1. What is Repondus LockDown Browser?
Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within the Brightspace learning management system. It prevents students from accessing other applications including messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines, remote desktops, and other websites during an online test or exam.
2. What is Respondus Monitor?
Respondus Monitor builds upon the Respondus LockDown Browser, using a student’s webcam and video analytics to monitor activity during an Avenue to Learn Quiz.
3. Do I really need to use proctoring?
Unless a proctored assessment is a requirement for a professional certification, you should consider alternate assessments or, if you rely on quizzes and tests, refer to our Guide to Tests and Exams Using Avenue to Learn on how you can configure tests and quizzes to increase fidelity without having to use a proctoring technology. We don’t recommend using proctoring for low enrolment classes or multiple-choice exams easily delivered and graded within Avenue to Learn.
4. How do I activate Respondus LockDown Browser in my Avenue course?
Check out the step-by-step process on the Avenue to Learn Knowledge Base. Alternatively, you can submit a request with Avenue support ticketing system and answer the questions in the automatic response.
5. How should I communicate my intent to use online proctoring to my students?
You should include a statement as to your rationale and use of online proctoring in your course syllabus. If you haven’t done so, make sure it is announced to your students (e.g., posting using the Announcements Tool in Avenue) and direct your students to the Student FAQ on online proctoring on the Student Success Centre website (under Personalized Support).
6. Can my students opt-out of a test that uses Respondus?
Only students who have registered for academic accommodation with Student Accessibility Services can have an alternate version of the test with Respondus. As an instructor, you can choose the have an alternate version ready for students who may have technical problems on the day of the test, but it is not required that the instructor provide this. Students should be made aware at the beginning of the course that there can be the use of an online proctoring tool and its technical requirements (e.g. Windows/Mac/iPad and camera). If this requirement is included in the course outline, students are expected ted to comply.
7. How will I instruct students on how to use Respondus?
You should create a short practice test using the Avenue to Learn quizzing tool and enable either Respondus LockDown Browser, or Respondus Monitor, dependent on what you have planned to use for the proctored test. This practice quiz can be very brief (1-3 questions) as a required activity prior to the actual proctored test. Doing this prior to the high-stakes test will ensure there is time to troubleshoot technical issues.
8. What do I need to consider when scheduling my quiz/exam?
You should schedule and communicate the date/time well in advance. When configuring your quiz in Avenue to Learn, you should include when and how long the assessment will be open. You should also consider how to account for various time zones and may need to build in accommodations around this.
9. What documentation will be used to authenticate students?
McMaster University ID cards are recommended as they verify ID, but do not share more sensitive personally identifying information. Other forms of ID are less secure but also accepted.
10. How do I configure additional tests that use Respondus for accommodation?
As with any quiz requiring accommodation you can create distinct Quizzes in Avenue to Learn (with or without the same question configurations) with different Respondus settings.
11. Can an instructor run two or more separate Respondus tests at the same time?
Yes – and each test can have their own unique Respondus configuration features.
12. What should I do if there are issues that prompt follow-up (e.g., if Respondus flags a concern)?
It is up to you as an instructor. If you feel it is worth following up and want to proceed, we recommend you first have a conversation with your student, and if warranted, connect with the Office of Academic Integrity about how to best move forward.
13. How would I deal with students who experience unexpected technical/connection issues?
Prior to any online test you should let students know that they need to contact you immediately to report any technical/connection issues. Both students and instructors are also able to access Respondus technical assistance via their live chat feature within the application (available 24/7) or visit the Respondus Support page. Students and instructors can also contact the Avenue to Learn service desk here and it will be addressed as soon as business hours permit.
14. Can we use Respondus Monitor only?
LockDown Browser is the base level. You cannot configure a quiz with only Respondus Monitor – it must also incorporate LockDown Browser.
15. How do I access the Respondus Monitor class results?
Once your students have completed the exam you can access results from your Respondus Dashboard.
16. Is there a Student FAQ?
Student Success Centre has posted a Student FAQ (under Personalized Support).
17. What accessibility features are included in Respondus LockDown Brower and Respondus Monitor?
LockDown Browser – The Mac and the iPad version of LockDown Browser works with VoiceOver (screen reader that comes with the Mac OS and iOS). Note that you have to opt-in to iPad use in the LockDown Browser configuration, under Advanced Settings.
The Windows version of LockDown Browser allows students to use some screen reader programs, such as JAWS and Windows-Eyes. *Note* Avenue to Learn’s tools and content are accessible.
Respondus Monitor – Inserts HTML pages called the “Startup Sequence” which performs a webcam check and other options determined by the instructor. The HTML pages are supportive of assistive technologies compatible with web browsers, including input magnification and screen reader technologies