Privacy and Other Considerations

Important Considerations Before Using Respondus Monitor as an Instructor

Seneca endorses the use of Respondus Monitor for limited purposes only. As an example, when a proctored exam is a required component of an accreditation program, or the assessment method dictates its use.

There are legitimate concerns with online proctoring solutions, such as Respondus:

• Online proctoring tools may not meet all accessibility needs
• Students have privacy concerns over the information collected
• Students will experience higher anxiety and stress, which will impact their success on the assessment/exam
• Equitable practices are not possible (for example, not all students have a webcam, stable Internet connection, a private room where they will not be interrupted, etc.,)
• Lack of technology assistance for students during the assessment/exam
• Respondus Monitor can produce false positives and negatives, mainly from facial occlusions, facial cropping and poor capture conditions. 

Consequently, it is highly recommended that instructors explore alternatives to proctored exams, including take-home exams, projects, reflections, group work, guided online discussions, and peer-review activities.

Seneca holds only a limited number of licences. It is recommended that instructors who wish to use Respondus software notify their Chair. If Respondus is approved for use, please ensure the following is in place:

• Include a statement about the use of online proctoring in your course communications with a link to the mySeneca Respondus for Students page.
• Provide clear instructions to students prior to using Respondus Monitor.
• Plan an alternative for students who require certain accommodation, or in the event of a technical issue is identified.

Sample Blackboard Notice

If using Respondus Monitor, include a statement and the link to the Student Respondus site in a Blackboard announcement to all students, at the start of your course to notify them of Respondus use. Here is a sample text for your announcement:

Some assessments and exams in this course may require students to download and use Respondus LockDown Browser + Respondus Monitor online proctoring tools. Visit the Student Respondus site to learn more. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.

For further information or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at teaching@senecapolytechnic.ca.