When reviewing recorded proctoring sessions in SmarterProctoring’s Automated Proctoring mode, you may see various system-generated annotations. These are visual flags that indicate behaviors or technical events during the exam session that may require review or explanation.
What Are Annotations?
Annotations are automated markers triggered by specific events during an exam session. While these do not always indicate misconduct, they are designed to highlight moments worth reviewing to ensure exam integrity.
Tip: A single annotation is not always a red flag. Context matters—look at the surrounding activity in the recording before taking action.
How to View Annotations in a Student Recording
You can easily view flagged annotations for a student’s exam session from your instructor dashboard in SmarterProctoring.
1. Open the Exam from the Dashboard
From your course dashboard, click the View Exam button for the desired test.
2. Skip Directly to the Flags Section
If the exam has recorded flags, you'll see a banner with a Skip to Flags link. Click it to quickly navigate to the flagged sessions.
3. Expand the “Automated Proctoring Flags” Section
This section lists all flagged student sessions. Click View session details next to a student to review their recording.
4. Expand the “Automated Proctoring Flags” Section
This section lists all flagged student sessions. Click View session details next to a student to review their recording.
📌 Annotation Types and What They Mean
Blocked Apps Running
The system detected a restricted application running that should have been closed during onboarding.
Common examples: messaging apps, screen recorders, or browsers if restricted.
Exam Tab Unfocused
The student opened a new browser tab that was not permitted during the exam.
This suggests they clicked away from the exam tab but remained in the browser.
Exam Window Unfocused
The student navigated completely away from the browser, minimizing or switching applications.
Multiple Displays Detected
More than one screen/display has been detected since onboarding. This may mean the student connected an external monitor during the exam, which could violate display restrictions.
Multiple Faces Detected
The system detected more than one face or set of eyes in the camera view.
This could be:
Another person in the room
A reflection or glare from glasses
A photo or poster behind the student
No Face Detected
The student’s face was not visible to the system. While this is often innocent, repeated loss of facial visibility may need a closer look.
Common reasons:
Looking down to write (permitted item)
Leaning out of frame
Poor lighting conditions
Speech Detected
The system registered noise or speech. Use audio playback to determine context.
Examples include:
The student reading questions aloud
Background music, TV, or conversations
Utility App Not Connected
The SecureSession Utility App was disconnected or force-quit during the exam.
If the exam requires the utility, this annotation will trigger every 10 seconds until the app is relaunched.
Display Count Changed
A new display was connected after the session began.
This may be an attempt to use a second monitor in violation of exam settings.
Wake Lock Failed to Initialize
One or more browser tabs went idle unexpectedly, possibly from inactivity or technical issues. This is usually low-risk but worth noting if combined with other annotations.
Need Help?
If you have questions about annotations on a student's proctoring session, we're here to assist you.
Live Chat: Click the Help button in the bottom-left corner of your course dashboard to connect with our support team.