Instructors have two options for using spreadsheets during exams that require LockDown Browser. The first allows students to switch between LockDown Browser and MS Excel during the exam. The second uses LockDown Browser’s built-in spreadsheet tool. Each option has unique advantages.
Switching to Excel During an Exam
To enable students to switch between LockDown Browser and Excel during an online exam, the screen recording feature from Respondus Monitor is required. This is because Excel cannot be “locked down” once it is switched to. For example, students will still be able to Open/Save files in Excel, use Help, access built-in AI tools, and more. Screen recording will deter students from using features not permitted by the instructor during the exam.
Instructors select the “Allow Excel” option from the “Advanced Settings” area of Respondus Monitor. For complete details see: Using Excel with Respondus Monitor
Consider these points when using the Excel option:
- Only the desktop versions of Excel for Windows and Mac are supported
- Respondus Monitor’s screen recording feature is required
- If the Excel option isn’t enabled, links to .xls/xlsx files in the exam will use LockDown Browser’s built-in spreadsheet tool instead (see below)
- As applicable, tell students what Excel features should not be used during the exam (eg. Open, Save, Help, CoPilot, etc.). Remind them that their screen is being recorded.
- If students are required to upload their Excel file during the exam, remind them to save their work first.
- If a more restrictive environment is wanted for spreadsheets, consider LockDown Browser’s built-in spreadsheet tool (see below).
LockDown Browser’s Built-in Spreadsheet Tool
A built-in spreadsheet editor is available for all exams that use LockDown Browser. This tool supports basic spreadsheet files and functions.
The advantages of the built-in spreadsheet tool are:
- It doesn’t require the use of Respondus Monitor’s screen recording tool
- Use of the spreadsheet tool occurs within LockDown Browser, which means it is more secure. For example, students can open, modify, and upload files without affecting the locked testing environment.
- Supports LockDown Browser for Windows, Mac, and iPad
Note, if the exam includes a link to an .xls/.xlsx file and the instructor hasn't selected the Excel option, LockDown Browser will open its built-in spreadsheet tool instead.
To learn more about using spreadsheets with LockDown Browser, see:
Can spreadsheets be used with LockDown Browser?
Using Excel with Respondus Monitor