I think it is common for people to consider the benefits that come from technology, however it is more difficult to understand the harm it may cause when not used correctly. For example, I do not think it seems fair for an internet system to determine what is suspicious activity for an individual. Such sites for online proctoring services can be unfair to those with disabilities and don’t flag people in the same way. If the student is taking the test at home and does not have a low distraction environment, they should not suffer from that. This is a situation where teachers should take a step back and attempt to design a more inclusive environment so that all students can do well. As mentioned in, Technology Won’t Save Us- A Call for Technoskepticism in Social Studies, technology should be viewed through a lens of critical theory. Examining the critical theory confronts structural inequalities by questioning oppressive systems and highlighting the voices of the oppressed. These online proctoring services should be examined through such lenses so that they do not disadvantage groups of people. These services have become increasingly popular due to the shift towards online learning after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, however, we must recognize that it is not always fair to let a computer determine what about a human is “suspicious”. Online proctoring software requires students to show an image of their government-issued ID, which may show an image that does not look like the individual at that time. The same software requires students with darker skin to turn on a bright light and direct it towards their face in order to identify them. This software is harmful and unfair.
