Download Lockdown Browser Respondus
Respondus Lockdown Browser creates a limited test-taking environment to prevent cheating during online assessments. Students using Respondus Lockdown cannot print, copy or navigate away from an assessment quiz/test in any manner whatsoever – including printing copies for themselves or accessing other apps during quiz/test sessions.
This software blocks keystrokes and source codes while still permitting head and eye movements that instructors consider signs of dishonesty. Students can download this software onto PCs or Macs; limited Chromebook support exists as well.
Requirements
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor (Monitor) for your computer may be necessary during certain exams in your course. This special browser locks down the testing environment in Canvas so you cannot print, copy, visit other websites, or access applications during the exam itself. Your instructor will let you know if this requirement exists for an exam in which LockDown Browser must be used.
When your browser asks to install software, follow its instructions carefully for installation and running the program once complete. It will check whether the environment is appropriate to take a quiz before concluding its work; any interference from antivirus programs may delay this process; therefore close all applications before running your browser.
When you are ready to take an exam, simply click on the link in your Canvas course or visit Blackboard’s Testing Center and select the “Sign in with Respondus LockDown Browser” option. After signing in you will be asked for your password before being directed to take the test link provided. For tablets and mobile devices with webcam support enabled make sure they have installed and configured the latest browser version which supports webcams before proceeding with taking an exam.
Note: Please keep in mind that this tool is just part of a solution to combat exam fraud. Having a proctor present will also be essential, while remote testing necessitates online proctoring services as well.
For a list of compatible devices and instructions for installing the browser, refer to this guide. It is also highly recommended that you include information about Respondus Monitor use in both syllabus and test instructions, with sample syllabus information available from Respondus Monitor Resource Site. You may also insert a link directly into Navigation Block of your course’s Navigation Bar; additionally some tests that require it display a ‘Fix It’ button which students can use if their browser cannot connect properly.
Installation
Respondus Lockdown Browser (RLDB) is a customized web browser designed to increase test delivery security in Canvas. Students should install it on all personal machines they intend to use when taking quizzes using Proctoring option in Canvas; as well as lab computers used for exams requiring it. Installing it is straightforward; after using their valid NMSU Internet login to access its download link from within Canvas, then they simply accept its terms and select their folder of installation before clicking download button and waiting for its installer to download a zip file with zip file installer automatically download.
The downloaded RLDB installer will unpack into a folder on either their PC desktop (PC) or Mac Applications folder, where students should then run it from. RLDB then runs, prompting a pop-up that requests they close any programs not necessary for taking the quiz; otherwise a warning that shutting down may occur and they must save their work will appear instead.
RLDB goes beyond simply blocking access to programs by blocking right-clicks, function keystrokes and disabling keyboard source code – this ensures students do not cheat during online assessments. Furthermore, during quizzes RLDB records video and audio from student webcams so instructors can review performance records to assess whether cheating was occurring.
Many instructors employ both proctoring and Respondus Learning Data Base (RLDB) in combination to conduct exams in campus computer labs or other proctored environments. Proctoring allows the instructors to monitor exams while RLDB ensures students do not visit other websites or open applications during a quiz; Respondus Monitor add-on also prevents students from taking exams at home then returning back into class to submit it for grading.
Though RLDB is incompatible with Windows 10 S Mode, it can still be installed on students’ personal machines for privacy protection. However, should the software detect a virtual environment on a student-owned machine, an error page will display instead of the quiz interface and should be reviewed to make sure their operating system and virtualization software have been updated accordingly.
Configuration
Some instructors require students to use Respondus Lockdown Browser when taking quizzes or exams in Cougar Courses (Canvas). This specialized browser blocks students’ access to other Web pages, chat programs, and applications during tests; instructors can then monitor test taker computers during an exam for any signs of cheating; in addition, Respondus Monitor activates students’ webcams so as to capture audio/video for proctoring purposes. Students can download Respondus Lockdown Browser on both Windows and Mac computers as well as Chromebook extension (beta).
Once students have downloaded and installed LockDown Browser software, they can navigate directly to any quiz or exam that requires LockDown Browser in their NMSU Canvas Course which requires it. Clicking on “Take This Quiz” will open it for them; follow its instructions until accessing it successfully. Note: if an assignment page indicates that LockDown Browser isn’t installed due to security pop-up windows appearing behind their browser preventing them from clicking the button; in such an instance they should close all open windows and address any security alerts before retaking that test or exam.
Respondus installers for New Mexico State University will download to a student’s computer and, once installed, will launch automatically when clicked upon. You may also open a new tab in Firefox or Safari and visit any site requiring Respondus Browser access.
Students taking exams through their browser must ensure that all open windows (including those of other applications) have been closed before beginning. Students can utilize Task Manager to find and end any programs running in the background, or manually shut off their computer by pressing its power button, unplugging all cables (or batteries for laptops), and rebooting.
Some students have reported experiencing problems with their browser crashing or not responding during an exam, perhaps due to too many files or applications installed or due to improper browser closure (following these steps and restarting will usually fix this). To fix it quickly and successfully, perform a hard shutdown then reboot their computer as this should help eliminate this problem.
Support
Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor offers many advantages to faculty and students who use computer-based testing in their courses, but before using this system in your courses there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Lockdown should complement, rather than replace, the proctor’s role during on-campus exams. Proctors still must ensure students do not use phones or copy from or collaborate with one another on exam questions; thus it should not be used for take-at-home exams.
Lockdown software from New Mexico State University may not work optimally with certain types of devices and programs, particularly Chromebooks and some free accessibility-oriented programs. If you plan to use Lockdown in an exam, be sure to review Respondus website for information regarding system requirements and supported applications.
At New Mexico State University (NMSU), it’s also important to keep in mind that the software may require updates at times. When the program prompts you, please update; these will typically occur automatically and in the background. If unsure, speak to either your instructor or IT staff.
If you are using a Chromebook, we strongly suggest using the installation link provided on the Student Support tab instead of going directly to Google App Store and installing extensions there. This method ensures your software updates automatically and provides more reliability.
Before taking an exam that requires Respondus, it is recommended to close any non-essential programs on your machine and charge any batteries you might require for testing. Furthermore, having access to stable internet connectivity will enable you to take the quiz or exam successfully.
When taking a quiz or exam that requires Respondus, simply navigate to your course in Canvas and click the appropriate quiz or test link. If this exam requires LockDown Browser installation instructions onscreen.