Online Assessments are “Locked Down” Until Submitted for Grading

REDMOND, Wash.., April 18 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Respondus, Inc. announces the release of Respondus LockDown Browser, a custom browser that creates a secure testing environment within the WebCT and Blackboard e-learning platforms. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. When an assessment is started, students are locked into it until they submit it for grading.

“Although most students don’t cheat on exams, instructors and classmates want an environment where no student can gain an advantage through cheating” says David Smetters, President of Respondus, Inc. “During an online test, Respondus LockDown Browser prevents students from using search engines to find answers, prevents the use of Internet chat programs, and blocks virtually all types of digital cheating.”

Over 150 higher-education institutions participated in the 6-month beta release. “We received tremendous feedback from the universities and schools that used the beta version of Respondus LockDown Browser,” said Smetters. “We are excited to offer a product that will greatly reduce the ability to cheat on online assessments.”

The Respondus LockDown Browser software is designed for use with WebCT Vista, WebCT CE 4, and the Blackboard Learning System 6.0 and higher. Educational institutions can obtain a free pilot license through August 1, 2006. For more details, visit http://www.respondus.com.

About Respondus, Inc.

Respondus, Inc. develops testing, survey, and game applications for the leading e-learning platforms, including the Blackboard Learning System(TM), WebCT, ANGEL LMS, and eCollege, among others. Respondus also partners with publishers, including Thomson Higher Education and Pearson Education, to distribute question banks for over 900 of the leading textbooks in higher education.

Thousands of faculty at over 2,000 colleges and universities in over 50 countries use Respondus software to enhance their e-learning offerings.

More information: http://www.respondus.com

News issued by: Respondus, Inc.

Respondus, Inc.

Original Image: https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/09-0107-Respondus_72dpi.jpg

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Original Story ID: (1551) :: 2006-04-0418-006

Original Keywords: Respondus, Inc., Lock down browser, e-learning, education, training, higher education, David Smetters, Respondus, elearning, WebCT, blackboard, WebCT Vista, WebCT CE 4, and the Blackboard Learning System 6.0, software, Washington, secure testing environment, online test Respondus, Inc.

News Source: Respondus, Inc.