(Latest Revision: Dec 26, 2023 )
[2022/12/26: initial updates]

ltr re equipment

Letter to Students about Equipment and Software

Hi Students --

I want to run all my spring 2023 courses in face-to-face mode, if circumstances allow. However, in view of the covid-19 situation, I think we need to be prepared in advance for the possibility that these courses may have to run in online mode for a significant part of the semester. Therefore, I want you to read and follow the directions below. They are about some of the equipment and software you may need to utilize.

CONFERENCING EQUIPMENT
If the university requires us to have class meetings via Zoom or other conferencing software, you will need a stable Internet connection, and a computer or mobile device that has a microphone, speakers, and a webcam. Also, of course, the computer or device has to be able to run the conferencing software.

REMOTE TESTING EQUIPMENT: LOCKDOWN BROWSER & WEBCAM

I will try to avoid it if possible, but if we have to do online testing, I am going to want students to take tests in a way that requires
  1. a stable Internet connection, and
  2. a computer (not a phone) that
    1. runs the Windows or MacOS operating system, and
    2. is equipped with a webcam and microphone.
The webcam and/or microphone can be the type that is built into the computer, or the type that plugs in with a USB cable. USB webcams with microphone vary quite a lot in cost, but are available for as little as $20-$40.

My preferred method for online test-taking requires the use of a Lockdown Browser, webcam, and microphone.

Please watch this brief video to get a basic understanding of the Respondus LockDown Browser and the webcam & mic feature.

If possible, please arrange on your own to have all the connectivity and equipment I described above before the first day of university classes, Thursday, January 26.

If you have any questions about the directions above, please send me an e-mail as soon as you can to let me know (john@ishi.csustan.edu).

If getting the necessary equipment will be a hardship for you, please send me an e-mail as soon as you can to let me know what you need (john@ishi.csustan.edu).

I can't promise anything, but there seems to be a good possibility that our Office of Information Technology (OIT) will be able to help by loaning some of you an Internet hotspot, and/or a webcam or maybe even a laptop computer. However, there will not be enough time to procure the equipment unless I quickly get a good idea of what members of the class need.

Also, after watching the video to understand the use of the LockDown Browser with webcam & mic, if you have concerns about being tested under those conditions, please send me an e-mail as soon as possible to start a discussion with me (john@ishi.csustan.edu). I think I can probably deal with most concerns by offering an alternate test modality.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

Here's how to download the (free) LockDown Browser. You can use this link.

(By the way, even if you already have the Lockdown Browser, if you haven't updated it since July, 2021, you should download and install it again. Newer versions update themselves.)

Once you have the browser installed, here's how you take a test:
  1. Quit any browsing, messaging, email, or other applications that have network access.
  2. Quit any screen capture application.
  3. Start LockDown Browser,
  4. Log into Canvas, and
  5. Navigate to the quiz.
Note: You won't be able to use a standard browser to access a quiz that requires the LockDown Browser. If someone tries this, they will get an error message indicating that the test requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser. Simply start the LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.

GUIDELINES
When taking an online quiz, follow these guidelines:
  1. Ensure you are in a location where you won't be interrupted.
  2. Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach.
  3. Before starting the test, make sure you know how much time is available for it, and make sure that you have allotted sufficient time to complete it.
  4. Clear your desk or workspace of all external materials not permitted - books, papers, other devices.
  5. Remain at your computer for the duration of the test.
  6. If the computer, Wi-Fi, or location is different than what was used previously with the "Webcam Check" and "System & Network Check" in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to the exam.
  7. To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
    1. Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims.
    2. Ensure your computer or device is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move.
    3. If using a built-in webcam, avoid readjusting the tilt of the screen after the webcam setup is complete.
    4. Take the exam in a well-lit room, but avoid backlighting (such as sitting with your back to a window).
    5. Remember that 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.
GETTING HELP

Several resources are available if you encounter problems with the LockDown Browser:
  1. The Windows and Mac versions of Respondus LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area.
  2. You can look for information in the campus Canvas Student Guide (At the time of this writing, I can see info about test-taking there, but not anything specifically about Respondus LockDown Browser or Monitor.) ).
  3. You can also get in touch with the campus Office of Information Technology (OIT) for help. Click here for OIT contact information.
  4. Respondus has a student help site with links pointing to several kinds of helpful information.
  5. If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with the LockDown Browser, you can go to support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it.