DoIT Alerts

As technology continues to advance, traditional classroom practices are enhanced with technologies. In-class assessments that used to take up valuable time are often administered through Blackboard, allowing for more efficient use of class time. However, while at-home activities have their benefits, they can be compromised by various internet resources like Chegg, CourseHero, and ChatGPT, which may help students misrepresent their academic abilities.

Respondus Lockdown Browser (RLDB) is a tool designed to reduce students' opportunities for academic misconduct during assessments, including high-stakes testing offered through Blackboard. The application disables a test taker's computer from performing certain actions, including taking screenshots, opening additional web pages or search engines, accessing particular network traffic, and generally restricting the opportunities for students to receive outside help.

RLDB can also operate in conjunction with Respondus Monitor, which leverages an end user's computer camera and AI for real-time proctoring. Monitor can be viewed live by the instructor through a web conferencing platform, or the system records the student taking the test so the instructor can view later.

There are four simple steps to take to turn on the Lockdown Browser:

1. Create the assessment, whether test or assignment
2. Enable the settings via the Respondus Lockdown Browser dashboard for the specific assessment
3. Select Respondus Lockdown Browser for the assessment
4. Save the settings

Once enabled, the Blackboard assessment will require students to use LockDown Browser. They will need to download a specific installation of the Lockdown Browser that is unique to UMBC. NOTE: Despite rumors to the contrary, RLDB is not malware and Monitor is designed to safeguard users' privacy.

Depending on your course, students will access the quiz directly from Blackboard (Ultra) or the Lockdown Browser (Original). TIP: If your assessment requires students to write a lengthy response, the answer window can be enlarged.

Although they're not for everyone, the Respondus Tools can be a game-changer for instructors. Both of these tools help reduce the opportunity for cheating, in much the same way one walking around their classroom keeps students' eyes on their own tests. They are not, however, panacea, as students set on circumventing measures to support academic honesty will surely always find ways around one's best laid plans even and perhaps particularly in face-to-face settings. It is important to note, though, that both of these tools are supported by the UMBC's Division of Information Technology (DoIT).

In the lead-up to mid-term season, but also throughout the year, please remember that consulting and design support from DoIT staff are only an RT ticket away.

• More Information about Respondus Helps Curtail Cheating while Protecting Privacy

Respondus is offering free training webinars on the following tools: LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor.

See the dates, times and descriptions for each event below: Instructor Training: LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor Thursday, February 13 at 3 pm ET (12 pm PT) This comprehensive training webinar is intended for instructors who plan to use LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor with online exams. The session provides a detailed demonstration of both applications, including new enhancements that make Respondus Monitor even more effective and easy to use. Click here to register Instructor Training: LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor Tuesday, February 18 at 11 pm ET (8 pm PT) | Wednesday, February 19 at 04:00 UTC NOTE: Special time for institutions in Australia, Asia and surrounding regions, as well as an evening option for Pacific and Mountain Standard Times in the U.S. This comprehensive training webinar is intended for instructors who plan to use LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor with online exams. The session provides a detailed demonstration of both applications, including new enhancements that make Respondus Monitor even more effective and easy to use. Click here to register Instructor Training: LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor Wednesday, February 26 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT) This comprehensive training webinar is intended for instructors who plan to use LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor with online exams. The session provides a detailed demonstration of both applications, including new enhancements that make Respondus Monitor even more effective and easy to use. Click here to register Learn more about these free training webinars at https://web.respondus.com/webinars/.

• More Information about Sign Up for Free Training on Respondus Tools in February

Respondus is offering free training webinars on the following tools: LockDown Browser, Respondus Monitor,  and Respondus 4.

See the dates, times and descriptions for each event below: Instructor Training: LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor This comprehensive training webinar is intended for instructors who plan to use LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor with online exams. The session  provides a detailed demonstration of both applications, including new enhancements  that make Respondus Monitor even more effective and easy to use. Thursday, August 29 at 1 pm ET (10 am PT) Wednesday, September 11 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT) Tuesday, September 24 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT) Instructor Training: LockDown Browser Advanced Settings This in-depth training for LockDown Browser will focus on advanced settings and features  – such as how to use external websites, spreadsheets and online calculators with  LockDown Browser. The session will also include how students can use LockDown Browser  on different devices, such as an iPad, and best practices for instructors and students. The  webinar will include a Q&A period at the end. Wednesday, September 4 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT) Quickly Create Online Exams: Respondus 4 and the Test Bank Network Find out how Respondus 4 allows you to create and manage exams that can be printed  to paper or published directly to your LMS, and how the Test Bank Network enables  instructors to create online tests from official publisher test banks. Thursday, September 26 at 1 pm ET (10 am PT) Learn more about these free training webinars at  https://www.respondus.com/products/webinar/.

• More Information about Sign Up for Free Training on Respondus Tools in September