When to Use?
Respondus Monitor supports switching to Microsoft Excel during an online exam, allowing instructors to design assessments that utilize spreadsheet functions. This feature is especially valuable for courses in subjects such as statistics, accounting, or data analysis, where students may need to perform calculations, create charts, or analyze data sets. However, instructors should clearly communicate expectations and allowed resources in advance and should review Respondus Monitor recordings to ensure exam integrity.
Before incorporating Excel into your Respondus Monitor-enabled exams, please carefully consider the following limitations and requirements:
Screen Recording Is Required: Respondus Monitor does not lock down the Excel environment. Therefore, screen recording must be enabled to preserve academic integrity. This increases Internet bandwidth usage, which may affect students with slower or unstable connections and could prevent them from starting or completing the exam.
Device Restrictions: This feature is only supported on Windows and Mac computers. Students using iPads or Chromebooks will not be able to take exams requiring Excel. Notify students in advance about these requirements and be prepared to offer accommodations if needed.
Lab Compatibility: GVSU computer labs do not currently support this feature. Students taking the exam on campus must use their personal laptops. Faculty should not assume campus labs as an alternative for students without compatible devices.
Excel Desktop Application Required: The web-based version of Excel (Excel for the Web) is not supported. Students must have the desktop version of Microsoft Excel installed on their computers. Instructors are encouraged to provide instructions for downloading Excel through GVSU's Office 365 license and to confirm student readiness before the exam.
Workflow Changes for Existing Users: Faculty who previously used the built-in spreadsheet feature in LockDown Browser will need to follow a new setup process. This includes enabling screen recording and providing instructions for accessing Excel during the test.
Blackboard Ultra Limitation: If your exam requires students to submit an Excel file, note that file uploads are currently not supported during Respondus Monitor exams in Blackboard Ultra. Plan to collect student work through an alternative method such as a Blackboard Assignment submission after the exam. Provide clear instructions to avoid confusion or missed submissions.
Procedure
How to Enable Excel for an Exam
In the LockDown Browser Dashboard:
- Select "Webcam + Screen" as the monitoring option.
- Check the box for "Allow switching to MS Excel during the assessment."
- Click the [explain] link for more detailed setup information if needed.
Linking to an Excel file
If your exam requires a pre-filled Excel file:
- Upload the file to a course content area (e.g., a folder or item in Blackboard).
- Include a download link to the file within the exam.
- When students click the link during the test, Excel will launch automatically.
If no file is needed in advance, students can launch a blank Excel sheet directly from the toolbar in LockDown Browser.
Student Test-Taking Experience
During the exam, students can launch Excel:
- By clicking a spreadsheet link provided by the instructor, or
- By using the Excel icon on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
To return to LockDown Browser:
- Minimize Excel, or
- Click the LockDown Browser icon on the taskbar (Windows) or dock (Mac).
Students should frequently save their Excel file, especially after completing major sections of work.
If required by the instructor, students can upload the saved Excel file after the exam through the designated submission method.
Note for Mac Users
When launching an Excel-enabled exam for the first time, Mac users will be prompted to grant LockDown Browser access to the Documents folder. This permission is necessary for downloading and saving Excel files locally. The prompt appears only once, upon first access.
For additional information visit this Respondus Technical Support website.