Lockdown Browser With Monitor
Respondus Monitor uses Browser Lockdown for remote proctored exams that prevent students from printing, copying or accessing other apps or websites on their computers during an exam session. It prevents students from printing copies for printing purposes or from accessing third party applications or websites that could provide distractions during testing.
Students have reported feeling uncertain when using the program and have reported test anxiety as a result. But are their worries justified?
Security
Canvas provides instructors with several essential proctoring tools. While its lockdown browser and monitor feature is one of the mainstays for proctoring exams online, limiting students’ access to other programs and devices while taking an exam, it cannot prevent all forms of academic dishonesty – for instance by using screen sharing apps such as Skype for communicating or searching while their computers are locked down; also many students use multiple monitors and screens while taking online exams allowing for potential cheating attempts and academic dishonesty.
To ensure students can use Monitor effectively for online exams, it is imperative that they possess a fully functioning computer running Chrome (UNG login required) on which all necessary utilities have been disabled and any anti-virus protection software disabled before beginning an exam with Monitor. For best results, students should also ensure their Internet connection meets minimum speed standards – either wired or WiFi with high speed Internet is suitable; mobile hotspots may not provide reliable enough bandwidth for use of Monitor. Finally, prior to taking their test with Monitor students should make sure all other utilities on their computers have been disabled and any virus protection software disabled prior to using Monitor tests online exams with Monitor.
Instructors should include a note in quizzes that require Monitor explaining its purpose for an online exam. A practice quiz that uses LockDown Browser with Monitor could allow students to become acquainted with using it before sitting the actual test, and check their computers are compatible.
Instructors should make sure their students have up-to-date laptops running the latest version of Chrome and ensure they know how to use the keyboard and mouse effectively in order to be successful during an online exam, especially timed assessments that require typing quickly. Furthermore, students should turn off any noises on their computers that might disturb or divert them from doing their work effectively.
Students should be directed to the Respondus LockDown Browser (Student Guide) located within the HuskyCT Institution Page’s Useful Links for Students section for information about and installation of this tool on their computers. The site includes instructions and a download link so students can obtain this free software.
Accessibility
Students have expressed displeasure with being forced to use lockdown programs during exams, with some even reporting issues with their computers due to being required for some classes. According to NC State subreddit reports, students have complained of lockdown programs not supporting certain functions on their computers or locking them out, invading privacy, causing anxiety or simply becoming intrusive programs that invade privacy. Professors are listening but seem stuck with using it regardless, at least for courses requiring remote proctoring.
However, there are ways around these programs’ issues. Downloading Respondus Monitor for free from the internet may only provide temporary relief; another alternative would be visiting a DELTA Testing Center or taking their exam at an approved off-campus location where connectivity issues do not present a threat.
Lockdown Browser and Monitor provides a test-taking environment in which students cannot print, copy, navigate to another URL or open other programs on their computers during a quiz/exam, which helps prevent cheating in a classroom or lab setting. In addition, instructors can monitor student activity during online assessments in order to ensure fair testing conditions are being observed.
Not only is the software compatible with PCs and Macs, it is also accessible to students using screen readers or magnifiers. The browser works with most screen reading programs – JAWS and Window-Eyes among them – as well as Apple’s standard magnifying software VoiceOver on Mac OS and iOS, respectively. Furthermore, Kurzweil ReadTheWeb extension for Windows will be implemented eventually and vice versa for Mac.
Faculty and staff should carefully consider how these tools will affect accessibility for their students prior to including them in courses. Inclusion should also include informing their students on any limitations of Respondus products where used; these could include Course Information, Syllabus or Learning Modules that require their use. Furthermore, if planning on including Respondus Monitor or Lockdown Browser in assessments it would be beneficial if an informal quiz were given beforehand so students become acquainted with these tools.
Convenience
Respondus Monitor, an online proctoring software solution, utilizes a student’s laptop camera to identify them during exams and prevent cheat sheets or other tools from being used during them. Although not a foolproof solution, Respondus Monitor has proven itself effective at significantly decreasing student cheating incidents during an online exam; although students may still find ways to cheat without Respondus monitor’s presence; browser lockdowns provide another effective means of curbing cheating incidents during tests.
Students may find the program frustrating, but it is essential to remember its purpose – protecting the integrity of online exams – at any cost. While students may see this browser as an intrusion of privacy during exams and not regular class activities.
Students frequently express frustration that the lockdown browser prevents them from using their computer for other purposes during exams, limiting their use to just taking exams. As an example, they might need to leave the room to wash their hands or visit the restroom – this may impede performance; however, the TLT team is happy to consult with faculty on ways to mitigate these concerns.
Remind students that the lockdown browser is distinct from their regular browser, and that they must log into Canvas using this application in order to take a test. This may cause confusion for those using Blackboard Course Copy to move tests but then fail to import Respondus Browser and Monitor settings when moving tests; for more information regarding how they can download and use this application visit myMason’s Respondus Tools module for a self-paced training video.
Instructors should consider giving their students a practice test several days prior to taking their first real exam, to get acquainted with the software and ensure a working computer and internet connection are in place before taking a high stakes test. In addition, this provides them with an opportunity to work with either IU or Respondus support if any issues arise before their examination date.
Time Management
Lockdown Browser with Monitor is a proctoring tool that requires students to use a web camera on their computer to record themselves while taking an exam online. It adds extra protection by restricting students from accessing other websites or programs during an examination, giving additional confidence that online exams are being taken in a secure, monitored environment. When used together with Respondus 4.0, this provides a fully remote, automatically proctored testing experience more reliable than “walk-in” approaches for in-person proctored exams.
Students taking quizzes that require Respondus Lockdown Browser should install it well ahead of the test or exam. Furthermore, an ungraded practice quiz in Canvas should be created so they can test out their system and installation before embarking on graded quizzes or exams. In addition, follow any instructions from instructors regarding setting up and testing their webcams as well as text-to-speech software (if applicable).
Instructors should include information about Lockdown Browser in their syllabus, including its purpose and technological requirements for use. Students utilizing this software need a full computer; iPads do not support its use. Instructors should include a link to Respondus Lockdown Browser’s website in their course’s navigation for students having difficulties installing this program.
Instructors creating quizzes that require Lockdown Browser should add a note that specifies it must also be enabled with Monitor in order to be fully proctored. They must ensure that when making changes to Test Options settings for opening quizzes in new windows, no restart of Lockdown browser software is required – as this would interfere with Monitor proctoring capabilities. Instructors should review this page’s FAQs about Lockdown Browser and Monitor with students, before reviewing their Respondus Lockdown Browser Dashboard regularly to make sure any tests that require Lockdown Browser/Monitor still require it – this can be accomplished by viewing all tests within a course and viewing “Requires Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor.