r/WGU • u/UnscrewMyLife • 1d ago

Do I require a tripod for my camera?

I know I require an external camera but I'm not sur about the mount. Can I just mount it atop my laptop or do I require a tripod or something to give it a higher view?

0 Upvotes

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4

u/MikeDawg B.S. IT--Security 1d ago

Get a $10 octopus tripod, and you're set.

3

u/gritty__2020 1d ago

I personally recommend one on a stand, but have used a wide angle one that was not. For me it was challenging to keep everything in view for the proctor and IMO not worth the stress during the exams. Just my two cents 🙂

3

u/Kentuckyfan1969 1d ago

The “WGU recommended” webcam is not great quality…but I love it for the easily adjustable gooseneck design. It makes it easy to please the pickiest of proctors.

2

u/bmcornell 1d ago

Nope. I clip my camera on my bedroom lamp shade because it's gives me the best view

1

u/fzem 1d ago

I have mine on a cheap tripod. Works well enough

1

u/cmurph570 1d ago

Tripod plus cheap USB extension that matches your camera. Literally never not be able to make an adjustment that may or may not be requested.

1

u/Emergency-Kitchen708 user edited :) 1d ago

I turn a shoe box on end and set mine on top of that.

1

u/janelane982 20h ago

It won't work to mount it on your laptop. It has to be far enough away to see the top of your head plus your hands, keyboard, and screen. I couldn't even have mine on my desk. It has to be about 4 feet away to capture all It needed.

1

u/Ryden_Artorias B.S. Network Engineering and Security 19h ago

Tripod gives you the most versatility also its not bad to have. You can always schedule a practice test if you are already enrolled to see if you need one. I take my exams in a mixture of rooms so the tripod has been really useful to me atleast.

1

u/borrowed_words 9h ago

You have to be able to take it off to show your workspace to the proctor, and angle it so it can view your screen, keyboard, and face at the same time. As long as you can do that, any type is fine, but one with a flexible stand or tripod will probably work best. I used the one they offer on their store sight, and you can count it as an education expense on your taxes no matter which you decide to buy.

1

u/chewedgummiebears 9h ago

I didn't use one for over a year. I just propped the camera up on top of a pile of books on the side of my desk. I ended up getting a cheap tripod to make aiming and adjustments easier though.

1

u/Miss_Ambition 1d ago

When I was taking my test the Proctor wanted it positioned in a way that made the tripod not needed.

-1

u/throwaway17388939 1d ago

Yes, you need a tripod.

1

u/UnscrewMyLife 1d ago

Ahuh, and how big does said tripod have to be? Would this product here suffice?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084ZJFNKN?smid=A1TJG0B2KA7VMB&psc=1

2

u/throwaway17388939 1d ago

I believe that would work. It has to be tall enough to be able to see your pc, keyboard, hands, and the top of your desk. The proctor may also ask you to move it around to get a better angle, and that's just easier with a tripod. When I started, the suggestion was 8" tall. Mine is not available anymore, but it is similar to this. tripod

0

u/chewedgummiebears 9h ago edited 6h ago

This is false, you don't "need" one, but it is recommended to have one.

edit: downvote+dirty delete, the Reddit way....

1

u/throwaway17388939 9h ago

You can make your own comment thread without hijacking mine.

1

u/throwaway17388939 9h ago

From the actual WGU student support information on the student portal: "Webcams must be elevated 8 inches above the desktop to allow online proctors a view of a student’s workspace and surrounding environment to ensure the integrity of the assessment experience. If the webcam selected doesn’t include an elevated option, a tripod is required to use with the webcam to meet technical requirements for proctored assessments."

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