SHARE

Integration of Desire2Learn Learning Environment and Respondus LockDown Browser technologies to increase security in online testing environment

REDMOND, Wash. — Respondus Inc., a leading provider of assessment tools for learning management systems in higher education, and Desire2Learn Inc., a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise eLearning solutions today announced the integration of Respondus LockDown Browser with the Desire2Learn Learning Environment to offer increased security for online testing.

Developed to provide faculty, instructors, and teachers with an increased sense of confidence and security with online assessments, Respondus LockDown Browser prevents the ability to print, copy, visit another URL, or access other applications while completing a quiz within the Desire2Learn Learning Environment. When an assessment is started, students are locked into it until they submit it for grading. Increased security for online testing ensures that learner knowledge is accurately assessed and that all students are measured similarly.

“For faculty to fully embrace online testing, institutions have to provide the tools that will prevent students from Googling for their answers or accessing other applications during an online test,” said David Smetters, President of Respondus. “Respondus LockDown Browser locks down a computer during an online test and seamlessly integrates with the Desire2Learn Learning Environment. This functionality gives faculty confidence in online testing and also provides a level playing field for classmates.”

LockDown Browser “With the integration of the Desire2Learn Learning Environment and the Respondus Lockdown Browser, we take another step forward in providing an increasingly easy-to-use, secure and seamless environment in which students can be assessed, and instructors can rely on results,” said Jeremy Auger, Desire2Learn Chief Operating Officer. “Desire2Learn continues our commitment to delivering on the needs of our clients in association with our partners.”

Combined with features such as question randomization, quiz passwords, and time limits which are already available in the Desire2Learn Learning Environment, faculty and teachers will now have a comprehensive set of security options available to them when designing a quiz. A single click within the Quizzing tool is all it takes to set up a quiz that will require students to use Respondus LockDown Browser.

Available immediately, Desire2Learn clients can obtain a beta version of Respondus LockDown Browser from the Respondus website. The final release is scheduled for June 2007, at which time beta participants will receive a free, institution-wide license through December 31, 2007.

To learn more about Respondus LockDown Browser, visit:
www.respondus.com/lockdown

To learn more about the Desire2Learn Learning Environment visit: desire2learn.com/products/Learning_Environment.asp

About Respondus Inc.
Respondus Inc. develops assessment applications for the eLearning market. Thousands of faculty and instructors at over 2,000 colleges and universities in over 50 countries use Respondus software to enhance the capabilities of their course management systems.

Respondus Inc. also partners with higher education publishers to distribute question banks in formats that are compatible with all leading course management systems. For more information, please visit: http://www.respondus.com

About Desire2Learn Inc.
Desire2Learn Inc. is a world-leading provider of enterprise eLearning systems that enable organizations to create teaching and learning environments that reflect their vision, values, goals, pedagogical approaches, and branding.

Desire2Learn supports over four million learners worldwide and clients include higher education, K-12, as well as associations, government, and other leading organizations. For more information, please visit: http://www.Desire2Learn.com

[tags]Respondus LockDown Browser, Desire2Learn Learning Environment, assessment tools for learning[/tags]