Requires Respondus Lockdown Browser Webcam
Some instructors require students to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser Webcam during online exams in Canvas. This browser prevents them from printing, copying, browsing other URLs or accessing applications during an exam while keeping them logged-in until their exam has been submitted for grading.
Implementing and administering practice tests can assist students with working through any problems with software before undertaking high stakes assessments.
Taking a Quiz
Some instructors require their students to use a specific browser and webcam when taking online quizzes in their courses, to prevent students from printing, copying text, going to other websites or applications and cheating during tests. Respondus Lockdown Browser features additional security benefits as it keeps students within their exam until all questions have been answered; in these instances the student must download and launch this browser separately from their usual web browser when taking the quiz.
The eLearning Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor page provides instructions to both instructors and students for how to use this program. Students must download it using a link provided by their instructor in Canvas, before opening it separately from their regular browser when taking quizzes that require using this software. A practice quiz is available so they can become familiar with its process and features.
Once the student has launched their browser, they should follow the startup sequence determined by their instructor. This usually includes agreeing to the terms of use, checking that their webcam works and selecting either No, I need to be within frame of camera camera for use or Yes I may still use book but must remain outside frame).
Once they enter their exam, students should answer all of the questions and click Submit in Canvas to complete it. If it includes feedback questions, they’ll be able to view these when returning to their Canvas quiz page; once back there they can close out of this browser by clicking the X next to LockDown Browser on top of their screen.
Taking an Exam
Respondus Lockdown Browser makes it possible for an instructor to monitor a student taking an exam by showing a video recording of them taking it – this allows the instructor to verify that it’s them taking it without cheating, as well as detect instances of impersonation which occurs when someone else uses their computer for taking online quizzes or exams on behalf of someone else.
Lockdown Browser overrides many key functions on a student computer to reduce or prevent cheating during online tests and quizzes in Blackboard. Students cannot print, copy, access other websites or applications or exit an assessment until it has been completed; additionally toolbar options and browser menu are disabled, screen capture software is blocked as well as virtual machines are restricted from operating.
Respondus Monitor can use its webcam function to record students during an online test or quiz, giving instructors another method for verifying whether students are actually taking their examination. Depending on the settings chosen by instructors, students may or may not be asked to speak into their microphone; instructor will still be able to see eyes and hands of student seated before them; should any attempt at looking away or standing up be detected by Respondus Monitor system it will flag it and might result in disqualification.
Instructors can help their students use Respondus Monitor by administering an ungraded practice quiz that utilizes browser and webcam capabilities. This will provide students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with what will occur during an actual test with this software and reduce anxiety about this new feature.
Before taking an exam that requires Respondus Monitor, students must ensure their computer contains a webcam and high-speed internet access, install the Respondus browser ahead of time, log into Canvas, navigate directly to their quiz or test that requires Respondus usage and follow all applicable instructions on downloading and using Respondus Browser and Monitor.
Taking a Test in a Proctored Lab
Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor may be necessary if taking an exam in a proctored lab, as this software prevents cheating during online exams by blocking access to desktop features, web search engines, apps, or anything that might lead to academic dishonesty during an exam session. Furthermore, instructors can monitor this session from their computers while students needing ID are also required to show ID and scan their face for verification during testing sessions.
As soon as you click a quiz link that requires Lockdown Browser, you will be asked to download and install it before beginning the exam. Once installed, your exam will commence immediately with terms of usage required by Respondus Lockdown Browser being agreed to as part of taking part. Your computer must also possess functional webcam and microphone in order to use Respondus Lockdown Browser successfully.
Your webcam will record and automatically identify suspicious behavior for the instructor to review during your examination, such as leaving the camera view or eyes wandering off-screen, or a different person appearing within its video frame. Furthermore, it records your screen and keyboard activity along with where your hands are on the keyboard.
IU offers an online scheduling system to register you for tests administered in proctored labs. In order to register successfully, you will need your Rocket Card number, photo of yourself facing forward, room or lab number and valid room or lab identification code. Your photo must feature you wearing a collared shirt or dress with your face visible at all times within the camera frame. No papers or notes should be brought to the exam; however, calculators may be permitted if approved by your instructor. As part of your exam, any electronic devices (including phones) will not be allowed. When it is over, however, you will be allowed to exit without printing or saving results; your instructor will provide more instructions when beginning the quiz or exam.
Taking a Test in a Non-Proctored Lab
Respondus Lockdown Browser is an online software designed to increase distance learning, protect test software integrity and verify students during examinations. Students download, install and use (instead of their normal browser) Respondus Lockdown Browser when taking exams in Canvas.
Webcams installed in student computers can detect suspicious head, hands and body movements during exams that might indicate attempts at cheating. Unauthorized screen activities like leaving the testing environment or moving out of its field of view will also be flagged; so instructors can check recordings to make sure the person taking the test matches up with who started it.
Students will be instructed to record a five-second video during the initial startup sequence to inspect microphone and monitor functionality as well as any software running on their computers, before being presented with options either to continue or stop and restart their browsers.
To create a test requiring the Respondus Lockdown Browser, access your course’s menu and choose either Add New Test or Edit Existing Test before selecting Require Respondus Lockdown Browser and Webcam for this Test from the drop-down list.
Your students can be allowed to take the Test under proctored conditions by selecting “Require a Professional Proctor for this Test”, while tablets such as iPads or Chromebooks may also be allowed; and to allow calculator usage on the toolbar select “Enable Calculator.
Once you are ready to begin your test, click “Start”. The initial screen will ask students to verify their identity by showing their university or state issued ID card via webcam and entering a password before moving forward with their test.
Student will not have access to email or other applications until the Test has been submitted and graded. Once reviewed by their instructor, results can be seen in Canvas.