How to Do Respondus with the Fall 2019 Video and in This Class

What’s Here to Help You:

An “Advertisement” for Not Assuming What You Did Before Is OK

An “Advertisement” for How the 1-Page Checklist (Below) Can Help You in 3 Ways

Why You Must Deal with Respondus for the Departmental Final Exam

How to Avoid Getting an External Webcam and Microphone

Do You Have to Have an External Webcam and a Microphone to Test at Home? Yes

What’s Different about Respondus Facial Detection Options Chosen by the Instructor

Introduction to Respondus, the Penalties List, and the Same List As a Way to Avoid Penalties

How Respondus Works in This Class with the 1st and 2nd Way

Instructions If You Are Going to Do the 1st Way

Instructions If You Are Going to Do the 2nd Way – Do It Early for More Points

How to Reach the Required Installation and Launch Instructions and the Required Video

 

An “Advertisement” for Not Assuming What You Did Before Is OK

Last term, more than 50% of students said they knew how to do use Respondus correctly but they were amazingly wrong. Most said this is the way their profs let them use Respondus.

I certainly cannot deal with your past, but I can explain why I am doing what I am doing in your present:

·         Given the importance as an accreditation issue for WCJC (and all colleges) to show due diligence in preventing cheating, in my view WCJC—not me—determines how it wants to stop cheating.  My part of this effort is to make sure what WCJC wants done to stop cheating, is done. I also want to help students succeed at that as quickly as they can.

·         Given the above, students’ use of Respondus is wrong if they do not do it in the way demonstrated in a video prepared by WCJC. It is available on the Blackboard Login Page, in this folder, and in this link

An “Advertisement” for How the 1-Page Checklist (Below) Can Help You in 3 Ways 

1.       Some people have a trouble noticing things in videos. To reduce that problem, the checklist tells you what your instructor noticed. Tip: Print the 1-page checklist below this link. Check off each thing as you watch the video.

2.       Some people want to know how the instructor grades. To reduce that problem, the checklist shows you exactly how the instructor grades and what penalties occur if you do not prepare your environment for a test and do what the STEPS say for you to do.

3.       Many people have trouble remembering what they figured out before. To reduce that problem, you may use the checklist during a Respondus test. Just say something like “using the checklist” and then show both sides of the page to me at the beginning of the video that you make when you take an exam monitored by Respondus.

Favor: Because Respondus changed the order of its screens, WCJC redid its video, and I redid my checklist. If you see something incorrect or unclear in this new checklist or in this How-to link, please email me in Course Messages. In the Checklist, I placed 3 things in yellow. When you are using Respondus, if you can answer those questions, please email. I will also be asking to see the Director of Distance Education, but right now I think it is safe enough to let you get going until I can get that appointment.

Why You Must Deal with Respondus for the Departmental Final Exam

  1. Departmental policy is an F for the course if you do not take the Final. Example: If you have 900 points (an A in this course) but do not take the Final Exam, your instructor is required to enter an F in the official record.
  2. To avoid an F for this course, you must take the Final Exam; therefore, you also must deal with WCJC’s requirements for Respondus Monitor-Lockdown Brower.

How to Avoid Getting an External Webcam and Microphone

You do not have to set up your own computer for testing if you use WCJC’s testing facilities.  Link Address: https://softchalkcloud.com/lesson/files/8hkmXWAjVbt9S4/Respondus%20LockDown%20&%20WCJC%20Open%20Computer%20Labs.pdf  Tip: Make sure you tell me in your video that you are in one of these testing facilities so I know how to interpret the low noises in the background

Do You Have to Have an External Webcam and a Microphone to Test at Home? Yes

Distance Education’s Statement in the Syllabus about Microphone and external (clip-able) webcam

You will need a computer, an external webcam and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and access to the WCJC Blackboard site. Following the method recommended by the Distance Education Department, this course requires an external (clip-able) webcam. (You may not use the internal webcam within your laptop.)

Tips for buying the external webcam efficiently and cheaply.  I did check with Distance Education to confirm that it is still true that WCJC bookstores have cheap but adequate external webcams. I also learned that “students can also use their financial aid to purchase them if need be.”

What Do the Words external (clip-able) webcam Mean?

 Clip-able means that you:

1.       Unclip the external webcam from your laptop or from the monitor on a desktop computer.

2.       Point the external webcam at your laptop or desktop computer showing all of the areas left and right in the checklist.

3.       When you are done, clip the external webcam back on the laptop or monitor of your desktop computer.

4.       Then you look at Respondus Monitor’s screen to be sure the external webcam is pointing at the “frame” that can contain your face and shoulders and you stay in that position during the test.
Yes, you can scratch your nose or untwist your neck but stay in the “frame.”

What’s Different about Respondus Facial Detection Options Chosen by the Instructor

In this course, you instructor has chosen these settings for Respondus Monitor and facial recognition:

·         Prevent students from starting the exam if face cannot be detected during Startup Sequence. Note: you cannot start the exam until you fix this problem.

·         Notify students during the exam if face cannot be detected. Note: A “video window will appear” so you fix this problem so that you can continue with the test.

Introduction to Respondus, the Penalties List, and the Same List As a Way to Avoid Penalties

Introduction to Respondus-Lockdown Browser (Written by WCJC’s Distance Education)

This course requires the use of Lockdown Browser for taking online exams. The Lockdown Browser software prevents a user from accessing other applications or going to other websites during an exam. The webcam records you during the exam to ensure you're only using resources that are permitted. Together, these tools make it possible for students to take online exams from any location, and at times that are convenient. It also creates a fair testing environment for everyone in the course. Instructions for downloading the Lockdown Browser software are posted in the course.

Looking at the Penalties List as an Indication of What You Must Do to Avoid Losing Points

In the prior year, instructors were required to add this table to the syllabus.  On the left, you see your required actions. On the right, if you do not do these things, you see how many points you will lose on your Final. I put high penalties because an on-campus student has to this and because these things are not “rocket science” but common sense.

Exam Conduct Requirement:

Consequence for Violation of Exam Conduct:

Valid photo ID shown

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Correct placement of webcam

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Complete environment scan

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Microphone turned on and recording

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Sufficient lighting of the testing environment

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Student is in seated position with computer on hard surface (desk, table, TV tray etc.)

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Student remains in webcam view during exam

Penalty up to 0 for the Exam

No unauthorized materials near desk area

Penalty up to 0 for the Exam

No talking with others during the exam or playing of music or other audio recordings.

Penalty up to 0 for the Exam

Looking at the Same Penalties List As a Way to Avoid Those Penalties

When you do something for the 1st time, it can be hard to guess. After watching Distance Education’s videos, attending their training classes, and monitoring students each term since Respondus started, I know tips for the things you need to do. If you have questions, just ask. (That’s part of what the Learning Discussions are for—and you make points.)

This table is the top part of the Checklist. The bottom part is Tips for the 9 STEPS that Respondus has you do.

Exam Conduct Requirement –Tips to Prevent Penalties

Consequence for Violation...

Valid photo ID shown – Tip: For STEP 6, most students use a current Texas Driver’s License. If not, email a scan of the ID you propose to your prof.

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Correct placement of webcam -- Tip: For STEP 2 and STEP 8, use your required external clip-able webcam carefully and follow all prompts.

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Complete environment scan -- Tip: Do all in STEP 7.

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Microphone turned on and recording -- Tip: Test it in STEP 2 and do not turn it off. Caution: If I stop hearing you, I will investigate.

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Sufficient lighting of the testing environment—Tip: No sunglasses. No hat. Your room and face well-lighted. (Favor: please wear clothes!)

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Student is in seated position with computer on hard surface (desk, table, TV tray etc.) -- Tips:  Notice the points off if you don’t. Sitting on couches (where students hide answers) is not worth 30 percentage points off.

Penalty up to minus 30 percentage points

Student remains in webcam view during exam – Tip: Stay in the frame or Respondus will make you correct that to continue the test.

Penalty up to 0 for the Exam

No unauthorized materials near desk area-- Tips: Do all in STEP 7. Get everything out or the odds are I will notice.

Penalty up to 0 for the Exam

No talking with others during the exam or playing of music or other audio recordings. Tips: Turn off everything before you start. No headphones. No people in the room. If in your home people just charge in, put up a sign on the door about the penalty. Or go to a WCJC testing facility.

Penalty up to 0 for the Exam

How Respondus Works in This Class with the 1st and 2nd Way

In this course, you only use Respondus with the Final Exam. (Do notice the statement at the end of the syllabus about my reserving the right to change the syllabus.) In this course, you have two things to make this more flexible for you:

1.       A 3-week period to meet the requirements, but do notice:

a.       There are fewer points possible if you wait until the last opportunity to do the 2nd Way. Do it early so you can get more points!

b.      Caution: If you do not act during that 3-week period, you cannot meet the requirements and therefore you cannot take the Final Exam and you cannot pass the course. Get it done early so you do not forget!

2.       2 Ways to meet the requirements

The 2 ways to meet the requirements are meant to help students with different experiences:

·         1st WayFor students who are experienced with using Respondus for taking exams at WCJC.

o   You do not have to do the Sample Respondus Exam.

o   You do have to follow the instructions in Respondus and 2 Ways to Be Able to Take the Final Exam. It tells you what to do and what to write in an email to your prof. What you sign stresses that this is your responsibility.

·         2nd Way For students who have never taken a Respondus-monitored test at WCJC or who realize after they watch WCJC’s video that they were not doing it correctly before.

o   You do have to do the Sample Respondus Exam.

o   You do have to email your prof that you are ready for review. Your prof will review it and reply back with the marked checklist as feedback and—depending on the issues marked—you may have to do it over. Your prof is glad to help you.

Instructions If You Are Going to Do the 1st Way

1.       You do not have to do the Sample Respondus Exam and I do not have to check it. Some of you should consider doing just for yourself:

a.       Because it is new and has different screens

b.      If you never used an external webcam and microphone

2.       You write an email to your prof in Course Messages saying that you:

a.       Have previously used Respondus Monitor

b.      Have used the checklist as you watched WCJC’s Video since the new video became available in mid-September

c.       Have an external clip-able webcam and microphone and will use it correctly

d.      Have read the penalties for not meeting the requirements and realize your responsibilities

3.       When the Final occurs, you take the Final while following the Respondus rules exactly and your instructor uses the checklist to grade your use of Respondus with the Final.

Instructions If You Are Going to Do the 2nd Way – Do It Early for More Points

1.       You do have to do the Sample Respondus Exam. Tip: The Sample Respondus Exam is at the bottom of this folder.

2.       You do have to email your prof in Course Messages when you are ready for your prof to review it. Tip: Practice as much as you want.

3.       Your prof will review it and reply back with the marked checklist as feedback and—depending on the issues marked—you may have to do it over. Your prof is glad to help you so you get this off your list (and mine).

4.       When the Final occurs, you take the Final while following the Respondus rules exactly. If you did it correctly, your points for Respondus remain unchanged.

 

How to Reach the Required Installation and Launch Instructions and the Required Video

This bottom of this folder provides:

·         Distance Education’s link to How to Test with Respondus available on Blackboard’s Login page and here. Link address: https://softchalkcloud.com/lesson/serve/8hkmXWAjVbt9S4/html. 

·         Distance Education’s Sample Respondus Exam that lets students practice as much as they want and—when they think they know how to do it—get feedback so they know if they are OK or must change how they do this.

When you click on the How to Test Respondus link, you see 3 choices:

 

 

1

2

     3

With all 3, be sure you look at what is below the video or initial information to check to see if there is information that might help you.

1

Provides all instructions for downloading and installing —including for different devices--and a video.

2

Provides all instructions for launching the Test. Tip: Launching the test means you first come in through the LockDown Browser (not your regular one). Follow the steps to avoid misery.

3

Provides at the beginning of the video a reminder of how to launch a test.

Provides just below the video some tips to help you.

Once the video begins the Startup Sequence, use the Checklist provided in this folder so that you notice all that is expected of you.  Check off what you see as you see it so you actually notice.

Using the Checklist when you are taking the Sample Respondus Exam and again when you take the Final Exam can save you lost points and misery.

If you see more that needs to be in the checklist, please tell me and I’ll change the checklist.