Testing and Assessment

Remote Testing

Technology Supported Tools and Proctors

Below you will find information regarding technology supported tools and proctors.

Additionally, current MDC students, faculty, and staff may borrow mobile devices and equipment, such as laptops, tablets, and more.

What is Examity?

Examity is the world’s leading solution for learning validation. They work with colleges, universities, employers, and certification providers to create secure, high-quality educational experiences – and ensure that learners who play by the rules are honored for their work. Learn more here.

What tests are proctored by Examity for MDC?

  • ACCUPLACER Next-Generation
  • ACCUPLACER ESL
  • CART

Get help & support:

Resources and information on how to use Examity:

This video introduces students to the Examity experience for ACCUPLACER, from registration to exam launch. 

You will find: user guides, contact information, FAQs, and more!

What is Honorlock?

Honorlock upholds academic integrity with online exam proctoring that’s monitored by AI and reviewed by humans. This software and live test proctors make the technical proctoring experience simple, easy, and human.

This proctored testing software monitors the exam session for potential academic dishonesty and alerts a live proctor to join the student’s session in real-time if it detects any issues. This blend of AI and human review delivers a less intimidating and non-invasive proctored testing experience for the student because they aren’t constantly watched.

When done right, proctored testing creates a non-invasive and equitable environment for testing, holding everyone accountable to do their best work.

HonorPrep:

Use HonorPrep, a 7 minute guided tour to help you get more familiar with Honorlock.  

Here's what to expect from this tour: 1) System Check, 2) How Honorlock Works, 3) Authentication, and 4) During Your Exam.

MDC Honorlock Pilot:

This proctoring tool is managed by the Office of Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing, for those authorized to proceed with this service. Honorlock services are currently limited to authorized faculty participating in a small pilot implementation at Miami Dade College.

View faculty resources for Honorlock

Get Help and Support:

  • Honorlock Knowledge Base: Provides a wealth of step-by-step information on how to use the tool. The attached PDF flyer can serve as a resource to your students to make sure that they are prepared to take their first Honorlock enabled exam.
  • Honorlock Support: 24/7/365 LiveChat and email support for students.

Resources:

What is ProctorU?

An online exam proctoring solution that offers a secure and cost-effective alternative to test centers. ProctorU offers proctoring services that employ a wide array of technology, including fully automated Artificial Intelligence (AI), and live-proctor review.

Get help & support - 24/7:

Resources and information on how to use ProctorU:

*Chromebooks are not supported by ProctorU. Please notify your instructor if you do not have access to a windows or mac desktop or laptop.

Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor 

Miami Dade College currently offers two Respondus proctoring solutions. One locks down students' browser windows during an exam, so they cannot access other sites. The other can be configured to record students while they are taking a test and flag certain behaviors to review later. 

View faculty resources for Respondus

What is Respondus Lockdown Browser?

Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system (Blackboard). It locks down student computers to prevent cheating during exams.

  • Free for students.
  • No sign-up process. Instructors can set it up entirely themselves (no vendor involvement or bookstore orders).
  • Students need admin access to their machines, since they will be installing a separate application.
  • Does not work on mobile devices, except iPads.
  • Works with tests natively built in Blackboard Learn and Pearson MyLab.

What is Respondus Monitor?

Respondus  Monitor builds upon the power of Respondus LockDown Browser, using a student’s webcam and industry-leading video analytics to prevent cheating during non-proctored exams. It integrates seamlessly with Blackboard. Students access exams within Blackboard as they normally would. After a quick one-time installation, Respondus Monitor will auto-launch from the student's browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, IE) whenever the exam settings require it. Students are then guided through a pre-exam sequence, including a webcam check. 

  • Free for students.
  • No sign-up process. Instructors can set it up entirely themselves (no vendor involvement or bookstore orders).
  • Does not work on mobile devices, except iPads.
  • Works with tests natively built in Blackboard Learn, ALEKS, and Pearson MyLab.

Data Privacy and Respondus Monitor

Privacy is central to the Respondus Monitor architecture. It minimizes the personal data being collected, uses an automated system to analyze it, and then restricts access to the results. Read how Respondus Monitor handles data privacy here.

Accessibility with LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor

Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor Requirements

  • Check with your instructor and course syllabus to see if the course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this video to get a basic understanding of Respondus LockDown Browser and the webcam feature.
  • Technical Requirements for Students
    • Students must have a supported operating system.
    • Students must be able to log into their machines as an administrator.
      For Windows /PC to install, update, and run Respondus LockDown Browser. For Mac to install and update. LockDown Browser can then be run as any type of user.
    • Additional device requirements/restrictions.
      Respondus LockDown Browser does NOT work on mobile devices, except iPads.
    • A new Chromebook extension for LockDown Browser is currently available for exams delivered in Blackboard Learn.  This version of the LockDown Browser Chromebook extension also supports Respondus Monitor.  Learn more details including limitations and/or known issues with LockDown Browser for Chromebook. 
      Disclaimer: Use at your own risk.  Borrow a Mobile Device.
    • If your exam requires video monitoring, you will need a webcam.
    • Students must have a reliable and stable internet connection.
    • LockDown Browser can only be used with Windows 10+, Mac 10.13+, Chromebook, and iPads running iOS 11+ (the iPad setting must be enabled by the instructor).
Download Instructions

Students using a Chromebook will need to use the regular LockDown Browser installation link which will direct the student to the Chrome web store, at which point they should select “Add to Chrome” to install the LockDown Browser Extension.  Find out more details including limitations and/or known issues with LockDown Browser for Chromebook. 
Disclaimer: Use at your own risk.  Borrow a Mobile Device.

Once Installed:
  • Start LockDown Browser
  • Log into Blackboard
  • Navigate to the test

Note: 

  1. You won't be able to access tests with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser. Simply start Respondus LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.
  2. Existing installations of LockDown Browser may not be auto-updated. To obtain the latest version, use the "Check for Update" feature or re-run the full installation.

How to take a test using Respondus LockDown Browser

  • Once you have Respondus LockDown Browser installed, you can launch it. Make sure you are on a good, stable internet connection. Respondus will alert you to close certain applications (browser, chat, music, etc.) when it starts. You can close them beforehand or allow Respondus to do it for you.

    Ensure a smooth test-taking experience.
    Review a few tips to improve less-than-perfect internet connections when taking online exams.

  • Once launched, it will take you to the MDC login page. You will notice that many options, like the address bar, are not visible in the browser.
  • Navigate to your course. NOTE: Do not access the test from any other area, such as Notifications or the Calendar tool.
  • Find the test and read the instructions. When ready, click Begin.
  • If your test also requires a Webcam/Respondus Monitor, you will be presented with a series of steps. Be sure you are in a well-lit, clear, and quiet area. It may be best to make sure others are not using your bandwidth while taking your test. Depending on the Startup Sequence chosen by your instructor, you may be prompted to take a photo, record your environment, and/ or present a valid ID.
  • Once you finish the Startup Sequence, you can begin the test.
  • Once you are finished and have submitted your test, close the Respondus LockDown Browser.

Guidelines

When taking an online test, follow these guidelines:

  • Select a location where you won't be interrupted.
  • Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it.
  • Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don't have them within reach.
  • Clear your area of all external materials - books, papers, other computers, or devices.
  • Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test.
  • Respondus 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.
  • To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
    • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
    • 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
    • If using a built-in webcam, avoid readjusting the tilt of the screen after the webcam setup is complete
    • Take the exam in a well-lit room, but avoid backlighting (such as sitting with your back to a window)

Getting Help

Several resources are available if you encounter problems with Respondus LockDown Browser. For the most immediate, direct help, contact Respondus directly by filling out a ticket.

Respondus offers 24/7 support, and has also posted trouble-shooting steps, FAQs, and knowledge base articles.

Ways to access their Help Center:

  • 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.
  • Respondus has a Knowledge Base available. 
  • Submit a Respondus Help Desk Ticket
    Submit a help desk ticket with Respondus for support with Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor

Additional Respondus Resources

Midterm and Final Exam Information

If you have a midterm or final exam in one or more of your classes, you may need to use a technology-supported tool and/or proctor. Contact your instructor for additional details specific to your course.

Depending on the class, you will have one or more of these options for technology-supported remote proctoring:

  • Respondus Monitor (RM)
  • Respondus Lockdown Browser (RLB)
  • ProctorU*

Proctored Exam Dates

*All MDC Online classes (RM and RLB not available); very few and select classes that transitioned to remote learning.