Lockdown Browser Download
NMSU provides a link for students to download the Respondus Lockdown Browser software to install on their computers and use webcam proctoring for this course.
Once installed, this software prevents students from printing, copying, visiting other URLs or accessing other applications. Instructors may enable Respondus Monitor that activates student webcams for proctoring purposes.
How to Install
Vanderbilt instructors frequently choose Respondus LockDown Browser tool for online quizzes and exams, which locks down a computer to block students from accessing any programs or websites during testing. If instructors enable preferences for this tool, students will be asked to install it first before beginning an assignment; download from here using link provided on page and follow instructions specific to your operating system.
Once the software has been installed, students can click a link in Canvas that requires Respondus LockDown Browser in order to take a quiz requiring it. A requirement explanation text appears at the bottom of each quiz summary page that indicates its necessity. Respondus LockDown Browser works on PC and Mac computers but does not support iPad or Chromebook devices.
After clicking the link, students will be asked to enter their Blackboard ID and password before being taken directly to their class dashboard in online learning environment. Here they can view recent assignments and quizzes using Respondus with an option “Take this Quiz,” once clicked they can begin taking assessment tests.
Once a test is over, students should exit Lockdown Browser and close all other applications that were running simultaneously. A pop-up message will suggest they close other programs before continuing, or they may choose an automatic killing option from within Lockdown Browser’s settings to take care of this step for them. Finally, students can check to make sure everything is functioning as intended by selecting Help Center in their browser toolbar and following on-screen instructions to do so.
Respondus Monitor software features both automated proctoring features as well as an environment check to detect inappropriate student behavior. Therefore, it is vital that students study in well-lit areas that allow clear viewing on camera. Students should avoid wearing head or face accessories such as headphones, hats, dark sunglasses or masks when taking quizzes that require Respondus Monitor’s use.
System Requirements
Respondus Lockdown Browser Download requires students to have a computer that meets its system requirements, including webcam and microphone functionality, updated with the latest operating systems. They should preferably use either Windows or Mac computers with administrator access that hasn’t been changed as otherwise the software won’t run correctly; should any problems arise using Respondus Lockdown Browser Download they should consult the Help Center for guidance in troubleshooting issues with it.
Respondus Lockdown Browser software encases online assessments in full screen mode and prevents students from printing, copying, going to another URL or accessing other applications during an assessment test. A webcam verifies identity during each exam session and flags behavior which violates academic integrity policies. Honorlock Proctorio and MonitorEDU are among many remote proctoring services offered to students and instructors as an additional option; each has different requirements.
Respondus Monitor adds an extra dimension of monitoring when an instructor uses LockDown Browser during tests, by connecting webcam and microphone recording capabilities to record student activities during an assessment. Although not reviewed live by instructors or course assistants during an assessment session, records may later be reviewed by either of them in order to detect any prohibited actions such as leaving the recording area.
If an instructor has enabled the ALEKS Respondus Monitor tool for an assessment in ALEKS, students will need to install the appropriate version of software on their computers before arriving at Canvas for this assessment. Canvas will prompt students when arriving on its page to download this specific piece of software for that assessment.
Blackboard provides virtual proctoring software for its exams; in contrast, ALEKS assessments require students to use another tool for taking exams. This is because each assessment uses a special version of software which only runs on certain computers; therefore in order to use the ALEKS assessments safely and ensure student access, each institution must obtain a license to run them.
Installation Instructions
Students taking exams through Learning Management Systems might be instructed to download Respondus Lockdown Browser or Respondus Monitor as part of an anti-cheating measure during online assessments. These programs aim to prevent cheating by blocking access to other applications or websites apart from what was assigned; disabling right click functions; recording student screens for suspicious activity identification, then sharing this data back with teachers so they can review these recordings to see if a student attempted any form of cheating during an assessment.
Before installing a Lockdown Browser for an exam, it is essential that you first find out if it is needed by your instructor. Review their syllabus or contact them to ascertain whether it will be essential in your course; if necessary, he or she should provide you with a link in Canvas Quiz page to download and install the software before offering guidance on how best to utilize it.
Once you have installed the correct software on your computer, taking your test can begin. First, close any other programs running and locate your browser icon on your desktop. Also be sure to close any blocked applications such as screen capture or instant messaging programs which might interfere with taking your exam. When ready, launch HuskyCT from either its shortcut on desktop or directly from HuskyCT Institution page.
NMSU Lockdown Browser requires assistance from the Lab Administrator on lab computers due to its installer using native system capabilities to install itself; Windows 10S or Mac computers cannot install Lockdown Browser due to it not using native system capabilities for installation. Recently updated version of Lockdown Browser features Chromium for better efficiency when used on Mac devices.
The new version of the browser offers users more control than ever over language selection, setup window configuration and password protection for profile protection; making it ideal for students working privately. Furthermore, this browser includes a “Sync” button which connects directly with Blackboard and automatically updates software versions when needed.
Troubleshooting
If you experience difficulty using Respondus Lockdown Browser or Respondus Monitor for online proctoring, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can follow to address the issue. Common errors include software crashes, facial detection not working as intended and link blocking not functioning as desired. If problems continue after these solutions have been tried out, reach out to your administrator for additional support.
One of the most frequently experienced errors when taking quizzes online is when your browser crashes or stops responding, potentially due to any number of factors including antivirus applications running on your PC. In such an instance, it may be wise to temporarily disable antivirus programs as this may interfere with Lockdown Browser download and use.
Along with having a reliable internet connection, it is also important that the computer you are using is free from viruses and malware. Furthermore, any programs which could present difficulties should also be closed: iTunes/other media management apps/instant messenger software/file sharing programs like Bittorent as well as any others which might interfere with browser functionality during a quiz.
Facial detection on webcams can often be affected by backlights, leading to misreadings from software. You may also not be recognized if wearing caps or sunglasses obstructs recognition, or the camera is pointed in an angle which obscures your face. If this occurs and facial detection doesn’t detect your features properly, try changing its position or reinstalling the application;
Troublesome software installations or updates are another potential issue, possibly caused by outdated Java applications or software on your computer. For most people, restarting is usually the quickest solution – try restarting to see if that helps!
Make sure that you use the appropriate installer for your institution; using an incompatible one may cause software to fail to install or update successfully, and security software with strict settings could obstruct downloading or installation of RLDB/Monitor installers correctly. It would be prudent to temporarily adjust security software as necessary, before returning them back to normal before taking an exam that requires using these applications.