Academic software for test taking
Respondus LockDown Browser is a free custom browser that locks almost the entire device to make sure that students take tests correctly. The browser may seem like an academic solution to dishonesty, however, students have still found out how to cheat with it. Respondus Monitor must access the device, webcam, and microphone for the student to take tests with the remote proctoring tool.
Alternatives to this Respondus LockDown Browser download are Honorlock and Proctorio. Students are limited to basic navigation actions. Honorlock and Proctorio are both Google Chrome browser extensions, whereas Respondus does not need Chrome to work.
What is Respondus LockDown Browser?
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor are online assessment tools that prevent students from accessing applications and websites, aside from the designated test. Test takers cannot use email and instant messaging services when the LockDown Browser is enabled, and documents and notes are not available either. The proctoring service blocks the right mouse click and function keystrokes. Even source codes are disabled.
This Respondus LockDown Browser download is available for school and home settings. The academic program is often used as a remote tool when students must take tests from home. It also integrates into Learning Management Systems, such as Canvas, Moodle, Schoology, and Sakai. Students need to install this Respondus LockDown Browser download and then log into the LMS.
Does Respondus LockDown Browser record you?
Remote proctoring software is invasive to personal privacy since your webcam and microphone must be turned on to record footage when you take exams. The program requires you to show your environment with your webcam in a virtual tour. The recording gets stored to let the teacher review your actions. The technology goes insofar as to make assumptive decisions as to whether the test takers are being honest.
Respondus LockDown Browser goes further than just locking, monitoring, and recording the test-taking session since the Artificial Intelligence flags behaviors that it considers inappropriate. The ethics of technology is questionable since the livelihood of academic careers can rely on the output of what technology deems as suitable.
What does Respondus LockDown Browser see?
While Respondus LockDown Browser replaces the need for human proctors during exams, the software can see much more than what a person can. Since the Respondus Monitor has control over the webcam and microphone, the program blatantly invades student privacy.
The software takes control of the screen, webcam, and microphone to proctor exams. The Respondus Browser can see both the virtual content on your device and your physical surroundings in the room.
How does LockDown Browser detect cheating?
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor notes whether the recorded behavior indicates cheating or not. The service delivers reports to the teachers with a low, medium, or high visual rating status.
Teachers can watch the recording in addition to the Respondus AI, which further intrudes on privacy standards that students should be subject to. The remote proctoring model enforces students to prove their trustworthiness. However, test takers have even figured out how to cheat on Respondus LockDown Browser, which reveals the potential flaws that the system can have.
This student download of Respondus LockDown Browser produces a rigid test-taking environment that does not encourage ease. Tests and exams are already sources of anxiety for certain students. This program exacerbates that stress by invading privacy and relying on technology to make decisions. Luckily, teachers can review the feedback to overwrite the marks that Respondus made.
Does Respondus Monitor track eye movement?
Respondus Monitor employs an eye movement tracking technology that detects and flags repeated eye movements. Using your webcam, it keeps track of noticeable changes in your facial expression. The system requires you to focus on your test and avoid unnecessary head and eye movements that can be taken as a form of cheating.
Invasive to student privacy
While schools often implement the Respondus Browser and Monitor with positive intentions, the technology oversteps the privacy boundaries that students have. The browser and monitor track gestures, eye movements, sounds, and beyond. The footage gets rated based on what the tech deems to be appropriate or not.
