Students react to exam monitoring system: “It is an invasion of privacy”
Graphic by Hannah Horn
Students have expressed concerns about the Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser’s privacy policy and collection of biometric information after a recent update to the program. The Leader asked the campus community to share their thoughts on the online exam monitoring service through a survey. Here are some of the responses we received:
I have used Respondus and it's a mess. I don't support the decision to use it on Blackboard because it only increases test anxiety. I feel as though it is an invasion of privacy and it's such a waste. Let's put our money towards lowering tuition and providing better access for students, rather than adding silly little browsers that don't enhance our education.
- Megan, third-year psychology major.
It’s unnecessary for students to be under constant surveillance and is an invasion of privacy.
- Anonymous.
I feel like it is an invasion of privacy. It is much more anxiety inducing, adding on to the fact we’re doing most everything online as it is. It does not replicate the classroom experience whatsoever. My grades in classes in classes that use Respondus have been significantly lower than those that don’t use it.
- Class of 2023 student.
It is very intimidating and makes the test-taking process much more nerve racking than it should be.
- Anonymous.
My previous experience with Respondus has not been pleasant. I’ve only used it for high-stakes testing because they do require an ID and take a lot of personal information down so it isn’t really worth it for an average test. They had me point the camera at my surroundings and check under my desk, in the top of my desk, and everywhere around. However, I’m not sure how it functions on Blackboard. I was told that one of my quizzes will be taken with Respondus, however nothing was different in comparison to how Blackboard worked previously, unless there is some behind-the-scenes that I cannot see. It also makes me uncomfortable that I have to agree and there’s no other option knowing how Respondus has previously taken down my information aka have my ID stored in their system.
- Class of 2022 student.
