Concerning the legal and security ramifications of ExamGuard

[Narnia]

My high school (WAVA, Washington Virtual Academy) recently began requiring people to use a program called ExamGuard on tests. This program will force the web browser to go to fullscreen, it will disable the computer's ability to switch windows, and it will disable a bunch of other computer functions (I found a FAQ's with a Google search, first result). It also does not allow people to run it in a "virtual machine". This was suddenly forced on students in the middle of the year and without any warning before hand (just got a message saying that I would have to download and use the program to complete assignments). This program is being forced onto my personal (as in the school does NOT own it) computer. I am wondering if anyone is familiar with the legal and security ramifications of such a program as it sounds suspiciously like spyware. Wouldn't a program that directly monitors every application on your computer and directly interferes with one's ability to run applications violate any Federal or State level laws (such as wiretapping laws or privacy laws)? If not, could the fact that they decided to start requiring it in the middle of the semester without giving people prior notification present any legal issues because of the fact that I was not told that this software would be required before the semester began and therefore was not given a chance to do something about it (like look into transferring to a different school?)

It said "virtual machine applications are blocked from running". Does this mean that it prevents your computer from hosting a virtual machine or does it mean that it prevents your computer from running a virtual machine at all regardless of what side it is in (thus preventing one from simply running it inside of a sandbox). If it supposedly prevents you from running it both inside and outside of a sandbox, then how can it do so? From what I understand, many sandboxes are designed so that the programs inside of them do not realize that they are in a sandbox, so how could this program subvert that? Thank you very much for your help.

 

[illram]

We used Examsoft on laptops for tests in grad school; nothing bad happened. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Narnia]

We used Examsoft on laptops for tests in grad school; nothing bad happened. I wouldn't worry about it.

Ok, thanks. Has anyone else heard anything about this program?

 

[GoodGame]

I'm sure they can make using it fully voluntary. The question is if you decline, are you automatically expelled, or do they have to make alternative arrangements?

A simple solution is to get a cheap, used laptop computer that meets the minimum requirements for the softwares used, and only use that for submitting your assignments/tests. Don't store any personal information on the laptop and you have security.

Just curious is WAVA a kind of distance-learning, "home-schooling" program? I've never heard of such a thing before.

 

[Narnia]

I'm sure they can make using it fully voluntary. The question is if you decline, are you automatically expelled, or do they have to make alternative arrangements?

A simple solution is to get a cheap, used laptop computer that meets the minimum requirements for the softwares used, and only use that for submitting your assignments/tests. Don't store any personal information on the laptop and you have security.

Just curious is WAVA a kind of distance-learning, "home-schooling" program? I've never heard of such a thing before.

Basically, it is a perfectly normal high school except for that everything is online. I've never seen my teachers in person, my assignments are completed online, the class meets online in what is basically a secure version of a chat room, etc.