Security settings in exams
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In step 3 when creating or editing an exam, you get to choose a security mode and related settings.
Below, we go through each setting and what they mean.
This information is also available in our training video Academic Honesty (09:03)
HighHigh means that students must take the exam using specific software or application, such as Safe Exam Browser, our macOS/iOS- or Chromebook app. This software prevents students from accessing other programs on their devices during the exam. Installation instructions can be found here.
For students using the high-security mode, you will see a small padlock next to their names in the monitoring/results view.
On an iPad, for example, the high-security mode is the only way to ensure that notifications from other apps do not disturb the student during the exam.
The setting Allow students to continue with medium lockdown mode combines the High and the Medium lockdown modes.
Upon initiating the exam, the high-security mode will be prompted; however, students will also retain the option to commence the exam in their standard browser.
This scenario could be applicable when, for instance, specific students haven't had the opportunity to install the high-security mode on their devices before the exam begins.
Medium
If you select Medium the student is not required to use any installed software (TaT, Exam.net application, or SEB). Instead, the exam will enter full-screen mode in the browser when the student connects to the exam.
If the student leaves the full-screen mode, you, as a teacher, will receive a notification in the monitoring view, and you can also choose if the student, for example, should be locked for a certain amount of time.
You set this through a drop-down menu with options when creating or editing the exam:
Require explanation
If a student exits the full-screen mode, to continue writing, the student first has to write an explanation as to why they left.
During the exam - and after the exam - the teacher can see which students have left the full-screen mode, how long they have been away, and what explanation they have given.
Waiting time
This means how long the student must be locked out of the exam if he has exited the full-screen mode.
You can choose between 30, 60, and 90 seconds.
It will look something like this for the student:
DisabledThe lockdown mode is turned off. The students will be able to enter the exam in any browser, and they will be able to access other documents and programs on the device while taking the exam.
iPads
Please be aware that on iPads, using the high-security mode is essential to prevent disruptions from the built-in keyboard or app notifications during exams. We recommend using our iOS app even for exams in the medium security mode.
Chromebook / Mac
Our apps for Chromebooks and Macs can be utilized for exams in the medium security mode or if the cheat protection is disabled.
However, for Chromebooks, it's crucial to understand that the devices will be restricted to the exam environment - the students will not be able to access other resources on their Chromebooks when taking the exam.