Linette Garcia | Staff Writer
Taking exams is already anxiety-inducing, but having the Respondus Lockdown Browser monitor my every move only increases the stress.
Online courses commonly use this program to prevent access to other applications during exams. Some professors even require students to keep their laptop and computer cameras on to minimize cheating.
Before accessing the test, I had to complete several borderline invasive steps. I underwent a facial recognition test, an audio test and swiveled my laptop around my surroundings to prove I had no intention of cheating.
During the test I moved very stagnantly because any sudden shift—like looking down at my hands or glancing away for a moment—could be flagged as “suspicious activity.”
I understand that as technology intertwines with education, administrators feel compelled to use the Lockdown Browser to uphold academic integrity. All students are mandated to adhere to FIU’s student conduct and honor code, which includes respecting the values of academic integrity by not cheating.
The concept of a custom browser is sensible, but the execution is flawed and problematic.
Scrutinizing online students creates mistrust between them and their professors. Professors often implement various safeguards to reduce academic misconduct, but this only intensifies the inherent guilt that suggests all college students will cheat regardless of the circumstances.
Based on my experience, I took extreme precautions to avoid appearing suspicious on camera. I messaged friends not to text me, pushed my dog out of my room in case she barked unexpectedly and locked my door to eliminate distractions.
I was so paranoid that any noise or fidget could be unfairly ruled as cheating that I concentrated more on removing all distractions than on the actual test.
This intrusive surveillance does not maintain academic integrity but does force online students into an unhealthy and stressful environment.
Alternatives should be available that not only discourage cheating but also relieve anxiety. Instead of proctored exams, our professors should prioritize project-based learning because it is more authentic, relevant to the courses and can be meaningfully applied in the real world.
While I think a thorough redesign that reduces exams and increases projects could be plausible, it does come with obstacles for professors evaluating many online students in a short period of time. However, it is possible nonetheless and gives students more benefits like working in groups, .
Although the Lockdown Browser’s main purpose is to ensure our academic integrity, the constant surveillance creates the opposite effect. We should not have to sacrifice our privacy to achieve academic success.
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect the perspectives of contributing writers and/or university community members.
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