IRIS@Curtin help

IRIS@Curtin (Intelligent Remote Invigilation System) helps deter and detect academic dishonesty in online tests and exams.

Staff members can find information on how to set up and use IRIS in the staff portal under Using learning and teaching technologies.

Using IRIS

How do I set up and use IRIS?

IRIS works through a Google Chrome extension. You must download the IRIS@Curtin extension and use Chrome to access Blackboard when taking an assessment with IRIS. To download and set up IRIS, follow the steps below:

Ensure your computer operating system is running the most up to date software available
- Mac software download instructions
- Windows software download instructions.
Download the latest version of the free Google Chrome internet browser.
Download the IRIS@Curtin extension from the Chrome web store.
Follow the Student instructions for using IRIS [.pdf 829kB].
Check your system set up by doing the IRIS@Curtin System Check Test [.pdf 261kB].

How do I test my IRIS set up and when should I do this?

It is strongly recommended to perform an equipment check test at least a week before your test on the computer in which you will sit the test. This allows you to test your webcam, microphone and audio to ensure they are set up correctly.

You can check your IRIS@Curtin system set up by following the steps below:

Ensure you are using Chrome or Edge and have downloaded the most up to date IRIS@Curtin extension.
Self-enrol [.pdf 260kB] in the IRIS@Curtin system check test Organisation site.
Attempt the IRIS@Curtin System Check Test found under the System Check tab within the IRIS@Curtin System Check Test Blackboard Organisation site.
Follow the Student instructions for using IRIS [.pdf 829kB] to guide you through the process.

Can I use IRIS with the Microsoft Edge browser?

Yes, we recommend using Chrome where possible but Microsoft Edge now supports Google Chrome extensions. Students located in China should use Edge.

To use IRIS on Microsoft Edge:

Open the Edge browser.
Download the IRIS@Curtin extension onto Edge through the Chrome Web Store.
Use Edge to navigate to your assessment in Blackboard.
IRIS@Curtin will trigger when you begin your IRIS invigilated assessment in Edge.

You can view the below step-by-step guides for installing on Mac and Windows.

Student instructions for installing IRIS on Microsoft Edge for Mac [.pdf 2MB]

Student instructions for installing IRIS on Microsoft Edge for Windows [.pdf 686kB]

How can I prevent IRIS from flagging my behaviour?

Make sure your entire face is visible:
- Ensure your workspace is well lit and that no one else is present or likely to walk past.
- Your facial features should always be visible within the camera view. Your head should be distinguishable from the background.
- Don’t wear a hat or anything that can darken or obscure your face.
- Face the computer screen and camera, and avoid looking around.
- Avoid covering your face with your hands.

Avoid noise:
- Use a quiet room with limited background noise.
- Do not wear headphones, IRIS needs to hear what you hear.
- Don’t have music playing.

Troubleshooting IRIS

What should I do if I have an error message from IRIS?

Many errors can be resolved by following the steps below:

Clear your cache.
Remove and re-download the IRIS extension.
Restart your computer.
Re-attempt the assessment (do not open a practice test beforehand).

If you are still getting an error after doing these four steps, follow these instructions:

For PCs: Error message during set-up

This generally means your privacy/security permission settings need to be adjusted. Ensure you allow IRIS to use your camera and microphone when it asks for permission.

Do the webcam/mic test to see if you have a hardware problem. If you have a hardware error for either camera or microphone this means that you need to source another computer to do your assessment.
If your camera or microphone is ‘denied’ it means you have blocked IRIS from using it. Type chrome://settings/content into the Chrome address bar to get to the camera and microphone permissions.
Click on ‘Camera’ and then ‘Microphone’.
Ensure IRIS is in the ‘Allow’ list and not blocked.

For MACs: Error message during set-up

MACs have additional permission setting that needs to be adjusted.

It is important that these instructions [.pdf 549kB] are followed in order.

Error message during exam

This sometimes happens if there is an internet disruption or your computer has low memory.

You should continue your exam if it is a timed assessment and you still have access.
If you do not have access to the exam, restart the computer.
Go through the normal IRIS set up process.
You will be able to resume your exam where you left off.

Error message at the end of an exam during recording upload

Usually, the recordings have uploaded correctly. This is often caused by:

trying to upload your test after the testing session has timed out.
internet that is slow or disrupted. This is especially the case at some off-shore campuses.

Take a screenshot of the error if possible.
In a new tab, go back to the assessment in Blackboard.
In the upper right hand corner of the browser tab you will see the IRIS icon.
Click on the icon and select [Finalise Recordings]. This will re-upload any segments of the recordings that were missed.
Inform your Unit Coordinator of the error.

How do I resolve a screen recording issue on a Mac?

MACs have additional permission settings that needs to be adjusted.

It is important that these instructions [.pdf 549kB] are followed in order.

What should I do if my “share” button is not active (grey)?

To make the share button active, you need to click on the window that pops up to select the screen that you want to share.

Review step 12 of the Student instructions for using IRIS [.pdf 829kB]

What should I do if the password is incorrect or not populating?

If IRIS is not prefilling your password or your password is not being accepted, you can try the following troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

Ensure your computer operating system is running the most up to date software available (OSX) (Windows 10).
Download the latest version of the free Google Chrome internet browser.
Download the IRIS@Curtin extension.
Follow the Student instructions for using IRIS [.pdf 829kB].
Check your system set up by doing the IRIS@Curtin System Check Test [.pdf 261kB].
Ensure you have completed the setup and clicked [Start Invigilation]. This may require you to click on the image of the screen before you select the [Start Invigilation] button.

If the steps above do not solve the issue, you can try additional troubleshooting steps below:

Clear your cache using the Google Help Center instructions.
Update the IRIS extension by removing it and re-downloading it from the Google web store.
Restart your computer.
Reattempt the assessment.

If you continue experiencing any issues with IRIS after attempting the above, contact Curtin Connect.

What should I do if I have finished my test and IRIS is still recording?

This happens if you have run out of time on your Blackboard exam and do not manually submit it. If Blackboard auto-submits your assessment, IRIS will continue to record the session for a set period of time.

To resolve this:

Manually close the IRIS window.
Restart your computer.
In a new tab, go back to the assessment in Blackboard.
In the upper right hand corner of the browser tab, click on the IRIS icon.
Select [Finalise Recordings]. This will re-upload any segments of the recordings that were missed.

What should I do if my screen selection pop-up window is not showing (after clicking start invigilation)?

This happens when Chrome opens items in a new tab and blocks the pop up window. To solve this use the alternative browser Microsoft Edge instead of Chrome:

1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Download the IRIS@Curtin extension onto Edge through the Chrome Web Store. (Ensure you select ‘Allow extensions from other stores’ at the top of the page).
3. Restart your computer.
4. Use Edge to navigate to your assessment in Blackboard.
5. IRIS@Curtin will trigger when you begin your IRIS invigilated assessment in Edge.

More about IRIS

Why do I need to use IRIS? Is my data safe?

Curtin is using IRIS to ensure that students are not breaching academic integrity standards when they are taking online tests and exams. This helps to ensure assessment integrity and fairness for all students.

A full Privacy Impact Assessment has been conducted at Curtin to ensure that IRIS is set up in a way that student privacy and data security are protected to the highest possible standard. Curtin also conducts regular external security penetration testing on the software to ensure that your data is protected.

Curtin has built and owns the software outright. There is no external party that has access to the data. Student data is protected and kept securely in the same manner as all other assessment data at Curtin.

Recordings are deleted as soon as practicable after review or within 12 months of the recording date unless further retention is required (e.g. due to a suspected academic integrity breach).

What if I don’t want to use IRIS?

Regular surveys suggest that students generally become comfortable with IRIS once they have used it, and they value the ability to take tests remotely.

Students who request an alternative arrangement on the basis of a Curtin Access Plan (CAP) will be managed in accordance with approved reasonable adjustments in the CAP.

Approved alternative examinations will be managed as per the Alternative Examination Arrangements Procedure found in the Assessment and Student Progression Manual.

Student requests for alternative arrangements based solely on privacy grounds will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. The Academic Registrar will determine these requests on an individual case basis in consultation with the relevant School.

What are the terms and conditions of using IRIS?

View the full terms and conditions for use of IRIS [.pdf 169kB].

Need IRIS support?

Curtin Connect can assist you with IRIS and exam support.

Contact Curtin Connect

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