Lockdown Respondus Download
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor is used by many instructors to proctor quizzes and exams, so before using this software to take a quiz make sure it is in a well-lit room and no head or face accessories such as hats, headphones or dark sunglasses are worn.
Canvas assessments use a specialized browser designed to prevent students from printing, browsing another Web browser or accessing any applications during an assessment in Canvas. Unfortunately, however, students have discovered ways to bypass this proctoring service and cheat.
What is Lockdown Browser?
Lockdown Browser is a secure web browser designed to protect students from cheating in online tests and quizzes. It creates a fully controlled testing environment with restrictions that limit student ability to print, copy, access other websites/programs/minimize window before finally submitting test for grading – perfect for instructors proctoring an exam on campus or within classroom or lab environment.
This browser can be installed on both PCs and Macs; iPads (with additional setup by instructors) are also supported. When installed, it opens full screen mode to display an online test in full-screen mode – blocking students from browsing elsewhere or accessing other programs or applications (including calculator in toolbar), using keyboard shortcuts or right-clicking.
Instructors can implement Respondus Lockdown Browser Building Block into a Canvas course to deploy browser and monitor functionality. A list of tests in the course will then appear, with individual tests having the option of Requiring Respondus LockDown Browser for This Exam from its drop-down menu. Furthermore, instructors may enable or disable webcam and screen recording features on a per exam basis as well.
Keep in mind that Lockdown Browser is only part of the solution to stopping cheating during an online assessment. An expert proctor will still be needed to ensure students abide by all rules and do not use outside assistance during an online examination. Instructors should post instructions on the course website explaining how students can access Browser and Monitor to take exams. They should be ready to respond to inquiries from students who may be having difficulty comprehending or accessing the software during an online examination. Instructions should also include instructions for where and how students can contact Respondus should technical problems arise in class.
How does it work?
Respondus Lockdown Browser is a web browser specifically designed to keep students from printing, copying, visiting other URLs or accessing applications during an online exam in Canvas. Available for both PCs and Macs, students should install Respondus Lockdown Browser before taking an exam which requires it. On campus lab computers you may use IT’s installer tool to install Lockdown Browser as well.
Respondus Lockdown Browser will appear as a link within any quiz assigned by an instructor that outlines its requirement, so students may click it to begin downloading it. It does not alter any existing browser(s) on their computers but launches its own unique one when launched by Respondus Lockdown Browser application – once installed, students will be ready for tests within Canvas which require it.
NMSU has programmed their application to automatically install on students’ personal machines by selecting an operating system (Windows or Mac). Once complete, an icon for the software will appear on their desktop; double-clicking this icon will launch it, or they can access myMason/Blackboard to launch it directly. When launched, students can then follow directions for their particular test; if one requires monitor (webcam recording), additional instructions may be given at that point.
Students needing assistance with their webcam can click the Help Center button located at the top of their program and follow its steps for resolution. If the problem continues, a live chat assistant is also available to offer their assistance.
If students’ computers display a spinning wheel or other errors, they should ensure no other programs are running and that anti-virus and firewall software aren’t blocking applications from opening properly. Furthermore, it is recommended they create an uncluttered desk/table for their exam session and close all applications on their computer prior to beginning.
Does it record me?
Respondus Monitor can assist in helping prevent students from cheating on online tests by using webcam technology and recording students’ surroundings to verify identity and detect head and eye movements that could indicate cheating, as well as flag suspicious activity like leaving an exam screen or entering private areas to take exams. There have been reports of Respondus misinterpreting movements; therefore, teachers must review video footage carefully in order to decide whether flagging one of their students constitutes cheating or not.
This software is capable of both remote and campus testing, similar to Honorlock, Proctorio and MonitorEDU online proctoring programs. According to its privacy policy, the information gathered is used only to enhance its products and services – without selling or sharing the collected data with third parties. Some students have raised concerns regarding these companies’ privacy policies as they believe the technology invades students’ privacy.
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor are designed to prevent students from accessing other browser windows or applications while taking an assessment online. Students using an assessment will have their web browsing limited during an exam or quiz; any applications or websites could potentially be blocked while taking a test online; printing or copying anything will also be forbidden – plus Respondus automatically records both screen captures and audio of every student taking an assessment online.
Some students have reported that their professors require them to download and use Respondus lockdown browser for exams, so as not to access notes or textbooks while taking quizzes. Francesca Balestrieri, a third-year biological sciences major at NC State, found this requirement particularly frustrating during Organic Chemistry I and II and ST 311 courses last semester.
Students wishing to use the Respondus LockDown Browser must click on the link provided and then follow its installation instructions. After setting up their Respondus software and browser, students can log into Canvas and navigate directly to their course that requires it. Please be aware that it only works on computers with internet connectivity and with Respondus software installed – additionally it is highly recommended that students update their Respondus software regularly prior to taking an exam, to ensure it remains current and functioning optimally.
Does it detect cheating?
Students have reported that many professors require them to use lockdown browser programs during online exams. These programs prevent users from opening other windows or applications on their computers during a test, which should prevent cheating. They also record video footage of each test taker to monitor for any suspicious activities such as head or eye movements that might indicate cheating.
While these programs are meant to allow instructors to keep tabs on their students taking an exam, many argue that they violate student privacy. Some students have even expressed concerns over potential negative effects of these programs on their mental health; other have reported them slowing down computers to make taking the exam difficult or impossible.
Even with all its controversy, it is essential to acknowledge that this program does have some positive attributes. For instructors concerned about student cheating, this solution helps ensure students don’t use outside aids during an exam. Furthermore, virtual classrooms allow instructors to give their students an opportunity to engage with one another more closely than ever.
Respondus can be hard to remove from a computer, leaving behind files and settings in the registry that cause future difficulties for its user as it tries to open applications inefficiently or even completely blocking some paths.
There are various methods for bypassing Respondus, although most will require substantial time and effort. One strategy involves creating a separate user account on your computer with Maestro Editor software to create shortcuts of frequently-used programs quickly. If this doesn’t work for you, using VPN services to connect to different networks may help bypass Respondus’ proxy server altogether.