Midterm Reminders

AI and Academic Integrity Update for Midterms:

The TLS team recently tested a range of AI tools that can be embedded into students’ browsers and assist them in completing Canvas quizzes and online meetings at the back end.

Key risks identified Without LDB:

• Students can run AI bots in the background while taking a Canvas quiz using invisible/no-display modes (hidden interfaces and silent answering).
• AI can mimic human pacing by delaying responses, making Canvas quiz logs unable to distinguish between authentic and AI-generated answers.
• Some AI tools capture quiz or meeting questions and send them to a student’s phone, where AI provides real-time answers.
• A few AI tools also store all quiz questions in their cloud-based question banks and share them with other users.

With LDB:

• Most AI tools are blocked, making it the most effective safeguard currently available.
• While students could still attempt to use a second device, the direct AI integration with Canvas is disrupted.

Recommendation: We strongly recommend enabling LockDown Browser for all quizzes and exams delivered through Canvas. In-person exams using Canvas quizzes with LDB and fully hand written exams remain the most secure formats.

Please Note: LockDown Browser is already installed in Forestry undergraduate labs.

You can also access this quick one-page Tipsheet to show you several examples of using LDB and Zoom proctoring features effectively.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to forestry.tls@ubc.ca.

Midterm Check-In Survey

The Forestry TLS Team has developed a check-in survey for students. Instructors can share the survey link in their Canvas courses. After the survey feedback is collected, instructors will receive course-specific results via email.

The deadline for students to complete the survey is Sunday October 26.