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Understanding Students’ Aversion to Textbook Reading

Tiera CostonNovember 6, 2014Leave a comment

Despite their importance, this is how many college students view their textbooks.

Textbook reading is essential to a student's success, not only during his/her undergraduate education, but well beyond. Yet, students' compliance with class reading assignments is discouragingly low. Understanding why students don't read is a prerequisite to putting strategies into place that strongly encourage students to view their texts as useful and helpful tools, and ultimately encourage reading. Understanding Student's Aversion to Textbook Reading provides some literature-based insight into why students may not view their textbooks as the learning resources that they are, including reasons that are more under the control of the professor than the student. The presentation also offers some practical approaches to encouraging reading that address the specific reasons for students' aversion to textbook reading.

Respondus LockDown Browser FAQ

Who can use this software?

Faculty and students utilize the Respondus LockDown Browser in different ways. For faculty, Respondus LockDown browser is integrated into Brightspace; faculty can turn on the requirement to use the LockDown Browser on a specific test from a control panel.

Students who are required to use the LockDown browser must have access to the software by either locating a computer with the LockDown Browser installed already, or student must download and install the LockDown Browser to their personal computer.

Where can I find Quick Start Guides for Respondus LockDown Browser?

To access how-to guides on using Respondus LockDown Browser please read the provided Instructor Guide and Student Guide:

How do I enable Respondus LockDown Browser for an exam in my course?

Respondus LockDown Browser tool is installed on Brightspace. Faculty have to enable each test where students will be required to use LockDown Browser. For information on preparing and exam for use with Respondus LockDown Browser, please refer to the Instructor Quick Start Guide and/or view this video.

What are the Respondus LockDown Browser system requirements?

Respondus LockDown Browser can be used on PCs and Macs. Instructors have to option to allow students to use LockDown Browser on their iPads. The system requirements can be found at: respondus.com.

Additionally, viruses on the computer can affect Respondus LockDown Browser behavior. Always use antivirus software to keep your computer safe.

Does anything need to be installed on a computer for Respondus LockDown Browser to be used for an online exam?

Yes, the application program for Respondus LockDown Browser must be installed on the computer. Use this link to download Respondus LockDown Browser. There is no cost for the software, and versions of the LockDown Browser are available for Windows PC's and Macs. The LockDown Browser app is available for iPads.

Once installed, students MUST use their regular browser to log in to their course, start the exam, and then click on the Launch LockDown Browser link in order to take any exam which requires the use of LockDown Browser. If LockDown Browser was not installed before starting the exam, you can click on the link to install it from inside the exam instructions screen.

How will students use Respondus LockDown Browser to take their exams?

Students should review the Student Quick Start Guide for Respondus LockDown Browser before taking an exam to ensure they understand how to use it. Instructors may wish to consider including a link to the Student Quick Start Guide in Brightspace so students will know what they need to do to prepare to take an exam that uses LockDown Browser.

Students should also review the general online test taking guide before taking their first online exam.

Additionally, instructors should provide students with unlimited attempts to take a practice quiz. The practice quiz should be available for the entire semester. The practice quiz should have enough questions in it so that students can get an idea of what to expect when they take a test that requires Respondus LockDown Browser. Every student, even those who will be using a computer in Xavier's computer lab, should be required to take the practice quiz before their first test that requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser.

How can I allow students to access specific external web domains during an exam?

The instructor can allow access to specific external web domains during an exam. However, the instructor must first select a setting that permits access to external web domains. Review this knowledgebase article for more information.

Can spreadsheets be used with Respondus LockDown Browser?

LockDown Browser includes a tool that enables .xls/.xlsx spreadsheets to be viewed and manipulated during an exam session. This functionality is available for Windows, Mac, and iPad editions of LockDown Browser. Review this knowledgebase article for more information.

Is Respondus LockDown Browser accessible to students with disabilities?

The short answer is yes. The details are as follows:

The Mac version of LockDown Browser works with VoiceOver (the standard screen reader that comes with the Mac OS). LockDown Browser's functions and security remain the same when VoiceOver is used.

The Windows version of LockDown Browser (version 1.0.5.17 and newer) allows a student to use screen reader accessibility programs, such as JAWS and Windows-Eyes. However, the security level of LockDown Browser is lowered when screen readers are used. To address this, the instructor must enable a setting that permits specific students to use a screen reader application with LockDown Browser.

For more information on accessibility settings view this accessibility knowledgebase article.

Should students take a practice test?

Yes, students should be required to take a practice test. Instructors should provide students with unlimited attempts to take a practice test. The practice test should be available for the entire semester. The practice test should have enough questions in it so that students can get an idea of what to expect when they take a test that requires Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor.

Every student, even those who will be using a computer in Xavier's computer lab, should be required to take the practice test before their first test that requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor.

Can I use my computer on a wireless network to take an exam with Respondus LockDown Browser?

We strongly recommend using an Ethernet (wired) Internet connection while taking your exam in LockDown Browser. If you use a wireless, USB modem, laptop connect card, or mobile hotspot connection during an exam, you are more likely to run into problems due to dropped/interrupted connections to the Brightspace server. This is because the Brightspace server is more bandwidth intensive (especially during exams) than normal Internet surfing.

If you lose your Internet connection during the exam, it can lock up the browser and not allow you to save answers, move on to other questions, submit or exit the exam. Ethernet connections are the most stable connection to the Brightspace server. If you have a router, plugging directly into it when taking exams will reduce the chances of connection interruptions.

Can an iPad be used with LockDown Browser?

The iPad Edition of "LockDown Browser" (available from iTunes) enables a student to use an iPad to take exams that require LockDown Browser. However, the instructor must first select a setting that permits the use of iPads for the exam. Review this knowledgebase article for more information.

NOTE: You must login to your Brightspace course using a standard browser (e.g. Chrome or Safari), start the quiz, and then launch LockDown Browser from the quiz page.

XULA is not one of the institutions listed in the LockDown Browser iPad app.

As of version 6.2 of LockDown Browser for iPad, it is no longer possible to manually start LockDown Browser and take an exam in Brightspace. For institutions using Brightspace, an improved launching mechanism called "autolaunch" is now required. This feature allows you to login to Brightspace using a standard mobile browser on the iPad, then launch LockDown Browser from the quiz summary page. Institutions using Brightspace will no longer appear in the LockDown Browser for iPad institution search field.

You must do the following to take a test using an iPad:

Use mobile Safari or Chrome to login to Brightspace.
Navigate to your course, then quiz.
On the quiz summary page, click on the "Launch LockDown Browser" button. if the LockDown Browser for iPad app has already been installed, our institution will automatically be detected, and LockDown Browser should open. If you haven't yet installed the app, you can find it in the Apple app store.

Where can students find a computer with Respondus LockDown Browser installed on campus?

The Mac Lab (St. Joe room 103) and 3M Resource and Mentoring Center (Library 1st floor) have Respondus LockDown Browser installed on computers that students can use to take exams that require Respondus LockDown Browser.

I expected Respondus LockDown Browser to automatically launch when I clicked on the exam.

Respondus LockDown Browser is a separate application program from Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc. You must login to your course using your regular web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari), click on the link to start the test, and then click on the Launch LockDown Browser button. If LockDown Browser was not installed before starting the exam, you can click on the link to install it from inside the exam instructions screen.

Students receive an error message that they should notify their instructor to access the Respondus LockDown Browser Dashboard once in the new course in order to fix a problem.

Copied courses that have tests/exams with RLDB enabled require instructors to access the Respondus LockDown Browser Dashboard once after the copy to update the RLDB settings in the destination course. This has to be done before students will be able to take exams that require Respondus LockDown Browser (RLDB).

I need to close "Dell Dock", "Google Desktop" and "Skype" (Windows users).

Symptom: When LockDown Browser is opened, a message indicates that the user must close an application or program. LockDown Browser offers to close the program but is unable to do, so the application closes.

Solution: If the program indicated is not actually used on this computer, you can uninstall it from Start > Control Panel. To keep the program, change the program's settings so it does not run automatically when Windows starts up, or use Task Manager to stop the program before running Respondus LockDown Browser. Below are instructions for specific programs.

Dell Dock

Dell Dock is a utility included with many Dell computers. Follow one of the steps below when encountering issues with the "Dell Dock" and Respondus LockDown Browser:

If the program is not needed, uninstall the Dell Dock from Windows -> Start -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows 10/8/7).
Or, to block Dell Dock from running at startup:
1. Press the 'Windows logo' key and the 'R' key simultaneously on the keyboard.
2. Type "msconfig" (without quotes) in the box that comes up, and then press Enter.
3. In the next box that comes up, navigate to the start-up tab, then un-check the box next to "delldock".
4. Click "Apply" then "OK".
5. Restart the computer.
Or, to disable the utility from within Dell Dock, see: http://www.ehow.com/how_4773983_remove-dell-dock.html

Google Desktop

Google Desktop is a utility that allows users to search files on the computer and to use a Sidebar gadget bar to display applets on top of other programs. Follow one of the steps below when encountering issues with Google Desktop and Respondus LockDown Browser:

If the Google Desktop is not being used on the computer, the best option is to remove it from the system through Windows -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features (Windows 10/8/7).
Or, manually stop Google Desktop before starting LockDown Browser by starting Task Manager and using End Process to stop all Google processes.

Skype

Skype is a program that allows conferencing and phone calls over the internet. Follow one of the steps below when encountering issues with Skype and Respondus LockDown Browser:

If Skype is not being used on the computer, the best option is to remove it from the system through Windows -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features (Windows 10/8/7).
Or, close any browsers that are open, since Skype will attach itself to those browsers. Then, manually stop Skype before starting LockDown Browser by starting Task Manager and using End Process to stop all Skype processes.

I want to adjust the font size while inside the Respondus LockDown Browser program.

To adjust the font size, click on the "i" icon in the LockDown Browser toolbar. This will open a new window where you can adjust the "zoom level" for your test. Zoom magnifies the entire page, including pictures.

How can students view test results and feedback for a test where Respondus LockDown Browser is required?

Here's a link to step-by-step instructions on how to view completed test submissions.

Is Respondus LockDown Browser training available?

The Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development (CAT+) provides faculty training and support for Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor. Visit CAT's website for Brightspace workshops or contact Janice Florent.

Students can get help by viewing this introduction to Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor video and/or Student Quick Start Guide. If students still have questions they should contact their instructor.

Where can I find additional information (FAQs) for Respondus LockDown Browser?

For additional FAQs visit the Knowledgebase at Respondus.com.

Respondus Monitor FAQ

How is Respondus Monitor used by faculty?

Faculty can utilize Respondus Monitor to help protect the integrity of online exams delivered via Brightspace. Respondus Monitor is already installed within Brightspace as part of the Respondus LockDown Browser tool.

The benefits of using Respondus Monitor include:

Video and audio recording of students while they take their exams
Students are able to take their exams wherever they are
Students can take their exams when they are ready, at any time during test availability period

Does Respondus Monitor require the use of any additional software?

For students to use Respondus Monitor, they must have Respondus LockDown Browser installed on their computers. Instructions on how to install and use the LockDown Browser, in addition to installation files for Windows and Macintosh computer are located on our Respondus LockDown Browser information page.

Will users need to obtain any additional hardware?

Students taking exams using Respondus Monitor must have a microphone and webcam installed. On some computers, webcams and microphones may be built into the system already; in other cases students may have to purchase the devices. It is the student's responsibility to locate and purchase webcams and microphones that will be compatible with their computer.

Students who do not have the appropriate hardware can use one of the computers in St. Joe's Mac Lab (room 103) or the 3M Resource and Mentoring Center (Library 1st floor).

What are the Respondus Monitor system requirements?

Respondus Monitor can be used on PCs and Macs. The system requirements can be found at: respondus.com.

Additionally, viruses on the computer can affect Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor and webcam behavior. Always use antivirus software to keep your computer safe.

How do I enable Respondus Monitor in my course?

Respondus Monitor is installed on our Brightspace system; however, you may need to enable it in your course. For information on enabling Respondus Monitor and setting up exams/quizzes to use Respondus Monitor, please see the Instructor Quick Start Guide.

How will students use Respondus Monitor to take their exams?

Students should review the Student Quick Start Guide for Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor before taking an exam to ensure their webcam and microphone are working properly, and they have appropriate software (Adobe Flash Player) installed. Instructors may wish to consider including a link to the Student Quick Start Guide in Brightspace so students will know what they need to do to prepare to take an exam that uses Respondus Monitor.

Students should also review the general online test taking guide before taking their first online exam.

Additionally, instructors should provide students with unlimited attempts to take a practice quiz. The practice quiz should be available for the entire semester. The practice quiz should have enough questions in it so that students can get an idea of what to expect when they take a test that requires Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor. Every student, even those who will be using a computer in Xavier's computer lab, should be required to take the practice quiz before their first test that requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor.

Should students take a practice test?

Every student, even those who will be using a computer in Xavier's computer lab, should be required to take the practice quiz before their first test that requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor.

Can I use my computer on a wireless network to take an exam with Respondus Monitor?

Can an iPad be used with Respondus Monitor/LockDown Browser?

Are there computers on campus students can use to take a test that requires Respondus Monitor?

I expected Respondus LockDown Browser to automatically launch when I clicked on the exam.

I want to adjust the font size while inside the Respondus LockDown Browser program.

Is Respondus Monitor accessible to students with disabilities?

The short answer is yes. Respondus Monitor requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser. Respondus LockDown Browser accessibility details are as follows:

The Mac version of LockDown Browser works with VoiceOver (the standard screen reader that comes with the Mac OS). LockDown Browser's functions and security remain the same when VoiceOver is used.

For more information on accessibility settings view this accessibility knowledgebase article.

Where can I find the Respondus Monitor privacy policy?

An easy to read one page data privacy policy document that provides answers to commonly asked questions can be found at this link. The full Respondus Monitor privacy policy can be found at this link.

Is Respondus Monitor training available?

Where can I find additional information (FAQs) for Respondus Monitor?

For additional FAQs visit the Knowledgebase at Respondus.com.

Best Practices for Posting Video Announcements 2

Karen NicholsSeptember 15, 20142 Comments

by Karen Nichols

In the September 8, 2014 issue of Faculty Focus, Amy Erickson and Catz Neset offer in their article "Building Community and Creating Relevance in the Online Classroom," several best practices for creating video announcements to post in Blackboard (or whatever Learning Management System you may be using).

In addition to your students having more exposure to you as a "real" person speaking to them, video announcements can also be a presentation of material or virtual tour of the week's lesson, narrated by you.

Here is the authors' formula for success:

Provide an introduction each week and share your availability

Give feedback and answer questions from the previous week

Showcase exceptional student work from the previous week

Highlight the objectives of the coming week and any special preparation or required resources

Connect your coursework to relevant current events

**I would add to this list: Keep in mind that students may be using mobile devices to access Blackboard so you'll want to create your video announcement to be easily viewed on a smartphone or ipad

Video announcements are not limited to strictly online courses. Posting a video announcement in a traditional face to face class can be a timesaver in that you can answer questions from last week and set up the coming week's agenda before the students arrive in class.

Here's a video announcement from Xavier's own Mark Gstohl. He introduces himself, gives his contact information and tells the students about an upcoming assignment. He also adds a bit of humor which goes a long way to building a rapport with the students.

Please feel free to share a link to one of your video announcements!

Failure is an Option 2

Tiera CostonSeptember 12, 20142 Comments

by Tiera S. Coston

Better Mistakes

For most of us, the words "mistake" and "failure" conjure up feelings of insecurity, humiliation and anxiety. And if the the words have such a negative effect, then think of how we feel when we actually make a mistake or fail at something. Further complicate the situation by imagining that the person who made the mistake or failed at something is a young college student who is already feeling overwhelmed and under-prepared. I propose a shift in the way we view mistakes and failure. We, as educators, must model to our students a mindset in which mistakes and failure are a natural part of mastering subject matter. We must teach them how to use their mistakes as valuable information that can illuminate their road to mastery. Mistakes are one of the most important things that can happen in the classroom because they have the power to direct students where to focus their efforts. Ultimately, academic success comes from how students feel about and use their mistakes. Helping your students to understand that failure is not only an option, but a necessity, is one of the most important things you will ever teach them. I certainly do not suggest that facilitating this shift in mindset in your classroom will be easy; it will require a great deal of work for both you and the students. However, consistent effort and a willingness to try (and fail at) different approaches will yield students who are in a better position to learn and succeed (master subject matter). Failure is an Option: Helping Your Students Make Their Mistakes Work for Them may help to give you a starting point if you would like to facilitate this type of paradigm shift in your classroom. Also, here is the form if you are interested in using the RAM Strategy.

CAT Support for Online/Hybrid Instruction

Karen NicholsAugust 29, 2014Leave a comment

by Karen Nichols
Hi Everyone and welcome back for the fall 2014 semester! Here is a timely reminder of the various ways CAT can support your online/hybrid courses (and even technology-infused face to face courses).

One to one sessions on using technology such as Blackboard, plus one to one sessions on the pedagogy of online teaching--please contact Janice Florent, jflorent@xula.edu, for Blackboard help and Karen Nichols, knichola@xula.edu, for pedagogical assistance with your courses
Workshops, presentations and panel discussions about online teaching including accessibility, student conduct and providing quality feedback--please see our CAT events
CAT's Online Faculty Resource Center, an organization in Blackboard to which you can subscribe by emailing Janice Florent, jflorent@xula.aedu, or Karen Nichols, knichola@xula.edu (If you use the Bb Mobile app on your mobile device, you'll be notified each time new content is added)
ETC (Educational Technology Community), Xavier's special interest group that meets virtually throughout the academic year and which you can join by emailing Karen Nichols, knichola@xula.edu
Camtasia Studio--please contact Bart Everson, bpeverso@xula.edu, for more information
Books on best practices of teaching online that can be checked out--please ask Ms. Olivia Crum, ocrum@xula.edu, to check them out
Resources on this blog page dedicated to Blackboard and other technology used

If you're interested in learning more about any of these items, please contact us: cat@xula.edu; 504-520-7512 We'll be delighted to assist you--wishing everyone a great fall semester!

CAT's Online Faculty Resource Center

Using technology for teaching … or not

Karen NicholsJuly 17, 2014Leave a comment

by Karen Nichols

Faculty Focus just released the results of a poll of instructors which included asking them if they used technology in their classes this past year. 75% said they did. While discussing this percentage yesterday in a meeting, our Director was thinking that number was rather low. I mean, everyone uses technology these days, right?

Well, actually, there are some professors who don't wish to have technology invade and take over their face to face classes where they are bonding with their students. They prefer for their classroom discussions to be organic without the clutter of gadgets and digital distractions. I can't fault them for that.

In my own discipline of world languages, technology has greatly enhanced our ability to provide students with authentic experiences. We can take virtual tours of museums, skype with a partner class on another continent and perfect our skills using recordings and videos. But I can also remember experiencing a class on learning Bantu via the Peace Corps method of the 1960's. Just a few students and instructor and only the target language and gestures. It was intense but 25 years later, I still remember a few words and that experience helps me to empathize with how our students may feel when they approach second language learning.

So technology or no technology? That's a decision best left up to the instructor and the material. I do believe one should keep abreast of what's available in order to make an informed decision that will ultimately provide the best experience for the students.

More information on Dartmouth and the Peace Corps

3 Megatrends Influencing Distance Education

Karen NicholsJuly 6, 2014Leave a comment

by Karen Nichols

One interesting session I attended at this year's Distance Learning Administration conference was a presentation by Dr. Connie Reimers-Hild called Future-Focused Leadership: Three Mega-Trends Influencing Distance Learning. To paraphrase her three trends, Dr. Reimers-Hild discusses the rise of the "Gig Economy", the fact that more people are choosing to live with purpose and the global marketplace becoming de-centralized.

I was not familiar with the "Gig Economy" but having learned more, I can see numerous examples here in New Orleans. In fact, there's a group of gypsy adjuncts in the city who have created a social network to promote their skills, inform each one of potential employment and support each other during these difficult economic times. How this phenomenon affects distance learning is far-reaching in that we must offer support in the way of courses, advisement and training programs to assist this burgeoning sector of the workforce.

We must also prepare our students for a de-centralized global marketplace. In addition to offering appropriate courses, all of the course offerings can be designed to promote higher order critical thinking skills and include projects in which students use and develop tools they will need to be able to survive and thrive in this environment. Distance learning providers must also consider these economic conditions in their strategic planning.

Finally, I found it interesting that "living with purpose" is a mega trend. CAT has worked a great deal with contemplative pedagogy. For distance learning, I have been researching ways to include contemplative aspects in online courses. For me personally, living with purpose and meaning is a necessity. In fact, I have posted in my office a quote I found from Dr. Vicki Zakrzewski, director of the Greater Good Science Center:

"Helping students find a path to purpose is one of the noblest aspects of teaching." This is my mantra whether I'm teaching a face to face class or online.

Let’s Make a Movie

Bart EversonMay 26, 2014Leave a comment

CAT is looking for Xavier faculty to collaborate on a grant proposal to make a movie (or, potentially, some other media project) for a general audience addressing significant figures, events, or ideas and drawing its content from humanities scholarship.

The National Endowment for the Humanities is accepting proposals for Media Projects, due August 13.

Many subjects are possible, but projects that examine connections between the humanities and science and technology are especially encouraged. Projects that engage the power of the humanities to promote understanding of and respect for people with diverse histories, cultures, and perspectives (within the United States and abroad) are also encouraged. Collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches are especially appropriate.

More information on the Media Projects can be found on the NEH website.

Time is of the essence. If you are interested, please contact CAT's Media Artist, Bart Everson, as soon as possible.

2014 NCF Honorees

Bart EversonMay 22, 2014Leave a comment

CAT salutes this year’s recipients of the Norman C. Francis Faculty Excellence Awards. The university has produced a short video tribute to each faculty member.