doublexgeeks

Not sure if I mentioned this previously, but I’m currently doing Website admin via distance ed. It’s been an interesting experience, and over all positive. I get to set my own hours (which is really useful when you have ADHD), shuffle my schedule when I have plans, and don’t have to waste time listening to things I already know.

However, I’ve now been introduce to the junkware that is Respondus Browser Lockdown.

As the name suggests, it locks down your browser. You can’t switch tasks, you can’t print, you can’t copy and paste, you can’t bring up the right click menu, it disables the browser menu and tool bar, function keys are disabled, can’t view source code, hundreds of other programs are prevented from running, can’t type URLs, and here’s the big one, can’t use other browsers.

Sounds great right? Prevents cheating? Well, no. It doesn’t even really make it harder. Second computer or a PDA and you’ve completely circumvented it. Don’t think I’m condoning cheating mind you, especially since using outside sources is not even forbidden during online exams! If you need to lock down your exam, get it invigilated; don’t pretend you’re being secure with this program.

Ignoring that fact (because it’s unlikely to be persuasive, the program isn’t very expensive in the grand scheme, and I believe even included in the licence for webCT and Desire2Learn), it’s a crappy program.

I tried it out tonight to see if it would work with Vista. First, it closed programs without my permission (which is amazing, Vista asks before it can do ANYTHING), and without notification. I already can’t switch tasks, so why do this? It doesn’t restart them either when it closes either.

Brian Swaney wrote a great article about the programming failures of this program. He states that if the program ends unexpectedly that the lock downs stay in effect even if you restart. Also, if you get a server error (which can happen for any number of reasons), you lose the ability to save answers. You aren’t allowed to end the test part way through, so if this happens your SOL. Let me repeat that. These restriction listed above are permanent, and you have to know some good computer knowledge to fix it.

At no time was I told that I required a specific browser or OS to complete this course. In fact, anything we do that is OS specific we’ve been given VMware to emulate them. However, as I’m required to use this program to complete my exam, I have to use Windows or Mac. Now, this is a computer science program. You are going to have a higher percentage of students who use different methods, such as Ubuntu. I didn’t try it (don’t want to show up as a cheater), but apparently it detects VMware and won’t run in it so you have little option but to find a windows machine. This completely undermines to point of distance education.

I have my computer set up in such a way that it makes it easiest for me to focus. I work with music on in the background, and enjoy being able to see the visualization. I realize this doesn’t seem like a lot, but the small distraction means I’m less likely to get up and fiddle with stuff. And it’s calming! I get not being allowed to see it, but I have no way of changing the music for the two hours I’m writing the exam. I can’t use the spell check in my preferred browser, or use Word’s spell check which tends to be better again. Luckily the exam is open book (of course, I’d like to see how they’d prevent that) so spelling shouldn’t be a major issue, but it’s a slap in the face.

This program is insulting, useless, and a sign of a poorly designed test. Both my parents have taught at the post-secondary level, so I’ve seen and heard what goes into making a well designed test. Dad has often said that a well designed test should test understanding, not the ability to retain facts. All the googling in the world won’t help you if you don’t understand the concept. I should not be forced to use a poorly written program.

So why am I doing it anyway? What choice do I have at this point? It’s already been set up, and even if the instructor agrees it’s unlikely to change anything at this point. I intend to mention it in my course evaluations, but other than that I will sit here and let them smack me in the face.

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