Respondus Ipad
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor’s iPad edition enables students to take exams that require this tool on an iPad, but faculty need to enable this setting individually for each exam they assess.
For optimal use of this app, students must download it from iTunes and enable iPad’s “Guided Access” feature, which requires entering a four-digit passcode to exit at the conclusion of an assessment. This feature prevents students from copying text or accessing other applications or websites during assessments.
1. Accessibility
Respondus LockDown browser is a customized web browser designed to enhance the security of online testing in Blackboard. When students take tests with Respondus LockDown browser installed on their computers, they are prevented from printing, copying, switching URLs or closing assessments until their assessment has been submitted for grading. Students can download this software from either their college or university’s technology resource website or student software portal and it must be used only on computers assigned directly to each student.
Respondus LockDown browser tests require students to enter a four-digit passcode before beginning any quiz or exam; once started, this passcode cannot be altered once started. Furthermore, iPad versions of Respondus have a Guided Access feature which restricts what apps may be used during an examination to only those installed on that particular device.
LockDown Browser App on an iPad can be an excellent solution for students with disabilities who find navigating keyboard and mouse difficult. The iPad’s touchscreen makes the software accessible, while its system mute feature helps students stay focused during exams without distraction.
The software is compatible with numerous assistive technologies, including screen readers NVDA and Microsoft Windows Narrator, as well as VoiceOver on iPad. You can download an iPad version of this software from Apple App Store.
Instructors wishing to use iPads with Respondus browser and monitor should select “Require Respondus Lockdown Browser for this Exam,” thus restricting student ability to copy/paste, screenshot or access other programs during an examination. It is important that students know they will need special software prior to an exam that requires Respondus browser; providing low-stakes practice quizzes may help.
2. Convenience
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor helps instructors prevent cheating during proctored online exams by automating remote proctoring. The software enables instructors to view students taking an exam by connecting to their webcam and also prevents printing, copying, going to another URL or opening other applications during testing; additionally it prevents students from using mobile devices as cheating devices during exams.
Respondus LockDown Browser’s iPad Edition (available on the App Store) enables students to use an iPad for taking online quizzes that require LockDown Browser; instructors simply need to choose an exam setting which permits students to utilize an iPad; this app does not work with Sakai LMS or Pearson MyLab exams.
Before taking a quiz or exam using Respondus, be sure to install the correct version and have access to a stable internet connection; an Ethernet connection offers greater stability. Furthermore, ensure your device has all its updates installed as well as any accessibility software such as screen readers or voice-to-text software.
Before commencing with a quiz/exam on your tablet computer, the system mute function must first be disabled. You will also need to launch LockDown Browser from within your course and close it after each quiz/exam has taken place. In case of technical difficulties, troubleshooting suggestions from Respondus Technical Support Knowledgebase or Help Desk should be utilized as necessary.
As an alternative to online proctoring, consider more flexible assessment options such as group projects or low stakes take-home exams that do not require a dedicated space for test taking and may provide more accurate portrayals of student learning under conditions of social distancing or disruptions.
3. Security
Respondus LockDown Browser creates a safe testing environment within Blackboard by restricting students from printing, copying, navigating to another URL, taking screen shots or accessing other applications during an assessment. It works alongside the Internet Explorer (Windows) or Safari (Mac) software already present on each computer – with Respondus LockDown Browser not being downloaded separately but automatically installed when taking an exam that requires it.
Respondus Monitor not only locks down browsers but also prevents students from closing or exiting exams before it has been submitted for grading. Instructors can set a password that students must enter to close or exit an exam; this feature is especially beneficial in proctored environments, providing another level of security and guaranteeing that tests cannot be modified or falsified by students.
When an exam becomes difficult or students experience internet connection problems during an exam, LockDown Browser allows students to perform a system and network check that should provide instantaneous information about what may have gone wrong. They should then immediately email their instructor to inform them what has occurred and plan for further attempts at taking the exam later.
LockDown Browser for iPad can be used with screen reader accessibility programs like VoiceOver on Mac or JAWS on Windows to provide accessibility support for students who require it, enabling those in need of this type of assistance to take exams that require Respondus Monitor/Lockdown Browser software. Nevertheless, an instructor must first activate a setting which permits this type of access prior to an iPad being used with this tool; please see this Accessibility Knowledgebase article for further details.
To avoid technical difficulties during an online exam, students should practice taking quizzes that require Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor on personal machines outside a lab environment. They should also ensure their webcam and microphone are functioning as intended and have installed the latest Adobe Flash Player on their devices.
4. Mobility
Before beginning an online exam using Respondus Monitor or LockDown Browser, it is crucial that your Internet connection remains stable. Any interruption could prevent you from saving answers, progressing further through questions, submitting or exiting. We advise using an Ethernet connection in order to reduce service disruption; additionally it may be beneficial if applications not used during taking the exam such as instant messaging programs are closed out beforehand (e.g. Respondus or Canvas).
Respondus Browser app for iPad is now available on Apple App Store and you can then access exams on WebCampus that require this technology. If your instructor has made iPad option available for a particular quiz, this option will appear on its exam page within Canvas for selection.
As long as the Respondus Monitor/LockDown Browser app is installed and you are signed in with a UWF account, taking exams or quizzes can also be completed on PC or Mac laptops. Please refer to your instructor for guidance in installing and using the software; alternatively you may find instructions and resources on the Respondus Website.
Nota Bene: Faculty wishing to use Respondus Monitor must obtain approval from their Dean’s office first before deploying an exam that requires its use. For more information and an in-depth video overview of Respondus Monitor, visit their website.
ITS offers Respondus test software as part of both online courses and face-to-face classes, and offers live and online training sessions for faculty and students on its Respondus Webinar Training Site. If you would like a webinar session specific to you please complete an online request form; otherwise ITS will notify if any open spaces become available; for additional inquiries about Respondus or training opportunities please email ITS.