This article is designed to explain to users how the SMOWL camera monitoring system works during proctored activities.
It is intended for all users who need to use the camera to be monitored during their activity.
The article helps users understand the requirements and procedures for using the camera during an exam, troubleshooting common camera-related issues.
How to determine if your exam uses a camera
If your institution requires camera monitoring, before entering the activity SMOWL will ask you to give camera permissions and the SMOWL monitoring block will be active when accessing your activity. The video window will be displayed when the camera is running, allowing you to check that everything is correct.
Detailed steps for the correct use of the camera
Enable camera permissions: Make sure you enable camera permissions in your browser.
Open Google Chrome (similar to other browsers).
Click the three dots in the top right corner.
Click "Settings."
Go to "Privacy and security," then "Site settings," and select "Camera."
Review blocked and allowed sites.
You can grant or revoke permissions by clicking the icon to the left of the URL.
Visual Check: Make sure your image appears correctly in the SMOWL block and the icon is blue.
Environmental Conditions: .
Your image must appear within the SMOWL box.
Make sure you have adequate lighting conditions and that your face is clearly visible.
Make sure your camera is not cover.
Do not wear anything that covers your head or face. Only reading glasses are allowed.
You must be alone in the room where you are taking the exam. If there are other people, this will be reported.
Troubleshooting Camera Issues
If the camera is not detected, a message will appear within the monitoring block.
Checking the camera
You can test your camera using the following link: webcamtests.com
Use SMOWL's camera test system: testing system.
Windows Camera Application:
Click the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
In the Start menu search field, type "Camera."
Click the Camera app icon to open it.
If this is your first time using the app, accept these permissions by clicking "Yes" or "Allow."
Once the app opens, you should see a live image of what your camera is capturing.
Problems and solutions
Here is an overview of common problems that can prevent the camera from working properly:
Camera permission not granted:
Problem: The camera is not working because the proper permissions have not been granted in the browser or activity platform.
Solution: Check and adjust the camera permissions in the browser. For example, in Google Chrome, go to “Settings” > “Privacy & Security” > “Site Settings” > “Camera” and make sure the activity's site is allowed.
Camera blocked or covered:
Problem: The camera lens is blocked, covered or is using other software, preventing its use.
Solution: Make sure the camera lens is not covered. Close any other applications that may be using the camera before starting the activity.
Camera driver or software problems:
Problem: The camera drivers are out of date or there is a bug in the software that prevents the camera from working.
Solution: Update the camera drivers through your operating system's device manager. Restart your computer after the update.
Physical connection problems:
Problem: The camera is not connected properly or there is a physical problem with your connection.
Solution: Disconnect and reconnect the camera, make sure it is connected securely and check for physical damage.
Software conflicts:
Problem: Another application is using the camera at the same time, causing conflicts.
Solution: Close all applications that may be using the camera, such as video calling programs, and reload the page again.
Incorrect browser settings:
Problem: Browser settings are preventing the camera from working properly.
Solution: Clear the browser cache and reset the site settings if necessary. Then re-grant permissions for the camera.
How camera system works?
This system monitors your behavior during the exam and presents a report to the academic manager with the results.
Smowltech does not approve or suspend a user, it simply prepares a report with the evidence obtained during the exam, such as the use of unauthorized resources or user authentication issues.