Lockdown Exam
Many students have had professors mandate the use of Respondus Monitor or Lockdown Browser during exams. These tools prevent students from printing, copying, accessing other applications on the computer, visiting different websites and performing any number of other functions that would potentially interfere with performance on an exam.
These tools are used to monitor online exams by restricting desktop features, web searches, apps and other functions that could promote academic dishonesty during an assessment.
Preparing for the Exam
Respondus Monitor, the online proctoring tool which works in combination with LockDown Browser to prevent cheating during exams, will likely be available via the course navigation. If you require Respondus Monitor as part of an exam that requires its use, make sure to install and use Respondus Monitor prior to the quiz or exam (if possible) so you become acquainted with its tools as well as any issues or potential hurdles so they can be addressed before your actual exam takes place.
As soon as you click on the link, a new window will open prompting you to login with MyFSU credentials, enter an exam passphrase and agree to terms of use and privacy policies – failure to do so means an online proctor won’t be able to see your screen and therefore prevents you from taking the exam.
Your computer will also prompt you to close any programs running simultaneously on it, if needed. For any questions on the process or assistance from your instructor. It is highly advised that Chromebooks or devices with Linux operating systems not be used when taking an exam that requires using the Lockdown Browser.
Once you have successfully logged in and opened an exam, it is crucial that all other programs on your computer – including browser tabs, keyboard shortcuts and desktop applications – are closed down. Clear away any distracting materials from your desk and follow any additional testing procedures or instructions provided by your instructor for this particular exam. These should be clearly detailed in the navigation for each exam and could include information such as how to set up an approved webcam, where and when to take the exam and when to exit. You can access this information in the course navigation for each exam by clicking on its action icon on its right.
Taking the Exam
With online and computer-based testing becoming more prevalent, there is an urgent need to safeguard against exam fraud. One approach is using a lockdown browser which monitors examinee’s on-screen activity while restricting other browser tabs, desktop applications, screen capture software, keyboard shortcuts and keyboard shortcuts from being used by examinee. In addition, many modern proctoring tools exist which offer additional services like verifying examinee identity as well as audio/video proctoring, recording testing sessions etc.
Students requiring Lockdown Browser for their test or quiz need to follow these steps:
Before commencing a test, they must first verify they have the latest version of the tool installed on their computer and close all unnecessary programs/applications (with exception to their regular browser) prior to commencing eduroam wireless or wired Ethernet connection test.
Once they are equipped properly, students can access Canvas and find the test or quiz they are to take in their browser. If their instructor requires them to enter a password before clicking “Begin Exam.” Once an exam begins, students cannot leave RLDB until it has been submitted for grading.
Some tests require the use of webcams, which can be easily recorded with Respondus Monitor. When this occurs, they’ll be stored on each student device and can then be viewed by instructors remotely.
If a webcam exam requires students, they must ensure their camera and microphone are functioning as intended and that there is a strong Internet connection; they should use an Ethernet connection instead of wireless or laptop connect card networks, and not utilize mobile hotspots during the exam period.
Before any graded exams, it is a good idea for students to complete an ungraded practice exam that requires using both browser and Monitor, just so they are familiar with the process. Instructors can do this by creating a nongraded quiz in their course with unlimited attempts available throughout their class time – this will help ease transitioning students smoothly into using a new tool.
Closing the Exam
Once a student has successfully passed their exam, they can use the red X in the corner of their browser window (Note: for Mac users this appears as “Force Quit”) to close Respondus Lockdown Browser and return to Canvas where they will see instructions for taking another assessment attempt.
If the exam requires a Student Photo, students can click “Take Picture (D)” and follow the prompts to upload a well-lit, clear shot that clearly shows their face. They may be required to retake it if their first attempt doesn’t meet requirements.
Browser lockdown is an inexpensive, basic proctoring solution that may prevent some forms of cheating online exams; however, it isn’t the safest or most efficient means of proctoring them. Browser lockdown has the potential for computer breakdowns and hacker attacks and doesn’t always fully invigilate an examination; rather, it only monitors on-screen activities on student’s primary device and prevents using paper notes, other devices, or collaborating with others in the room.
Respondus Monitor, available through OIT’s website, is an effective way of invigilating an exam by combining it with lockdown browser. Respondus allows instructors to view video recordings and data that could detect suspicious activity such as students leaving their seats during exams or someone entering into frame of their webcams.
Proctoring exams involves periodically checking Respondus Monitor updates to ensure it has the latest security and performance features. To do this, check for Respondus Monitor updates using LockDown Browser toolbar’s Help Center button (which looks like an “i” with a circle), to give a quick overview of an update’s status before giving students access to it if it becomes available; in such instances it is recommended they install their updated version prior to scheduled exam times.
Exiting the Exam
Before leaving an exam, be sure to click “Submit” so your answers are submitted for grading. If for some reason you are unable to submit, contact your instructor immediately – in some instances they may grant an extension on your test date.
Keep in mind that using LockDown Browser during an exam prevents accessing other websites or applications, prevents printing/copying during tests, or exiting LockDown Browser until after your exam has been submitted and graded. Furthermore, for optimal performance it is advised that you maintain a stable Internet connection when taking online exams; using an Ethernet cable or plugging into a router when possible will help lessen chances of any interruption during an exam session.
If a technical issue prevents you from taking an exam successfully, immediately notify the instructor as they may be able to extend or provide further instructions regarding how you should proceed. If this fails to help resolve the problem on its own, contact the Service Desk so they can document your issue and issue you with an incident number for sharing with your instructor.
Contacting the Service Desk can be accomplished at either x3-3080 or by clicking below. In addition to calling, try restarting your browser and moving to an area with better Internet connections. For iPad users, check system requirements to make sure you are using an approved version of their app and using it correctly.
Instructors can assign the Respondus Lockdown Browser Tool to any test in their course by clicking on the small arrow next to its name and selecting Require Respondus Lockdown Browser from the drop-down menu. You can also opt for “Lock Students Into Browser Until Exam is Complete”, which requires students provide a valid reason if they leave before it has completed.