Can Canvas Track When You Switch Tabs During a Test?

Introduction

The digital classroom has transformed the way we engage with online tests and quizzes. But with this transformation comes the challenge of ensuring academic integrity. Tools like Canvas offer robust features to manage and monitor student activities, including detecting when a student switches tabs during a test. In this article, we explore the extent to which Canvas can track tab switching and the tools available to enhance monitoring with a proctored environment.

Canvas and Tab Switching Detection

Proctored Exams and Proctoring Tools

Canvas has the capability to detect tab switching during proctored exams. This is achieved through the integration of proctoring tools like Respondus Monitor, Proctorio, ProctorU, and Honorlock. These tools can restrict and monitor computer activities to prevent cheating. By utilizing these tools, instructors can create a secure and monitored environment for their students.

Canvas Quiz Log

When proctored exams are in use, Canvas logs any triggered events during tests. This includes navigation inside and outside the Canvas quiz page. Instructors can review these logs to determine if students were indeed switching tabs or engaging in other suspicious activities. However, the specific nature of the activities outside the quiz page cannot be easily identified by Canvas alone.

Canvas Limitations in Non-Proctored Tests

Non-Proctored Quizzes

For non-proctored tests, Canvas does not have the detailed capabilities to detect when a student switches tabs or tracks activities inside other applications. What it can do is record the time a student leaves the quiz-taking page and the time they return. This helps in understanding the duration a student spends on the quiz, but it does not provide insights into what the student was doing during those intervals.

Limited Client-Side Tracking

It's important to note that Canvas cannot identify specific pages visited outside of the Canvas application. This is due to the limitations of client-side tracking and privacy regulations. The data that Canvas can log is limited to activities within the Canvas interface.

Proctoring Tools for Enhanced Monitoring

Adopting Proctoring Solutions

Institutions have increasingly adopted proctoring tools such as Respondus Monitor, Proctorio, ProctorU, and Honorlock to address the challenges of online exams. These tools provide more comprehensive monitoring and help in deterring cheating during online tests. Proctoring tools can:

Restrict computer activities to minimize distractions and cheating opportunities. Monitor the student's testing environment using webcams and microphones. Flag suspicious activities for instructor review.

By integrating these tools, instructors can enhance the reliability and integrity of their online assessment.

Conclusion

While Canvas can detect tab switching during proctored exams, its capabilities are limited in non-proctored environments. To ensure the highest level of academic integrity, institutions and instructors are increasingly turning to proctoring tools that provide more comprehensive monitoring. Understanding these tools and how they work can help educators create a secure and fair testing environment for all students.