Academic Integrity in Online Courses

eCampus at San Jose State University provides tools to assist with the authentication of students who register in an online course. This can include methods such as a secure login and pass code, plagiarism check enabled assignments, or proctoring solutions. For each tool listed below, the steps on how to get started as well as links to privacy practices are noted.

• Canvas Quiz Settings
  • 1. Add a variety of question types into a Canvas quiz, such as multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, fill-in-multiple-blanks, multiple answers, multiple drop-down (can be used for likert scale), matching, numerical answer, formula (simple formula and single variable), essay, link course content, and file upload.
    2. Shuffle (randomize) answers.
    3. Shuffle questions by creating a question group.
    4. Limit the amount of time complete the quiz.
    5. Show one question at a time and lock questions after answering.
• Turnitin

  • Turnitin is an Internet-based plagiarism-prevention servic, which checks documents for unoriginal content. The results can be used to identify similarities to existing sources or can be used in formative assessment to help students learn how to avoid plagiarism and improve their writing.

    Steps to Get Started

    1. Log into Canvas and click on assignments.
    2. Add an assignment name and description.
    3. For submission type, select External Tool.
    4. Scroll in the list until Turnitin appears.
    5. Select it and click Save.
    6. Enter the dates for the assignment and Save and Publish.
    7. (Optional) Within the Turntiin interface, adjust the settings as needed (e.g., add a rubric, enable PeerMark, allow resubmissions). Review the Turnitin assignment setup video that showcases the steps.
• Turnitin Privacy

  • Privacy

    Turnitin has undergone a thorough review before adoption to ensure the software adheres to university privacy practices. They have a privacy pledge. Information should get shared with students, so they know what to expect when using the software. This includes:

    1. inform students papers will get processed through Turnitin
    2. review assignment settings to determine whether or not the submissions will get stored in the database
    3. share the example tutorial [pdf] of what to expect
    4. share the plagarism tutorial resource available from the library
• Respondus Lockdown Browser

  • Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within the common learning management systems like Canvas. 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. Available for both Windows, Mac, and iPad.

    Steps to Get Started

    1. Log into Canvas and click on Quizzes from the left navigation menu of the course.
    2. Click the +Quiz button. Add a quiz name and instructions.
    3. Continue scrolling the page, and look for the checkbox to enable Respondus Lockdown Browser. Check this box.
    4. Add in the remaining quiz settings, such as time limit and availability dates.
    5. Add in the quiz questions and then Save and Publish.
    6. (Optional) To allow for iPads, click on Lockdown Browser from the left navigation menu of the course.
    7. Click on Settings from the dropdown menu next to the course name. 
    8. Review the Advanced Settings and check the box "Allow students to take this exam with an iPad" and then Save.
• Respondus Lockdown Browser Privacy

  • Privacy

    Respondus Lockdown Browser has undergone a thorough review before adoption to ensure the software adheres to university privacy practices. They have a privacy principles as well as privacy across their applications and services. Information should get shared with students, so they know what to expect when using the software. This includes:

    1. Add information in the Syllabus
    2. Create a Practice Quiz
    3. Share an overview video with students
    4. Share the Quickstart Guide [pdf] with students
    5. Respondus Lockdown Browser Terms of Use
• Respondus Monitor

  • Respondus Monitor is a companion product for Respondus LockDown Browser that enables institutions to protect the integrity of non-proctored, online exams. Students use their own computer and a webcam to record assessment sessions, all without leaving the institution's learning management system. 

    Steps to Get Started

    1. Follow the steps noted for Respondus Lockdown Browser.
    2. Click on Lockdown Browser from the left navigation menu.
    3. Click on Settings from the dropdown menu next to the course name. 
    4. In the Respondus Monitor Settings, mark the radio button "Require Respondus Monitor for this exam".
    5. Review the Startup Sequence details as needed, such as webcam check, additional instructions, etc...
    6. Review the facial detection options and advanced settings. 
    7. Click the Save and Close button.
• Respondus Monitor Privacy

  • Privacy

    Respondus Monitor has undergone a thorough review before adoption to ensure the software adheres to university privacy practices. After an exam, a report is generated. If an incident occured, it would get flagged in the report only available to the instructor. The report will highlight areas where to should take a closer look. Upon review, the instructor can determine whether or not the exam integrity was compromised. They have a privacy principles as well as privacy across their applications and services. Information should get shared with students, so they know what to expect when using the software. This includes: 

    1. Add information in the Syllabus
    2. Create a Practice Quiz
    3. Share an overview video with students
    4. Share the Quickstart Guide [pdf] with students
    5. Respondus Monitor Student Terms of Use