New Paltz is piloting two new tools to help deter academic integrity issues in online testing.  The tools are Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor.  LockDown Browser (LDB) is a specialized browser that students use when taking tests in Blackboard that prevents them from navigating away from the exam, while Respondus Monitor is an optional add-on that will record students while they take the exam and flag any errant behavior.

The Respondus tools should be available in Blackboard by the start of the Summer 2021 semester and will be available until 06/30/2021.  We will send an updated message when the system is fully ready.

Our plan is to continue with the tools for a full year contract (until 07/31/2022), but we are still completing the contract with Respondus.  If your summer class(es) run beyond 06/30/2021, keep in mind that you may need to make alternate testing plans past this point if the contract has not been completed.   

Respondus offers training for instructors, so if you are interested in using the tool or just want to learn more about how the system works, you can register for one of Respondus' upcoming training sessions.

If you have any questions about the Respondus pilot, please feel free to reach out to the Office of Instructional Technology through our Blackboard Support ticket.