[Athen] Respondus Monitor and visually impaired students

[Top Tech Tidbits via athen-list]

Hey Justin,

 

It sounds like the blind student you spoke with had quite a challenging experience with Respondus Monitor. Your concerns are valid, especially regarding the lack of feedback for users who rely on screen readers or have visual impairments. Unfortunately, Respondus Monitor is heavily dependent on visual cues and positioning, which creates accessibility issues for blind or visually impaired students.

 


>From my experience and knowledge of similar situations, here are some key points and advice to consider:


 

1.	Accessibility Limitations of Respondus Monitor: As you observed, Respondus Monitor isn't fully accessible for blind users due to its reliance on webcam positioning, facial recognition, and visual confirmation. These features are difficult to use without sighted assistance, and the lack of audio feedback makes it challenging for screen reader users to receive necessary guidance.

 

2.	Using JAWS/NVDA with LockDown Browser: While you mentioned positive experiences with JAWS/NVDA and LockDown Browser, this may not extend to Monitor. LockDown Browser alone does not involve webcam use or facial recognition, which is likely why it's more accessible. When combined with Monitor, these added layers create significant hurdles for blind users.

 

3.	Requesting Accommodations: For future exams, it might be helpful to request alternative arrangements for students who use screen readers or are visually impaired. This could include taking the exam in a proctored setting with human oversight instead of relying on Respondus Monitor, or using another proctoring solution that provides better accessibility features.

 

4.	Feedback to Respondus: It could be beneficial to provide feedback directly to Respondus about these accessibility challenges. Highlighting the specific difficulties faced by blind users could push for better accommodation features, like more comprehensive audio feedback or integration with screen readers.

 

5.	Consulting with the Accessibility Office or IT: Collaborating with your institution’s IT or accessibility office to explore alternative proctoring tools or methods that are more inclusive might provide more accessible options.

 

6.	Providing Clear Communication: Ensuring that students are fully aware of the requirements and potential challenges before starting an exam with Respondus Monitor might help them prepare better, such as suggesting they seek a reader/scribe if necessary.

 

If others in the network have first-hand experience or solutions for these accessibility concerns, their input would be invaluable. Perhaps forming a small working group to explore and advocate for more accessible remote proctoring solutions could also be beneficial.

 

I hope this information is helpful and leads to better solutions for your students. 😊

 

Aaron Di Blasi,  <https://www.pmi.org/> PMP

 

 <https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarondiblasi/> 

 

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From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> On Behalf Of Romack, Justin via athen-list
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2024 8:11 AM
To: athen-list at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Athen] Respondus Monitor and visually impaired students

 

Howdy ATHEN!

 

I spoke with a totally blind student yesterday who had never taken an exam with Respondus’ Monitor product enabled.

 

They described the system prompting multiple times to face and position themselves in the webcam – with no feedback as to whether or not they were doing so correctly. They were asked to show a picture ID and were never given any indication which direction to move/position their card as they attempted to comply.

 

At several points in the quiz, Monitor indicated there were issues and they were not given feedback about why the assessment had been stopped (only assuming it had to do with their gaze and a false positive for cheating). Eventually they were locked out completely.

 

I’ve had some experience with LockDown Browser and JAWS/NVDA (these were largely positive), but I’ve not worked with Monitor. Does anyone have firsthand experience and advice?

 

Thanks!

 

J

 

 

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Justin Romack, Assistant Director

Disability Resources | Division of Student Affairs

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