Online Testing Support

Exams for online courses at UNA are delivered through Canvas, the university’s learning management system.  Many hybrid or traditional courses also use Canvas for testing.  Courses may also require online proctoring services such as Respondus LockDown Browser/Monitor or SmarterServices to ensure exam security and student identity. 

Respondus Monitor is an addition to the Respondus Lockdown Browser that uses a web camera and recording to ensure academic integrity during online testing.  Respondus Monitor provides a controlled testing environment, web camera recording, and a report of student exam taking.   For UNA students with access to Campus, Collier Library has laptops with Respondus Monitor available for within-library use. Please ask at the front desk.

The SmarterServices proctoring services is primarily used by the College of Business and Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions and is a Google Chrome browser extension.

Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor

SmarterServices

  • SmarterServices requires a Google Chrome browser and extension.
  • Compatible with Mac, Windows, ChromeOS (desktop/laptop) running Google Chrome. 
  • Access to a webcam, microphone, and internet connectivity required
  • Automatic system check is performed in onboarding.
  • Identity is verified via webcam and ID (government issued passport, student ID, etc).
  • Bandwidth requirement: 1 Mbps upload / 3 Mbps download
  • To install the extension on your computer prior to your first official test, ask your Instructor to create a sample test to proactively install and test it.  Otherwise, you can use this link to access it directly from the Chrome Web store.

 

Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor System Requirements

  • Windows: 10, 8, 7
  • Mac: OS X 10.10 or higher
  • iOS: 10.0+ (iPad only).   Your course/instructor may not allow use of an iPad for testing with Monitor
  • Chromebook (see specific Chromebook instructions below)
  • Web camera (internal or external) & microphone
  • A broadband internet connection

Smarter Services Browser/Monitor System Requirements

  • Windows: 7 or higher
  • Mac: OS X 10.10 or higher
  • Chrome: Chrome 74 or higher
  • Disk Space: 250MB
  • Free RAM: 2GB
  • Microphone: Any internal or external microphone
  • Web camera: 320 x 240 VGA resolution for internal or external microphone
  • A broadband internet connection

Taking a test with Respondus Lockdown Browser or Monitor

Guides and Overview Identity Verification Process
When entering a Respondus Monitor Exam, you will go through an identity verification process.  You will be asked to:
  • Take a picture of yourself. The purpose of this is to verify who is taking the exam.
  • Take a picture of your ID. The purpose of this is to verify that the person taking the exam is the person who is actually enrolled in the course – this needs to be a valid picture ID, such as a student ID, driver’s license, state ID, government ID, etc.
  • Complete a 360-degree room scan. There are two major parts to this room scan. (1) You should show your entire desktop area, (2) You should turn the webcam around in a complete circle to show all walls in your room. This is to verify you do not have unauthorized persons or materials in your testing area.
Test Environment
  • You may not have any paper, writing utilities, digital devices, etc. in your exam area (including no scratch paper), unless otherwise directed by your instructor
  • You should be alone in the room while taking exams. You may not leave your exam area during the exam.
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
  • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table) — not on your lap, a bed, or other surface that might move
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window
  • If you are disconnected or experience a technical problem while you are taking a quiz, you must contact the instructor immediately – delaying communication about a problem will result in less positive outcomes.  After contacting the instructor, submit a Canvas support ticket.
(Chromebook) Taking a test with Respondus Lockdown Browser or Monitor
  1. Log into the Chromebook start Google Chrome
  2. Log into Canvas and navigate to the exam that requires LockDown Browser
  3. Select the link for downloading and installing LockDown Browser
  4. From the Chrome web store, select “Add to Chrome” to install the LockDown Browser Extension
    1. You will NOT be able to search for the app directly from the Chrome web store.

Troubleshooting Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor

If none of those resolve the issue, please submit a support request in Canvas by doing the following: Go to the page/item in Canvas where you are having the problem, click Help (the question mark), then Report a Problem.  Please include a description of the problem you are having, your full name, UNA email address, an alternative e-mail address (if applicable) and a phone number.