The other was to arrange proctoring with a testing company and travel to one of their centers. But that was inconvenient for many students - and, of course, impossible for soldiers in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

The device will cost Troy students $125, White said.

Richard Garrett, a senior research analyst at Eduventures who closely follows online learning, said he finds the technology promising, particularly for large companies trying to streamline a now-messy part of their operation.

``The great unknown is, 'Will it be seen as too invasive?''' he said.

Clearly, it won't be a good idea for everyone. Stephen Flavin, dean of corporate and professional education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, said his institution is always looking at new technologies, but recording students by camera ``would be probably pushing the boundary of our comfort level.''

White predicts some students will find it odd and even threatening, and may decide to drop out. ``I think there will be some people who won't take any more courses with us because they feel like during the test they're being watched,'' he said.

But he insists that's OK because it will improve the credibility of a Troy degree.

For Sandra Kinney, a state employee from Stockbridge, Ga., pursuing a master's in public administration and one of the students on Troy's trial run, having a camera in her home was no big deal. It was worth it not to have to drive to an exam center.

``For me in Atlanta, it outweighs sitting in two or three hours of traffic,'' she said.

Once, that traffic made her an hour late to an exam.

``At that point I was like, there's got to be a better way.'''

- Associated Press