Does McGraw Hill Detect Chrome Extensions?
Understanding when and how McGraw Hill Connect can detect browser extensions is crucial for students. The answer depends entirely on whether your assignment is proctored or not.
How McGraw Hill Connect Monitoring Actually Works
Before diving into extension detection, it's important to understand how McGraw Hill Connect's monitoring system actually functions. The platform operates differently depending on the type of assignment you're completing.
Standard Web Application: At its core, McGraw Hill Connect is a standard web application running in your browser. Like most websites, it has limited access to your computer's information and cannot natively see what extensions you have installed.
Data Collection on Connect: The platform collects data about your interactions within the site - which questions you answer, how long you spend, what you click. However, this tracking is confined to the Connect platform itself.
Proctoring Software: When proctoring is enabled (through Proctorio, Respondus, or similar tools), an additional layer of monitoring is added. This software operates at a deeper system level and has significantly more access to your computer.
Does McGraw Hill Detect Chrome Extensions on Regular Homework?
The short answer: No. On regular, non-proctored homework assignments and quizzes, McGraw Hill Connect cannot detect what Chrome extensions you have installed or are actively using.
Why Extensions Are Not Detected on Regular Assignments:
- • Browser Security Model: Chrome's security architecture prevents websites from accessing extension data
- • No System-Level Access: Standard web apps cannot scan your browser for installed software
- • Extension Isolation: Extensions run in sandboxed environments separate from website code
- • Privacy Protections: Modern browsers are designed to prevent this type of surveillance
This means that for your regular homework assignments, SmartBook readings, and non-proctored quizzes, using helper extensions like SolveMyBook is technically undetectable by the platform itself.
When McGraw Hill Can Detect Extensions: Proctored Exams
Proctored exams are a completely different situation. When your professor enables proctoring software, the detection capabilities increase dramatically.
Proctorio Detection: Proctorio, one of the most common proctoring tools used with McGraw Hill, can detect and list installed Chrome extensions. It may also require you to disable certain extensions before starting the exam.
Respondus LockDown Browser: This proctoring solution requires a separate browser that blocks access to other applications and extensions entirely. It's impossible to use Chrome extensions during a Respondus-proctored exam.
Screen Recording: Proctoring software typically records your screen, meaning any extension activity visible on screen could be captured and reviewed by your professor.
Important Warning
Never use helper extensions during proctored exams. The detection capabilities are extensive, and the consequences for academic integrity violations can be severe, including failing grades or disciplinary action.
How To Tell If Your Assignment Is Proctored
Knowing whether an assignment uses proctoring is crucial. Here are the clear signs to look for:
Explicit Notification: Proctored assignments always display a notification before you begin, stating that the session will be monitored. You'll typically need to agree to terms and conditions.
Software Installation Required: Proctoring usually requires downloading and installing additional software or a browser extension. If you can start an assignment without installing anything, it's likely not proctored.
Webcam/Microphone Access: Proctored exams request webcam and microphone permissions. A pre-exam check typically tests your audio and video before proceeding.
ID Verification: Most proctored exams require you to show your student ID to the webcam before starting.
Syllabus Information: Your course syllabus usually specifies which exams will be proctored. When in doubt, check the syllabus or ask your professor.
What McGraw Hill Tracks on Non-Proctored Assignments
While extensions aren't detected on regular homework, McGraw Hill does track other data. Understanding this helps you use the platform appropriately.
Time per Question: Connect logs how long you spend on each question. Extremely fast completion times might catch a professor's attention during manual review.
Answer Patterns: The system records your answers, including any changes made before final submission. Unusual patterns (like answering questions correctly without any wrong attempts) could theoretically be noticed.
Login and Activity Times: When you log in and complete work is recorded. Professors can see if you completed assignments at 3 AM the night before the deadline.
Resource Usage: Use of built-in help features like "Help Me Solve This" or eBook access is tracked. Using these leaves a trail showing engagement with learning materials.
Best Practices for Using Chrome Extensions Safely
If you choose to use helper extensions on non-proctored work, here are practices to ensure you're doing so safely:
Know Your Assignment Type: Always verify whether an assignment is proctored before starting. Look for the signs mentioned above.
Maintain Realistic Timing: Don't complete a 30-question assignment in 5 minutes. Take reasonable time on each question to avoid creating suspicious patterns in the activity logs.
Disable During Proctored Exams: Always disable or remove helper extensions before starting any proctored exam. Better yet, use a different browser profile or device for proctored work.
Use Extensions as Learning Tools: Tools like SolveMyBook work best when used to verify understanding and learn from explanations, not just to copy answers mindlessly.
Review Your Institution's Policies: Academic integrity policies vary by school. Understand what's permitted at your institution for non-proctored coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can McGraw Hill see my other browser tabs?
On non-proctored assignments, no. Connect cannot see what other tabs you have open. During proctored exams with screen recording, all screen activity may be captured.
Is using SolveMyBook safe on regular homework?
From a technical detection standpoint, SolveMyBook cannot be detected by McGraw Hill Connect on non-proctored assignments. The platform has no way to see what extensions are installed in your browser.
What if I forget to disable extensions before a proctored exam?
Most proctoring software will either block the extension from functioning, require you to disable it, or flag it in the report sent to your professor. It's best to use a clean browser profile for proctored work.
Can my professor tell I'm using an extension from my answer patterns?
While the extension itself isn't detected, extremely fast completion times or perfect scores without using any help features might stand out. Use tools responsibly and take reasonable time on assignments.
Does using incognito mode provide extra protection?
Extensions don't run in incognito mode by default, so it could actually prevent helper tools from working. For non-proctored work, regular browser mode with extensions enabled is fine.