Lockdown Browser Monitor
LockDown Monitor is an extension to LockDown browser that enables instructors to review students’ test sessions, monitor cheating attempts, and identify suspicious activity by recording video footage that detects suspicious behaviour.
IU has invested significantly to ensure LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor are accessible for all students. For more information on our accessibility page.
What is Lockdown Browser Monitor?
Lockdown Browser and Monitor are tools designed to assist instructors with remotely proctoring online exams for academic integrity purposes. Instructors determine whether students must utilize these tools as part of all or any part of their tests; if so, students will need to download software and follow specific instructions when taking an exam with these enabled.
Monitor software records audio and video of students taking exams, while Blackboard tests connect directly to this recording software. Students should understand what to expect when required to take an exam with these tools enabled as certain actions could trigger flags for suspicious activity on their video recording.
Students taking exams off-campus must ensure their camera is set in an area with sufficient lighting, without anyone distracting the shot, while simultaneously being aware of both microphone and webcam settings on their computer.
No matter where students take their test, they will first need to download and install Respondus Lockdown Browser before beginning their quiz. When this step has been completed they should follow the instructions to launch their exam.
Instructors should update their course syllabi with information regarding Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor in their courses, such as requirements for downloading and installing it on computers. Quizzes must also require Respondus Monitor as part or all of an exam, while instructors must consider accessibility needs of students using assistive technologies like screen readers and text-to-speech software applications, especially students with disabilities who rely on such aids for exams.
How do I install Lockdown Browser Monitor?
Students taking an exam that requires Respondus Lockdown Browser Monitor must install it prior to beginning. Their instructor will provide a link and instructions for installing it. This app prevents students from printing, copying, going to another URL or other applications while taking an exam, as well as including a webcam to record them during it and provide evidence in case of cheating or misconduct. Webcams also perform an “entry sequence”, meeting any requirements set by instructors (such as showing identification or videotaping the exam environment) as well as flagging students who exhibit suspicious behavior such as leaving the computer during testing sessions. Instructors can review these videos and other data related to an exam session in myMason/Blackboard courses.
Students need only follow the instructions for their operating system to install this software; applications are available for Windows and Macintosh computers as well as Chromebook extensions for those taking tests on these devices.
If an instructor specifies that a quiz or exam requires Lockdown Browser with Monitor, the application will be available to students to download in Blackboard when they navigate to that question in their course. The requirement explanation text will contain a link for Respondus Lockdown Browser installer which has already been configured for use with UB Learns; this installer can be found under Student Support tab in Blackboard.
Installer files may be downloaded and double-clicked for installation; then follow onscreen installation instructions. When completed, students can launch it via UB Learns when taking an exam that requires Respondus Lockdown Browser. For more information about it and where it can be found online visit Respondus web site; there is also a YouTube video offering an introduction and overview; in-depth FAQ page and 1-sheet PDF document available which summarize features; this provides instructors, administrators or CIOs a quick snapshot overview of this tool.
How do I take a quiz with Lockdown Browser Monitor?
Taken a quiz with Monitor? Your computer will enter LockDown Browser mode until it is time for you to submit your answers. Afterward, your PC will return to normal. Students may use any browser to navigate directly to a quiz, though if their instructor has enabled it they will be asked to launch Monitor first. Respondus LockDown Browser’s Monitor feature adds another level of protection by mandating that students use their webcams during exams to record themselves and prevent cheating. Instructors can access students’ videos on Canvas’ Monitor dashboard, and automated reports will assess any suspected instances of misconduct by students. Instructors may also add prompts that prompt students to enter a reason why they left during an exam period; instructors can then review these responses via the class dashboard.
Instructors using Monitor-enabled quizzes will see their quiz listed under Canvas Quizzes with LockDown Browser and Monitor column with a checkmark next to it. If you’re uncertain if your students have all necessary software for taking such exams, consider creating and administering a practice quiz one week prior to graded assessments in order for students to familiarize themselves with tools before your graded assessment and identify any potential issues early.
If you are using 2-device live proctoring sessions, it’s especially essential that students install the necessary Respondus tools well in advance of their exam date to allow time to troubleshoot any potential issues before the start time of their quiz or exam. You can encourage your students to review basic troubleshooting tips on the University’s LockDown Browser student support page as well as register for student training webinars or watch training videos about how best to utilize Monitor effectively.
Preparing your course for an exam using Monitor requires setting up a Zoom meeting with UD authentication and Waiting Room; your students should then receive their start code before beginning taking their exam in Zoom. For additional guidance in setting up quizzes with Monitor including sample syllabuses and exam instructions, refer to ETS policies and procedures guide in Canvas.
How do I submit a quiz with Lockdown Browser Monitor?
Students required to take an examination using Monitor must install Respondus LockDown Browser before beginning. Clicking the link in their Canvas course that specifies using Monitor will open a page where they can click “Install Now!” and follow the instructions to install and download this program.
Once the software has been downloaded, it will take over all programs and functions on the computer and prevent anything else from running normally. When not active, Monitor records video of students using webcams while collecting data about how they interacted with Blackboard tests for instructor review.
Faculty can set the Monitor setting on a quiz in much the same way they would enable a Lockdown Browser – to ensure students do not leave or reenter before their timer has expired, helping ensure valid student answers as well as identify instances of cheating. Instructors can check students’ Quiz Logs to monitor for such events as they happen – the results won’t be submitted until its designated duration has passed.
Instructors may find it beneficial to design a practice quiz using LockDown Browser and Monitor so students have time to download software ahead of time. Students will then have the chance to ensure their hardware is compatible with the software and practice how the system operates. Instructors can set this quiz with unlimited attempts so students can use it at any point during the term and can retry if they experience issues with software. Instructors may wish to include links in their quiz description that lead students directly to troubleshooting tips on the University’s LockDown Browser Student Support Page in case any of their students experience problems, which can be found under Course Navigation menu in left column of Course Navigation menu in order to assist students if any arise. In order to display such resources, instructors need to modify navigation settings within their course to add this menu item for display.