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Learn how to minimize distractions during in-class tests.
When you want to keep students focused on an in-class assessment, use Derivita's built-in Focus Mode. It puts the test into full screen mode and prevents students from looking at other assignments or tabs.
Focus Mode is useful for keeping tests distraction-free, but it doesn't provide a secure lockdown environment like Proctorio, so we recommend using it only in class, when teachers can supervise.
It doesn't require any installation, and it's compatible with the content filtering and classroom management software you already use, like Blocksi and LanSchool.
How to turn on Focus Mode
Please note the following caveats below:
- Focus Mode may not work as intended on iPads. If students have trouble, it may help to open Derivita in Safari, rather than the Canvas app
- Focus Mode doesn't work with questions that require students to upload an image.
Instead, we recommend turning on Show Work, so students can upload images at the end of the assignment.
Learn more: How do I have students show their work?
- Open the Derivita assignment and click the pencil icon to open the assignment settings
- Scroll down to Focus Controls and choose Focus Mode
- On a quiz or exam, you may choose a calculator for students to use
- Click Save
How to let students into the assessment
By default, Exam Lobby is enabled. When Exam Lobby is on, students won't be able to start working until you admit them.
When you're ready for students to start, click Exam Lobby in the top right. This will open the lobby in a new tab, where you can allow students to get started.
Re-admitting students
If a student leaves full screen, opens a new tab, switches to another window, or so on, they'll be removed from Focus Mode.
If Exam Lobby is on, this means that they won't be able to do any more work until you re-admit then. You can re-admit a student at any time from the Exam Lobby.
Focus Mode for students
- Students will navigate to their Derivita assessment
- They'll then see a prompt to enter Focus Mode:
- The orange border will appear. When they're prepared to start, they'll click "Ready" and wait for a teacher to admit them:
- The orange border will remain on the student's screen while they complete the questions:
- If you chose a calculator for students to use, they can click "Calculator" in the top right to open it.
- If a student tries to visit another page or switch windows, they'll be removed from Focus Mode. They'll need to refresh the page to re-enter Focus Mode.
- When the student finishes, they will click "Submit" and they will leave Focus Mode.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Focus Mode is intended for in-class assessments where the teacher can supervise students. Focus Mode is like closing the classroom door to minimize distractions and does not replace educator supervision. For more advanced proctoring needs, Proctorio remains an option.