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      Focus Mode - for a Built-in, Distraction Free Testing Environment

      Learn how to enable Focus Mode, best practices, and how it works for students

      Focus Mode is a built-in Derivita feature that minimizes distractions during in-class assessments. There are no third-party extensions or downloads required. Focus Mode forces the student’s device to enter full-screen, prevents students from navigating away, even to other Derivita assignments, while being compatible with IT infrastructure, content filtering, and classroom management software like Blocksi and LANSchool. Focus Mode is designed to create a distraction-free environment, NOT to provide a secure lockdown like Proctorio.

      Focus Mode is intended for in-class assessments where the teacher can supervise students.

      How to Enable Focus Mode:

      1. Click the gear icon on a Derivita assignment and select “Assignment Settings.”
      2. Scroll down and toggle on Focus Mode.focus1

        3. Set a password

      Educators should ALWAYS combine Focus Mode with an assignment password.

        4. Click "Save". 

      How to Use Focus Mode and Best Practices:

      1. Enable Focus Mode and set a password in Assignment Settings.
      2. Students enter Focus Mode when they open the assessment.
      3. Verify all students are in Focus Mode (an orange bar appears around their screen), then share the password.
      4. After a few minutes, change the password to prevent sharing.

      Make sure to change the password in the Assignment Settings once your students have started the assessment. 

       

         5. If a student exits full screen or navigates away, they will be locked out.

         6. To re-enter, they must enter the updated password.

      Focus Mode for Students:

        1. Students will navigate to their Derivita assessment

        2. They will then see a prompt to enter Focus Mode.

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        3. The orange bar will appear on the screen and the student will then enter the password. When         the student is ready to start, click "Start Exam". 

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      4. The orange bar will remain on the student's screen when they are in Focus Mode. 

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      5. If they try to navigate away or leave Focus Mode, the student will be prompted to reload their assessment and will then have to re-enter Focus Mode and put in the new password (given to them by their teachers). 

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      6. Once the student is done, they will click "Submit" and they will leave Focus Mode. 

      Please note the following caveats below:

      *Focus Mode does not work on iPads

      *Focus Mode does not work with questions that require image upload. Instead, we recommend using Show Work for students to upload their work at the end of the assignment. Learn more about Show Work here. 

      IMPORTANT REMINDER

      Focus Mode is intended for in-class assessments where the teacher can supervise students. Educators should ALWAYS use a password when enabling Focus Mode. This adds a layer of control, preventing students from easily re-entering the assessment if they do manage to navigate away. 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