Online Teaching & Technology Blog

Center for Online Learning, Research and Service @ Illinois Springfield

Tag: Respondus Monitor

Remote Teaching Tip – Test Integrity Solutions

We understand that test integrity is critical.  We offer these suggestions for considering testing options. 

1. Instead of a test, you might consider alternative assessments such as a project, paper, or other type of assessment.  Vanderbilt University has a nice website on Classroom Assessment Techniques that you might find helpful as you think through your curriculum.  COLRS staff is also available to assist in thinking about alternative assessments for your courses.

2. Respondus Monitor is a good solution for low-stakes tests.  UIS has a contract with Respondus that includes both Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor, a fully-automated proctoring solution for online tests that builds on Respondus LockDown Browser.  This option does not cost the student any additional fees.  When possible, please use this option to improve affordability for our students.  Using the student’s webcam, Respondus Monitor records the exam session.  Suspicious behavior is flagged automatically.  To use Respondus Monitor, follow the directions for using Respondus LockDown Browser and then select the Respondus Monitor option.

3. Examity is the preferred solution for all high-stakes tests.  Remember that students pay an extra fee based on the level of proctoring that you, the faculty member, choose.  This may cause hardships for students who may be effected significantly through loss of work or dealing with healthcare issues because of COVID-19.  You should always share the cost of Examity which ranges from $10 – $17 per hour with your students so that they are never surprised by being asked to provide a credit or debit card for a test proctoringRespondus Monitor is free to use for students. 

As we move forward in responding to this difficult and challenging time, please remember that COLRS staff will do everything we can to assist you in the important and very difficult work that you are all undertaking to finish this semester.  

Respondus Monitor

Respondus Monitor is a new tool available to faculty at UIS who want to enhance the integrity of low-stakes exams in online classes.  While Examity remains the recommended option for high-stakes exams like midterms and final exams because of its ability to provide live, real-time proctoring, Respondus Monitor is a good option for faculty members who want to improve the integrity of low-stakes exams like weekly quizzes.

It uses a student’s webcam to record the testing environment.  Suspicious testing behavior is automatically flagged by the software, and instructors are alerted to preview the alert flags.  Respondus Monitor is free for faculty and students to use and it is integrated with Blackboard.  Respondus LockDown Browser must be used to use Respondus Monitor.  To use Respondus Monitor, follow the directions for using Respondus LockDown browser.  After selecting Respondus LockDown browser,  also select the Respondus Monitor option.

To learn more about how to protect the integrity of low-stakes online exams, please visit Respondus Monitor’s Instructor Resources website.