Lockdown Monitor Download
Students taking exams through Canvas that require a lockdown browser must download and install this software before beginning an assessment. It prevents printing, copying, or accessing an outside URL or application during assessment time.
Monitor also captures video of test takers and flags any suspicious activities, making this two-minute video an introduction to its software and its functioning.
How to Download
Respondus Lockdown Browser can be downloaded onto Windows and Mac computers through Blackboard’s Student Support tab, following its instructions and unplugging your monitor before starting it up. In order to check for updates, visit About and look at the version number displayed at the top of your window.
If your instructor has assigned a quiz or exam that requires Respondus Monitor software, simply access it through clicking its link within your Learning Management System (LMS). Respondus Monitor enables instructors to restrict students from accessing apps or websites not relevant to their test, including email services and instant messenger programs, documents and notes not related to it. It also blocks right mouse clicks, function keystrokes as well as source codes used for screen capturing purposes.
Once installed, once activated you will be asked to read and accept the Terms & Conditions before beginning use of this product. In addition, webcam verification will be conducted; any issues found will result in an error message directing you back to your instructor for additional help or further troubleshooting steps.
This program uses webcam and video technology to ensure students take online exams honestly. Instructors can review video recordings and data during exam sessions to detect whether any students may be engaging in cheating by reviewing video recordings and data during an exam session, including flagging behavior such as leaving the room early or someone new entering video frame.
Although online proctoring may appear like an ideal solution for remote proctoring needs, students have found ways to circumvent its security features and cheat on tests. This infringes upon privacy standards that students should expect when taking online classes and assessments; furthermore it creates an inflexible test-taking environment which does not promote relaxation for test takers; thus making this program unsuitable for anxiety-ridden exam takers.
Installation
As soon as an instructor adds a Lockdown Browser test to a course, students are directed to download and install Respondus Lockdown Browser software according to instructions on its installer or by accessing the Knowledgebase for additional help. Once installed, students simply have to click on any quiz in Brightspace in order to take their exam with Lockdown Browser enabled.
Though such software may appear to provide an academic solution to cheating, it actually compounds student anxiety during exams. Students already feel under immense pressure and fear being caught engaging in dishonest acts; furthermore, the software intrudes on student privacy standards by using artificial intelligence and decision-tree technology to detect cheaters; in some instances students have even found ways around its implementation, further undermining trustworthiness of trust.
To use this software, students must agree to its Terms of Use, provide proof of identity (if required), permit webcam checks, and perform an environmental sweep (optional). It also blocks right mouse clicks and function keys during tests; documents and applications cannot be opened while this program is running; furthermore it records video footage of test takers for instructors to review information such as when someone leaves or enters the room.
This software is compatible with most Windows and Mac computers; however, Chromebook users should be aware that their system must meet specific specifications to run this app successfully. Students should consult their instructor regarding these requirements.
Respondus Lockdown Browser’s Startup Sequence begins assessing their identity and test environment as soon as a student logs onto it for the first time, including performing webcam checks automatically or manually by teachers. Manual checks require setting up your camera manually to record short videos for later viewing by your instructor to detect possible instances of cheating by students.
Security
Lockdown Monitor Download is an innovative proctoring tool designed to ensure secure online testing. It works in tandem with students’ custom browser and prevents them from printing, copying, moving to another URL, accessing other applications or searching the internet during assessments. Furthermore, this proctoring solution records webcam audio/video of their students during test sessions so instructors can easily identify suspicious behaviors that might indicate cheating.
Monitor is easily installed into a student’s browser, launching automatically whenever exam settings call for it. After initial setup, students are guided through an initial startup sequence including webcam testing requirements set forth by instructors. Instructors can review results of every monitoring session.
Respondus Monitor goes beyond standard browser functionality by offering an additional “Video for Proctoring” feature which enables instructors to observe and monitor student behavior during an online exam, making Respondus Monitor especially beneficial for remote instructors assessing students.
To utilize the camera feature, students need a webcam – either built-in to their laptop or externally attached. In addition, they must connect to the internet using wired connections only (no wireless, USB, or mobile hotspot connections allowed). For more details on these requirements and others please see our student quick start guide.
Once a student has their webcam correctly setup, they can take a one-question practice test on the course website to ensure it’s compatible with Respondus Monitor. After passing this practice test successfully, they’re ready for graded exam administration through Respondus Monitor.
Students should be instructed to download Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor software through a link provided in either their quiz instructions, course website, or Canvas’ HELP button. Once downloaded, this file should already be compatible with UB Learns; if students prefer taking tests without Monitor/webcam support instead, however, they will require permission from their instructor in order to take it.
Troubleshooting
Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor may cause some students to encounter difficulty. Some issues can be addressed using the tips listed below; other issues require technical support’s intervention. If students see a “Fix it” link for their particular test in Canvas that has Lockdown Browser link as part of its Navigation bar, they can click it for instantaneous assistance from live chat assistant.
Before beginning an exam or quiz, it is crucial that all programs running except the one used to take it are closed down on your computer. Some applications such as iTunes and media managers such as VLC Media Player; file sharing agents like Bittorent; instant messenger applications; screen-sharing software may cause LockDown Browser to stop responding due to increased bandwidth usage by Canvas servers compared to traditional Internet browsing; memory intensive programs can consume most of this available memory thus impeding communication between browser and network.
Other issues could stem from having an inadequate Internet connection speed or from networks (like MASON Wi-Fi ) that do not offer adequate connectivity levels for student use, in such instances the student should switch networks or move closer to their router.
If a student receives an error that their browser is unable to connect to the server, this may be caused by an anti-virus or firewall program being active on their computer. To resolve this, simply close all anti-virus or firewall programs before opening a new Lockdown Browser window; also ensure the date and time settings on their device are correct.
Monitor software records students taking exams using Monitor in order to detect any prohibited actions during tests. If students experience issues with video capture, they can click on the “Help Center” button in their Browser toolbar and follow its troubleshooting steps for resolution.