Disabling browser extensions that might lead to cheating?

[everson_50]

Hello,

I use Quizzes a lot for different assignments in my course, and it's come to my attention that students can download different browser extensions (e.g., Aceify.ai, etc.) that might give them the answers to the quizzes.  Are there ways we can block students from using such tools in our Canvas sites, or are we out of luck? 

I realize we are in a world now where students have easy access to AI tools, but if there are things I can be doing to make my quizzes a little bit more secure--while still allowing for students to work through things outside of class time--I'd like to be able to learn more.  Perhaps there are things I can be doing when setting up the quizzes that I am currently unfamiliar with.

Thank you for your time!

My best,

Michelle

[MariSchuldt]

Hi there,

It might be worth checking with your LMS administrator to see if your organization purchases any third-party browser lockdown tools (e.g., Respondus or Proctorio).

Cheers!

[everson_50]

Thank you for responding.  Yes, we do have access to these types of things.  I was just wondering if this is the only option, or if there are other things out there that I am not aware of.  I want my students to be able to use notes and web resources as they are completing these assessments.  In today's world, there might not be easy ways to give them this kind of flexibility while trying to easily control the use of tools that simply do the work for them and give quick answers. 😒

[KirstenThomson · Accepted solution]

I had a similar question and someone from Canvas let me know that for the extension I alerted them to (Canvas Quiz Solver), that it doesn't work for New Quizzes. I had my University Canvas support people confirm it. I don't know if that would be the case for all of these companies, like the one you mentioned, as some may have adapted already (and they all may eventually), but I was glad to hear it. I just migrated all my Classic Quizzes to New Quizzes in case it helps a bit. I am having trouble getting Respondus Lockdown Browser to work for my class situation (and am not allowed to give in-person tests for online classes) so I am glad to have anything right now that may help. I hope Canvas does something more.

[everson_50]

This is good to know.  Thank you, Kirsten!  I also hope more can be done as far as this is concerned, especially for those of us who may need to give online assessments but cannot use lockdown browsers or other proctoring tools.  I'm still using Classic Quizzes but will try to migrate to New Quizzes for autumn semester.  

[KirstenThomson]

I looked up that https://aceify.ai/ one you mentioned before and apparently and unfortunately it does look like it has a screenshot tool so even if the aceify.ai button won't appear for a New Quiz, they could still take a screenshot of the question and then go out and upload it to the site for the answer. A little more cumbersome but not impossible. Looks like I will have to get a lockdown browser working for Fall.

[everson_50]

So discouraging.  😪

[dbrace]

Hi @everson_50,

I do not have the ability to go into specifics because my institution does not subscribe to it but I have high-level overview of an option that would require using a virtual proctoring solution.

Honorlock has the ability to:

1. record a student's webcam and microphone during a quiz/test/exam attempt
2. record a student's screen during a quiz/test/exam attempt
3. disable it's BrowserGuard feature
4. block or allow other actions depending on the situation (check out https://kb.wisc.edu/luwmad/page.php?id=104635 for some examples)

I bring this up because, at least in theory, if a student's webcam, microphone, and screen are recorded and other functionality is allowed, the instructor could review the footage if they are supsicious about the actions taken by a student while completing a quiz/test/exam.  This would put more responsibility on the instructor.

I know that Respondus LockBrowser Browser (and its optional Respondus Monitor) does not support this level of flexibility but it is an option to consider.

-Doug