Respondus LockDown Browser: Difference between revisions
Created page with "Respondus LockDown Browser is browser software for Windows and macOS that aims to reduce the risk of students cheating on an online exam. It became popular among some UB professors starting with the COVID-19 pandemic, but is still used to this day. Respondus Monitor - which is included with the installation of Lockdown Browser - locks down the system in the same manner in addition to the requirement of a webcam, which is used to monitor and record the student with an eye..." |
An update on Respondus controversy from Physics Department, details must be kept vague for... reasons |
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== Controversy == | == Controversy == | ||
Many have objected to the requirement of LockDown Browser due to its arbitrary and locked down nature. Some argue that it's spyware and are hesitant to install it on their computer. This, in turn, has caused the Department of Computer Science and Engineering to ban it. | Many have objected to the requirement of LockDown Browser due to its arbitrary and locked down nature. Some argue that it's spyware and are hesitant to install it on their computer. This, in turn, has caused the Department of Computer Science and Engineering to ban it. | ||
Other departments, such as the Physics Department, have nearly run into legal issues with Respondus because students often forget they are on camera and being recorded during exams that last a few hours, leading to them doing activities on camera that must be reported. Additionally, students have been accused in the past of still managing to cheat with Respondus by secondary monitors and devices with Discord and other chat software installed. | |||
Revision as of 19:13, 21 May 2025
Respondus LockDown Browser is browser software for Windows and macOS that aims to reduce the risk of students cheating on an online exam. It became popular among some UB professors starting with the COVID-19 pandemic, but is still used to this day. Respondus Monitor - which is included with the installation of Lockdown Browser - locks down the system in the same manner in addition to the requirement of a webcam, which is used to monitor and record the student with an eye tracking feature.
Controversy
Many have objected to the requirement of LockDown Browser due to its arbitrary and locked down nature. Some argue that it's spyware and are hesitant to install it on their computer. This, in turn, has caused the Department of Computer Science and Engineering to ban it.
Other departments, such as the Physics Department, have nearly run into legal issues with Respondus because students often forget they are on camera and being recorded during exams that last a few hours, leading to them doing activities on camera that must be reported. Additionally, students have been accused in the past of still managing to cheat with Respondus by secondary monitors and devices with Discord and other chat software installed.