Respondus Lockdown Browser Plus Webcam
Respondus Lockdown Browser exams require students to use a computer with a functional webcam; its software will record video footage of their exam as well as of their surroundings for review by teachers afterward.
Any suspicious movements of the head or eye, or leaving the testing environment can be flagged as potential attempts at cheating and assist instructors in verifying students identities while upholding remote proctoring’s integrity.
Features
Respondus Lockdown Browser Plus Webcam is a third-party tool designed to reduce cheating during online quizzes or tests in Canvas and Blackboard. Respondus works in an identical fashion on both platforms and requires students to use a computer instead of mobile devices when taking part. Once they log into one of Respondus-enabled tests, they won’t be able to print, save, take screenshots, access other websites/apps or chat with anyone outside Respondus’ boundaries.
This software uses a webcam on a computer to record users during an exam session, enabling instructors to review any suspicious behavior that emerges and red-flag any students exhibiting it. Furthermore, eye movement monitoring ensures students remain on task during testing – any instances of eye movements away from the screen are considered cheating and red flagged accordingly.
Additionally, this tool disables browser function keys and menu options to prevent students from copying or pasting to and from assessments. Furthermore, the program blocks screen-sharing apps, messaging services, network monitoring apps virtual machines or any other applications that might enable cheating.
Even with these safeguards in place, some students may still find ways to bypass restrictions and cheat during online assessments. One tactic could be using virtualization software such as VMware to run another operating system on the same computer – and then using that OS for research on tests locked down using Respondus.
One way around restrictions is using multiple MAC addresses on each computer and then another one for the application that is being restricted with Respondus.
When using Respondus for quizzing or testing, instructors should recommend creating a practice exam with identical questions and settings so students can test their browser and identify any issues before taking the actual assessment. A zero-point practice exam should be created at least a week in advance of taking an official graded assessment test; students should have access to unlimited attempts on this ungraded practice test to properly troubleshoot any browser-related problems before sitting a graded one.
Benefits
Respondus Lockdown Browser Plus Webcam enables instructors to remotely proctor online assessments by remotely controlling students’ screens, webcams, microphones, and test takers during exams. It detects suspicious activities which might indicate cheating before providing a report back to instructors after tests are over; in addition, Respondus Track Eye Movement software monitors eye movements to assess whether students are focused on taking the test or not.
While Respondus software reduces cheating during an assessment, it has its own drawbacks. First of all, it encroaches heavily upon student privacy and may increase anxiety for those already having difficulty taking tests. Furthermore, its technology relies heavily on decisions that are susceptible to error; some students have even discovered ways around Respondus exams entirely!
One way to bypass Respondus software is to create a second MAC user on the same computer and allow it access to the internet; Respondus will think that device is connecting instead. You could also try creating a virtual machine with an edited registry, like VMware Fusion, Oracle VM or MS Dreamspark; all are great ways of running multiple operating systems from one PC – including Windows 8.
Unother effective method to beat Respondus lockdown browser restrictions is changing your MAC address on your computer. This can be achieved by creating a separate user account with the same MAC address assigned as your primary device or using virtual machines as a way around these restrictions. Both Windows and Mac versions of Respondus Lockdown Browser software offer solutions.
Respondus browser restricts the functionality of student computers during online assessments to prevent cheating. It works by disabling toolbar options, browser menu, function keys and access to other applications on a computer, as well as prohibiting copy and pasting information during an assessment as well as barring messaging apps, network monitoring tools or virtual machines from running simultaneously with an assessment session.
Limitations
Respondus Lockdown Browser Plus Webcam is an effective proctoring software for online exams and quizzes; however, it has some drawbacks. Mobile devices may not work effectively with Respondus Lockdown Browser Plus Webcam; furthermore, students could employ various techniques to cheat during an exam such as running multiple operating systems simultaneously on one device, searching online databases for answers during an examination, taking pictures of the screen during exams to share them with friends, etc.
To prevent cheating, students should ensure the testing environment is well-lit and free from distractions, and refrain from wearing hats, scarves or glasses that cover their faces during exams. Furthermore, they should refrain from standing from their seat during an exam as this could trigger a flag that disqualifies them; additionally they must not take notes during testing nor share them with others; finally students should not consume food or beverages during an examination period.
Respondus LDB and Webcam Monitoring provides more than just standard features; instructors can use its application for additional proctoring needs such as photo ID checks, environment checks (to ensure textbooks and phones are not nearby) or audio/video checks to verify student identities and monitor classroom activities. It even records student activity and flags any suspicious behaviors for faculty review!
As more students pursue higher education remotely, secure and fair proctoring systems become increasingly important. Many universities are turning to Respondus LDB and Webcam Monitoring systems as an anti-cheat measure on online exams; although it can help deter cheating; students still may find ways to cheat when taking online exams.
Respondus LDB is designed to prevent students from printing, copying, accessing other applications or visiting other websites during tests. Furthermore, its webcam monitors student behavior and flags any suspicious activities for faculty review. In order to use it effectively, students must log into their online course and launch a test that requires the Respondus LDB before following prompts to download a browser and connect their webcam.
Pricing
Respondus Lockdown Browser and Webcam is an invaluable tool designed to prevent cheating during online exams by temporarily disabling certain functions on a student computer. It restricts access to desktop features, documents and applications that could facilitate academic dishonesty during Bb Learn and Canvas assessments, while simultaneously recording facial movement to facilitate remote proctoring – acting like a virtual proctor in order to ensure an appropriate environment for taking assessments.
Webcam features can record students, with facial recognition software analyzing pupil placement and eye movement to detect any suspicious activity. After creating a report for instructor review, emailed to instructor by webcam feature and then generated as report email for instructor use to review students recording or take any necessary actions against it. Bb Learn and Canvas exams both can use this software with open book tests in open format as well.
For optimal results, students should sit in a well-lit room and avoid wearing hats with brims during testing. Furthermore, their device must be placed on a stable surface such as a desk or table so they cannot adjust its tilt themselves during this test. Finally, no clothing should cover their entire body or anything near their device that could block or cover its camera lens.
As an instructor using the software, you can access reports by visiting your class in Canvas and selecting the arrow next to the quiz you would like to review. Reports contain a list of students with their review priority ranging from High to Medium or Low; higher priority indicates more likely behavior during assessment with thumbnail-sized highlights of specific moments where possible violations occurred during testing.
For additional assistance with Respondus Monitor, please visit the UT Online Help site and check the FAQ page. Additionally, for any further queries you can submit a support ticket.