easier to connect and position than a mobile phone.
  • A tripod, gooseneck mount, or similar stand is recommended so students can securely position the camera for the required side-angle view.
  • A USB extension cable may be helpful because the camera may need to be placed farther from the computer to capture the required angle.
  • Students using a mobile phone as a webcam should set it up and test it before exam day. A wired USB connection is recommended when Wi-Fi is unreliable.

Note: Students should start the Honorlock authentication process early. If Honorlock asks students to install or update the Honorlock desktop application, the exam window may close after the update. Students should return to Canvas, open the course, and relaunch the exam to continue authentication.

Students can also refer to the Honorlock Workspace Scan Test-Taker Guide for a step-by-step walkthrough of the full authentication and scanning process.

Best Practices

Exam Setup

Create a practice quiz that uses the same Honorlock settings students will use on the actual exam, including Side Camera if it is required. This gives students time to install required software, test their camera source, and contact support before the graded exam.

Pedagogy & Teaching Resources

For guidance on online course design, pedagogy, and evidence-based teaching practices, instructors are encouraged to explore the following resources:

Stearns Center for Teaching & Learning — The Stearns Center offers a comprehensive knowledge base for online teaching, including strategies for assessment design, student engagement, and course accessibility. Visit the Online Teaching Knowledge Center for articles, guides, and professional development opportunities.

ID Village (Canvas) — ID Village is an internal Canvas course that connects instructors with instructional design resources, peer support, and best practice examples from across the university. To access ID Village, search for it in your Canvas course list or contact your instructional designer for an enrollment link.

Support

FAQs

How do I use an iPhone with a Mac as a side camera?

Follow these steps to set up Continuity Camera between your iPhone and Mac:

  • Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on for both devices.
  • Sign in to the same Apple Account on both devices.
  • Turn on Continuity Camera on the iPhone.
  • If prompted, tap Trust This Computer on the iPhone and allow accessory connections on the Mac.
Windows PCs require the Camo app to use an iPhone as a webcam:
  • Install Camo on the Windows PC.
  • Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network when using wireless pairing.
  • If wireless pairing does not work, connect the iPhone to the computer with a USB cable.
  • If the iPhone is not recognized, open Camo, go to Add-ons, and confirm Apple Device Support is enabled.
How do I use an Android phone with a Mac or Windows PC as a side camera?

Android users follow a similar process to iPhone with Windows PC:

  • Use the same general Camo setup process as described for iPhone with Windows PC.
  • If the phone and computer cannot connect over Wi-Fi, use a USB cable instead.
Will phone-to-computer pairing work on campus or public Wi-Fi?

Pairing may be unreliable on some campus or public networks due to network security settings. To ensure a stable connection:

  • When possible, use a USB cable instead of Wi-Fi for the most reliable connection.
  • If you must use Wi-Fi, connect both devices to the same network and be prepared for potential pairing issues.
Can I use a mobile phone as a side camera if I am on a Chromebook?

No. Using a mobile phone as a side camera is not currently supported on Chromebooks. This is a known limitation of the Honorlock Side Camera feature on Chrome OS.

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