Respondus LockDown Browser creates a restricted test-taking environment. The Respondus LockDown Browser does not allow other windows to be opened during the quiz and helps mitigate cheating. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. This is particularly helpful for tests/exams in supervised classrooms or lab environments.
Students can access LockDown Browser by installing it on their PC, Mac, or iPad (access via iPad requires additional setup by instructors). Loaner laptops are available on campus for students who do not have access to compatible devices.
LockDown Browser integrates with the Canvas Learning Management System. Faculty can create quizzes that can only be accessed using LockDown Browser. For more information about implementing, using, installing, and finding LockDown Browser, please consult the documentation below:
As of November 2018, LockDown Browser is now a default menu item. If you do not see LockDown Browser in your course menu, use the following steps to enable it.
Navigate to your course in Canvasin the left menu.
Click Settings.
Click on the Navigation tab.
Click on the cog adjacent to LockDown Browser and select +Enable.
Click Save.
Note: Students will not see this tab in their course navigation menu.
For quizzes using only LockDown Browser (not Respondus Monitor) the iPad edition is automatically enabled. Instructions for both faculty and students are listed below:
LockDown Browser can now be used jointly with Zoom. In order to activate Zoom for usage with your LockDown Browser quiz, follow these steps, which are also indicated in the step-by-step screenshot below:
Click on LockDown Browser in your course menu
Select a dropdown next to a quiz
Select Settings from the dropdown
Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam
Under proctoring, select Allow instructor live proctoring for this exam (via Zoom, Teams, etc.)
Select Zoom as your video conferencing system
Set a start code
Click Save + Close
Additional instructions are available under How to Conduct Live Proctoring. These instructions state the following:
Provide students the instructions for downloading and installing LockDown Browser
Convey to students that LockDown Browser and a video conferencing system will be used for online exams. (Important: Schedule a practice exam where everything can be tried by the class in advance.)
Locate the LockDown Browser Dashboard in the learning system, select “Require LockDown Browser for this exam,” select “Allow” live proctoring for this exam …” and then supply a “Start Code” (which prevents students from starting the exam early).
Use your normal process to create a meeting for the video conferencing system (Zoom, Teams, etc.). Distribute the meeting information to students prior to the exam.
At the scheduled time, take attendance and confirm you can see and hear all students in the video conferencing system. When ready, provide the Start Code to students to commence the exam.
Remind students the video conferencing system will continue to run in the background, enabling you to see and hear them during the exam. However, they will be unable to access the system during the exam. It is up to you to ensure students stay in the video conference during the exam.
Note: An iPad doesn’t allow you to run a video conferencing app and LockDown Browser at the same time. Consider these alternatives: 1) Have the student use a different device altogether (Windows, Mac, Chromebook), 2) have the student use a second device for the video conferencing itself, or 3) allow the student to shut down the video conferencing system on the iPad when it’s time to start the exam.
On the LockDown Browser Dashboard, you will see all of your Canvas Quizzes, published and unpublished, and whether they require LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor.
By default, a newly created Quiz with LockDown Browser required will NOT require Monitor.
To enable Monitor for a quiz, select the dropdown arrow on the left of your quiz, then select Settings.
Next, select “Require Respondus Monitor (automated proctoring) for this exam”.
Click the Save + Close button – your students will now be required to use Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor on your exam.
From the LockDown Browser Dashboard, select the left-hand dropdown menu then select ‘class results,’
Along with the student’s information and quiz score will be a ‘Review Priority’ ranging from LOW, MED, and HIGH. The priorities are generated automatically by Monitor’s recording analyticsNOTE: Flags do not directly correlate to cheating, there will be MORE false positives than true positivesDISCLAIMERS: The Respondus website hosts more information and disclaimers regarding Monitor’s accuracy
Click the ‘+’ button to the left of a student’s name to review their Monitor results
Here you will be able to view the student’s recording as well as the number of flags (warnings of suspicious behavior) detected by Monitor
Check ‘Milestones’ to view specific timestamps in relation to the student’s progress in the quiz (Exam Start, Question 1 answered, End of Exam, etc.)
Depending on your Quiz settings you can also review student pretest verification photos, video clips (Student, Photo, Environment video, etc.)
You can leave also leave notes for yourself as well as check students off as “reviewed” to help stay organized
Remember, any alerts from Monitor will be reviewed by your professor, so as long as you honestly take the assessment as is intended, there should be absolutely no issue
Try to focus your gaze as much as possible on your computer screen so that the webcam can maintain facial recognition
Respondus Monitor Video (new!) – This brief video is ideal for administrators, CIOs, department chairs, or any faculty member wanting a quick overview of Respondus Monitor. It emphasizes flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency.
LockDown Browser + Respondus Monitor Feature Checklist – This 1-sheet PDF provides a features list for both applications. It’s quite handy for common questions (i.e. types of devices supported, technical support options, etc.).
“Flexible Testing” Webinars – “Flexible Testing” webinars are a huge hit. They cover common testing scenarios at colleges – and how to use LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor with each. Attendees received this Flexible Testing PDF that summarizes it nicely.