Respondus Browser Download
Respondus Browser Download provides students with a secure environment in which to take exams on their own devices, with instant messaging, screen capture, and other online distractions being blocked by this software program.
This program also monitors student eye movements. The software detects cheating behavior and reports it directly to teachers. Available for both Windows and Mac computers.
What is Respondus Browser?
Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom Web browser designed to prevent test takers from accessing other applications, websites or print documents while taking an exam online. Typically used for proctored exams in classroom environments as well as at home and workplace. When used together with Respondus Monitor application it captures video and audio of students during an exam online.
LockDown Browsers are available for both Windows and Mac computers, and must be downloaded and installed before taking an exam that requires it. Once installed, this browser prevents students from accessing other applications, including email and instant messaging systems as well as screen capture software such as Zoom. Zoom is then shut off if running and removed from meetings if present; finally it works with Blackboard Learn and Canvas LMSs as well.
When an instructor assigns a quiz that requires Respondus Browser, students will see a link in their quiz instructions to download and install it on their personal computers. If they lack administrator rights on their system, however, they will first need to obtain permission before downloading and installing Respondus Browser.
Once installed, students need only log into their course and click the Quiz link; their quiz will appear in LockDown Browser instead of their regular browser, giving students more control. They can create both New or Classic quizzes using this browser which can be downloaded for both PCs and Macs and is compatible with Chromebook (beta).
To use a browser effectively, students should close all programs other than those necessary for connecting to the Internet or running screen capture software. If a message indicates they should close an unopened program, they should click “Yes”. Students should consult their student quick start guide in order to gain a full understanding of its operation.
How do I download Respondus Browser?
Vanderbilt instructors frequently utilize Respondus Lockdown Browser for online quizzes and exams. You can tell if a quiz requires Respondus by looking out for “Respondus” in its quiz link in Brightspace; once clicked on, Respondus software will download automatically before being installed automatically by your system and ready for you to take your exam.
Before downloading any program, ensure your computer meets its minimum system requirements. After installing, you can check if it is up-to-date by choosing “About” in the toolbar of your browser – this will display its version number and let you know if an update is available.
Respondus Monitor can be used for automated proctoring; when doing so, make sure you’re in an area that’s well-lit with clear visibility on camera. Avoid wearing head or facial accessories such as headphones, earbuds, dark sunglasses, masks and hats which could potentially trigger exam violations from Respondus software. Also try switching up webcams or increasing resolution to improve video quality and make using Respondus more manageable.
Another issue with the program is its violation of students’ privacy. It tracks everything a student does on their machine – from eye movements and sounds to gestures – which then gets analyzed by artificial intelligence software, potentially impacting academic career based on what it detects. Remote proctoring practices like these have long been controversial as they violate student privacy standards.
Respondus Monitor can also block students from accessing apps, documents and websites including email and instant messaging services as well as right mouse clicks and function keystrokes; it disables source codes altogether. Respondus Monitor keeps an eye out for students’ facial expressions and eye movement during exams to assess whether or not they are distracted or cheating.
Respondus Monitor can be beneficial to students, but it should also be remembered that any technology can be misused by dishonest students. Some have even discovered ways of cheating with Respondus Monitor; thus it cannot guarantee academic honesty.
How do I install Respondus Browser?
If your instructor uses Respondus Monitor for online quizzes and exams, you will need to download its software. When clicking on quizzes that require this software in Blackboard course sites, a link to download this browser will open in a new tab in a browser tab; when clicked upon, your quiz will launch within it and close down all other programs on your computer while taking the exam; while simultaneously locking down access to other programs or the internet while taking this particular exam. Some instructors even utilize automated proctoring – this feature of Respondus Browser known as RLDB).
Before taking the exam, ensure you have an internet connection of sufficient strength. Your browser may need to download large amounts of data which could take time. When completed, follow on-screen instructions to install RLDB.
If you are having difficulties installing RLDB, it could be related to either your computer or software. Make sure your machine meets all the hardware and software requirements listed on the RLDB website, while laptop or tablet users should connect to either their university’s wireless network, or use Eduroam when on campus. Disabling anti-virus software or changing passwords might also help.
Check your environment to make sure it is well-lit and that you are visible on camera. Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds, as well as clothing covering your face; doing so could prevent RLDB software from recognising you and could interfere with its automatic proctoring features.
When taking an exam, RLDB software will monitor your actions and provide feedback to your instructor. If it detects any suspicious activity, it will alert the instructor and may require them to review your recorded video and require you to submit another answer.
How do I use Respondus Browser?
Respondus Lockdown Browser, commonly referred to as Lockdown, is used for some online exams in Brightspace and limits student ability to print, copy, visit other websites or use additional applications while taking an exam. Respondus Lockdown does not record or monitor students and therefore considered a third-party tool unlike proctoring tools UVic employs such as Respondus Monitor and Proctorio which monitor students at testing centers.
Respondus Browser will be provided as a link on each quiz page when one requires its installation. After downloading it, click Install Now on its install page to accept terms and set location; installation typically begins shortly afterwards and once complete you will see a message that states: “Required for this quiz.”
Once they have verified a correct installation of their browser, students can take an exam by clicking “Start” on the quiz page. They will then be asked for their exam password (if provided by their instructor) before being taken directly to their question screen within Brightspace.
In case a student experiences issues with the Respondus Browser, they should consult the Student Quick Start Guide or reach out to their instructor for help. In addition, students may wish to consider taking a practice quiz prior to an exam that requires it in order to ensure everything is functioning as intended and they know how to navigate its features.
If you are an instructor looking to use Respondus Monitor and/or Respondus Lockdown Browser as a proctor for online tests, visit the Respondus website for training resources for instructors. In addition, UVic’s Center for Teaching and Faculty Development hosts demonstration webinars of Respondus Browser/Respondus Monitor demonstration webinars; to arrange one with our staff members directly please reach out to Janice Florent in CAT Office; additionally they also offer various test-taking workshops specifically geared toward students.