During the period of remote instruction, consider adopting alternate assessments to traditional exams. If you decide to give online exams, learn about the online proctoring tools that can aid with assessment.
Alternate Assessments to Traditional Exams
The University encourages instructors to explore alternate assessments to traditional exams. Here are a few suggestions:
- A series of lower-stakes assessments
- Final papers
- Final projects
- Video presentations
- Open resource exams
- Take-home, open-book exams
- Student demonstrations of knowledge
- Simulation-based assessments
Proctoring Tests
The University provides an online proctoring tool, Respondus Monitor, that actively restricts students’ ability to use other software and also provides passive video surveillance.
There are several concerns about online proctoring, listed below. Given the uncertainty of the current moment, the University encourages alternative methods of assessment.
- Use of Respondus Lockdown Browser might require additional steps
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- Known problem: Instructors need to make special provisions for users of Chromebooks.
- Mitigation: Instructors should follow these instructions to make it possible for Chromebook users to use Respondus Lockdown Browser.
- Mitigation: Students using Chromebooks should follow these instructions to use Respondus Lockdown Browser.
- Known problem: Some screen readers can be incompatible with Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor.
- Mitigation: While Read and Write Gold does not work with Respondus, it is accessible with alternate screenreaders, such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver. Students should consult with AccessibleNU regarding these screenreaders.
- Known problem: Instructors need to make special provisions for users of Chromebooks.
- Instructors may have to create multiple versions of a quiz
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- Known problem: An instructor cannot create a quiz in Canvas that allows for both use of Respondus and the non-use of Respondus.
- Mitigation: In Canvas, instructors will need to create a duplicate version of a quiz for use without Respondus Lockdown Browser. When an exam is administered online, students with accessibility accommodations may need extra time to complete the exam. Here’s how to add extra time to quizzes and exams in Canvas. For other accommodations questions, contact AccessibleNU.
- Known problem: An instructor cannot create a quiz in Canvas that allows for both use of Respondus and the non-use of Respondus.
- Respondus Monitor might flag students consulting sources, even if that is allowed by the instructor.
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- Known problem: Even if an instructor might allow students to consult sources, like books or Google, Respondus Monitor will flag evidence of students using outside sources. In addition, Respondus Lockdown Browser will prevent students from using other digital sources unless they have second devices.
- Mitigation: Instructors should not use Respondus tools for these kinds of exams.
- Known problem: Even if an instructor might allow students to consult sources, like books or Google, Respondus Monitor will flag evidence of students using outside sources. In addition, Respondus Lockdown Browser will prevent students from using other digital sources unless they have second devices.
Grading Information
Visit the Office of the Registrar's website to learn more about grading information.
Submitting Grades
Learn how to submit your grades to CAESAR using the GradeSync tool.