A student says test proctoring AI flagged her as cheating when she read a question out loud. Others say the software could have more dire consequences.

As college students adapt to the new realities of distance learning amid the coronavirus pandemic, some students say they're struggling to navigate the demands of exam proctoring and "anti-cheating" software. Programs that record students during exams have been widely implemented as educators attempt to curb academic dishonesty — but the test monitoring software has seemingly had unintended consequences from some students. 

One economics major is going viral on TikTok after expressing her frustration with a remote test-taking situation. In an emotional video posted last week, the college student said that ProctorU, the exam proctoring program used by her university, had flagged some of her behavior during an exam as suspicious. As a result, she claimed, her professor had given her a zero on the assessment.  

"So, just to let you know how online school and college is going, I just took an exam that I studied really, really hard for, and I got a B on it. And it's a pretty difficult exam, so a B is pretty good," TikTok user @_.daynuh._, who goes by Dana Jo the app, said through tears. "And my professor is giving me a zero, because the Review+ said I was talking when I was just, like, re-reading the question so I could better understand it."

The video racked up 3 million views in less than a week and viewers flooded the comments section of the video with support for the distraught college student and condemnation of the professor. 

"That is so ableist of them," one TikTok user wrote. "I am so so sorry that you had to deal with this."

Popular YouTuber and comedian Alonzo Lerone commented on the video writing, "What's your professor's name? I just wanna talk."

Dana Jo isn't the only student struggling with the limitations of proctoring programs

Some students say they've been having issues with proctoring software simply because of the color of their skin.

Twitter user @uhreeb said that ExamSoft, a monitoring tool used during the Bar Exam, directed him to "sit directly in front of a lighting source" after he experienced facial recognition difficulties. He said he was already in a well-lit room. 

In another follow-up video, Dana said that after the testing situation, her professor immediately placed an infraction on her academic record — a move that would jeopardize her academic scholarships, which she uses to cover living expenses and pay tuition. Dana Jo could not be reached for comment, and Insider was unable to independently verify these claims. 

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According to Dana's final video, the situation turned around when she finally spoke with her professor, who explained that she had been particularly stringent after catching four students attempting to take an exam together. 

After reviewing the situation, Dana said, her professor apologized, reinstated her original grade, and removed the academic infraction from her record.

While the situation was frustrating, she said, she was relieved to report that her scholarships would not be impacted and she would be able to pay rent. 

ProctorU, the company responsible for the exam monitoring service that Dana used, says that her situation highlights the need for video recordings that can be reviewed.

"We are always disappointed when anyone has a difficult time related to a test session. This is a good example of why it's important for students and schools to have a video recording that instructors can review and thus make evidence-based determinations, while also ensuring a fair and safe testing environment for everyone," ProctorU CEO Scott McFarland said in a statement to Insider. "We are happy to learn that the recording allowed the student to prove their case and help the faculty member get it right."

McFarland also pointed out that exam proctoring services have been in use for over a decade, adding that the technology is "more important in 2020 than ever before."

Update: This story has been updated to include a statement from ProctorU CEO Scott McFarland. 

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