new policy: LockDown Browser for all ECampus tests

As of this morning, all ECampus tests must be taken using the LockDown Browser.

The purpose of this browser is to block access to other apps, internet searches, etc during the test. Teams is included in this blocking and must be closed. Instead of being in the exam room meeting for traditional proctoring (supervision, ability to ask me questions), you will be asked to turn on your camera while in the LockDown Browser; you will be recorded during the test and those recordings will be available to me.

Here is a written overview from the college:

"Using Respondus LockDown Browser

Before writing your Final Exam, you will need to download the Lockdown Browser software to your device if you are taking the exam from home. If you are taking the exam in a classroom on campus, Lockdown Browser will already be installed on your computer. Respondus Lockdown Browser is a software that helps prevent cheating on exams. How Respondus LockDown Browser Works:

• Assessments are displayed full-screen and cannot be minimized

• Browser menu and toolbar options are removed, except for Back, Forward, Refresh and Stop

• Prevents access to other applications including messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines, and remote desktops

• Printing and screen capture functions are disabled

• Copying and pasting anything to or from an assessment is prevented

• Right-click menu options, function keys, keyboard shortcuts and task switching are disabled

• An assessment cannot be exited until the student submits it for grading

• Assessments that are set up for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with other browsers

Download Instructions

• Go to the “ Lockdown Browser Practice Quiz”

• You will see the message "Respondus LockDown Browser is required for this exam."

• Below this will appear a "Download LockDown Browser" link. Click the button to go to the download page and then follow the instructions

• Download Respondus LockDown Browser to your computer; follow the installation instructions

• Return to the Quiz page on your course (it may still be open in another tab)

• Select "Launch LockDown Browser"

• The quiz will now start

Note: LockDown Browser only needs to be installed once to a computer or device. It will start automatically from that point forward when a quiz requires it. When taking an online exam through Lockdown Browser, follow these guidelines:

• Make sure you are not on MS Teams. Lockdown Browser will not allow any other applications to run, so it will automatically close any other apps you have open, including Teams

• LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted"

And here is a video introduction from the browser developers: