Respondus

• Several proctoring services use a combination of video recording and machine learning/AI to detect potential cheating. Use of biometric technologies holds broad privacy implications and should not be used except where the service is provided through an authorized vendor.
• These products monitor individual students and behaviors using video and video analysis during a remote exam to preserve its integrity. Before using this software, instructors should notify students that they will be recorded. Use this language: “This program uses video recording or other personal information capture for the purpose of facilitating the course and/or test environment. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement with UCI, the data is used solely for this purpose and any vendor is prohibited from redisclosing this information. UCI also does not use the data for any other purpose. Students who wish to opt-out need to contact the Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning at 949-824-3291.”
• Instructors and staff should not use personal (i.e., non-University issued) devices to record classes.
• Recordings should be stored only on University-approved services (e.g., in the UCI YuJa or Zoom cloud storage, not in one’s personal Google account or anywhere else).
• Before recording begins, individuals should be informed that the session will be recorded.
• Instructors are encouraged to provide other means of participation for students who do not want to be recorded (e.g., participating in Zoom without video, submitting questions and comments through the chat function).
• Instructors should not require students who have placed a FERPA block on their directory information to use their name or their camera during class.
• Students who do not want their surroundings to be visible are encouraged to use Zoom’s virtual background feature, if feasible, or, if allowed by the instructor, to participate without video. Be mindful of others who may not wish to be visible or recorded in the background.

• Set up a practice quiz with unlimited attempts – Have students practice using Respondus before taking an actual exam. This is particularly important if using Respondus Monitor because it will assist students with checking their webcam, microphone and test environment. Encouraging students to use these same devices for the actual exam can help prevent any problems that may occur during exam time. Once students have taken a practice quiz you may want to review the video results to see if corrective actions are required for certain students (eg. poor lighting; the head isn’t positioned within the video frame, etc.)
• Help students feel supported by offering multiple ways to contact you or tech support while the test is being administered – Respondus provides a live chat help within LockDown Browser when using Respondus Monitor. Chat agents can assist students with pre-exam issues.

Helpful Resources for Students

• Student Quick Start Guide by Respondus
• Respondus Student Support  – Students can find known issues and support tickets
• UCI EdTech Respondus

Add Respondus description to your Syllabus to let your students know about Respondus and share important information and guidance to prepare. Below are the suggested statement for your syllabus. (sourced from the UCI Teach Anywhere Respondus website)

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Using LockDown Browser for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the optional webcam feature (which may be required for some exams).

Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=670114425

To take an online test, start LockDown Browser and navigate to the exam. (You won’t be able to access the exam with a standard web browser.) For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review this Student Quick Start Guide (PDF).

Finally, when taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

• Select a location where you won’t be interrupted
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you’ve allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don’t have them within reach
• Clear your area of all external materials — books, papers, other computers, or devices
• Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test

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.

Respondus Monitor flags suspicious behavior by using advanced data analysis to determine which exam sessions require the greatest level of attention. After your students complete an exam, you can view any behavior flags by clicking on the gray downward arrow box next to the exam and selecting “Class Results.” You will then be provided a class roster with summary data. You can watch videos marked as high priority and view flagged behaviors. Read the Understanding Proctoring Results guide to learn more.

Keep in mind:

• Flags aren’t cheating – Flags identify suspicious activities, anomalies or low quality data
• Facial detection is an issue– Flags heavily rely on facial detection. Low lighting, hats, hands on the face, and sometimes certain eyeglasses will cause flags
• High priority videos do not automatically mean a student was cheating – most flags are false positives rather than true positives