what can professors see on canvas during quiz

3 min read 15-04-2025

what can professors see on canvas during quiz

Meta Description: Wondering what your professor can see while you're taking a Canvas quiz? This comprehensive guide details professor access, including activity tracking, IP addresses, and more. Learn how to ensure quiz integrity and protect your academic honesty. Discover best practices for online assessment.

Canvas is a popular learning management system (LMS) used by many universities and educational institutions. For students, taking online quizzes can feel a bit like being under a microscope. But what exactly can professors see while you're taking a Canvas quiz? This guide clarifies what information instructors have access to, addressing common student concerns.

What Instructors Can See During a Canvas Quiz

The level of visibility a professor has during a Canvas quiz depends on several factors, including the specific settings they've configured for the quiz and the type of quiz being administered. Generally, instructors have access to a range of data, aiming to maintain academic integrity and ensure fair assessment.

1. Quiz Progress and Time Spent on Each Question

Many Canvas quiz settings allow professors to monitor student progress in real-time. This doesn't mean they're watching you via webcam, but they can see:

Question Completion: Instructors can see which questions you've answered and which you haven't. They can even see the order in which you tackled the questions.
Time Spent Per Question: Canvas often tracks the amount of time you spend on each question. This can help professors identify unusually long or short times, potentially indicating cheating or struggling.

2. IP Address and Location Data

For security purposes, Canvas frequently logs the IP address from which a quiz was accessed. This can help identify potential instances of unauthorized access or cheating. Keep in mind, however:

IP addresses aren't always precise. They might only pinpoint a general geographic area, not your exact location.
Multiple users can share an IP address, especially in shared network environments like dormitories or libraries.

3. Quiz Attempts and Submission History

Professors have a complete record of all your quiz attempts. This includes:

Number of Attempts: They can see how many times you submitted the quiz.
Submission Timestamps: The exact time and date of each submission are recorded.
Answers Submitted: Of course, professors have access to your actual answers, which are crucial for grading.

4. Browser and Device Information

In some cases, Canvas might also log the type of browser and device you used to take the quiz. This isn't usually a primary focus, but it can be helpful for troubleshooting technical issues.

What Instructors Cannot Typically See

While the above details what professors can see, it's important to understand what they generally cannot see:

Your Screen: Unless you're using a proctored exam system with webcam monitoring, instructors cannot see your screen or what you're doing on your computer during the quiz.
Your Keystrokes: Canvas doesn't typically record individual keystrokes or track your typing activity.
Your External Resources: While they can see the time spent on questions, they cannot directly view what websites or documents you have open.

Ensuring Quiz Integrity: Best Practices for Students

Taking online quizzes ethically is crucial. Here are some best practices:

Prepare Thoroughly: Good preparation reduces the temptation to cheat.
Use a Reliable Internet Connection: Avoid connectivity issues that could lead to unexpected delays.
Work in a Quiet Environment: Minimize distractions to focus on the quiz.
Understand the Quiz Instructions: Pay close attention to any restrictions or guidelines.
Avoid Multitasking: Focus solely on the quiz to avoid accidental violations of academic honesty policies.

Conclusion

Understanding what your professor can see on Canvas during a quiz helps promote transparency and responsible academic conduct. While instructors have access to various data points to maintain integrity, it's crucial to remember that ethical quiz-taking remains primarily your responsibility. By following best practices and understanding the system's capabilities, you can ensure a fair and accurate assessment experience. Remember to always refer to your institution's academic integrity policy for detailed guidelines.