Before the exam even began, I spent approximately 30 minutes troubleshooting technical issues, which were apart of downloading another software that was nowhere in the original set up directions and that continued to fail and disconnect, to the point where I needed to contact customer support. This was then followed by an additional 30 minutes of completing a room check. As a result, the exam did not begin until over an hour past the originally scheduled start time. This significant delay added unnecessary stress and frustration before I was even able to begin writing, and it set a negative tone for the remainder of the exam.My testing environment was repeatedly deemed unacceptable. I was told that my kitchen/dining area was “too large,” my bedroom was unsuitable due to a pet bird(which is fair and I did explain that if they didn’t mind bird chirping that I could work there) and when I suggested the bathroom as an alternative, the proctor was appalled at my suggestion - despite the fact this it fit the criteria of a ‘closed’ room. They then deemed that I could continue to work in my kitchen/dining room. I was instructed to close all blinds, including those outside my line of sight and not accessible from the outside for people to look in, then I was told the blinds were insufficient and that I needed to hang a blanket over my window. I explained that my blinds are not on a curtain rod and that this was not possible. I was also instructed to lock my front door, despite it already being locked, and it was on the other side of the house, with the implication that someone might enter my home during the exam.Ultimately, I was required to complete the exam at my kitchen island using a dining room chair. This was not a comfortable or appropriate testing setup and was not where I had planned to write the exam. I typically complete exams at my dining room table, where I have written tests many times before without issue. Being forced into a different space made me uncomfortable for the duration of the exam and negatively impacted my ability to focus.Additionally, I was repeatedly reprimanded for behaviors that are normal and unconscious parts of my test-taking process. I naturally read questions quietly under my breath and make small, seated body movements to work through and interpret what a question is asking (without standing up or leaving my seat). These are not accommodations, nor are they attempts to gain an unfair advantage; they are simply how I process information. Being continually warned and reprimanded for these behaviors made me feel constantly monitored and anxious.During the exam, I was told to adjust my webcam angle, even when doing so made it difficult to see my laptop screen, and my concerns were dismissed. Additionally, I was frequently yelled at and accused of “talking” despite only silently reading. I became visibly upset due to the ongoing interruptions and pressure and was then reprimanded for sniffling while crying.The nature of this exam involved muscles and movements, yet I was not to move my arms or body in any way that could be perceived as suspicious. This made it extremely difficult to apply practical knowledge, as physically engaging with the material is often part of understanding muscular actions. Throughout the exam, I was frequently threatened with having the session terminated and being failed, which only added to the stress and disruption. The repeated interruptions made it very difficult to focus, regulate my emotions, and perform to the best of my ability.I am struggling to understand how someone is expected to successfully complete an exam under these conditions. I hold two university degrees and have completed numerous proctored examinations in my academic career including online exams, yet I have never experienced a testing environment that felt so hostile, stressful, and demeaning.I fully understand the importance of maintaining exam integrity. However, I am an adult and should be treated with respect and professionalism. This experience felt excessive, unreasonable, and, frankly, traumatic.
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