Respondus Lockdown Browser For Students
Since NC State transitioned to virtual education, several students have been required to use Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor during exams in their classes. This software prevents them from accessing other websites during examinations or using their computers during assessments.
Additionally, it disables web searches, instant messaging, minimizing browser window and various other functions.
What is it?
Respondus Lockdown Browser software enables students to take tests within Canvas without being distracted by desktop features, web searches and applications on their own computers or any apps which might promote academic dishonesty during an exam. Furthermore, Respondus enables a live proctor to monitor each student’s screen and verify their identity during testing sessions.
Respondus Lockdown Browser Building Block can only be used in proctored environments, such as classrooms or testing centers. Instructors can enable it in courses so students are required to use it when taking quizzes or exams in that course; when clicking the Canvas quiz link, Respondus automatically launches and takes over display of quiz. Once taken, however, when closing this browser they return back to their own device and may resume taking quizzes as usual.
Instructors may link to Respondus browser or Respondus Monitor application in their course syllabus, Learning Module, or on pages where exams are posted. NMSU also provides instructors with pre-populated course-specific Respondus Lockdown Browser/Respondus Monitor modules with links, instructions for downloading and using it, as well as a short practice quiz – instructors simply copy them into their courses!
To take a quiz or exam that requires the Lockdown Browser, navigate to its course in Blackboard and locate its quiz. On that quiz you should see an indication that a Respondus Lockdown Browser is required – click this and you will be taken directly to a page from which you can download and install the browser.
Once you’ve downloaded and installed the browser, follow its installation directions for optimal use on your computer. Installation should only take a few minutes and once complete you should see an icon resembling a laptop on your desktop. When ready to take your test simply return to the quiz activity and click it; upon doing so you’ll be asked to open up Lockdown Browser.
Having trouble installing or opening your browser? Reach out to your instructor – they should be able to assist.
How do I use it?
Respondus Lockdown Browser is a custom browser that protects a student’s testing environment in Canvas. Students taking assessments cannot print, copy, visit any URL other than that specified by their instructor, access other applications or close the exam until their instructor submits it for grading. In addition to restricting printing and copying capabilities, Respondus also prevents screen captures, instant messaging conversations and minimizes browser size as well as hundreds of other actions during an assessment session.
If your instructors have created quizzes that require Respondus Lockdown Browser and/or Monitor, a text box in the course where the test can be found displaying “Requires Respondus Lockdown Browser.” To ensure students arrive prepared for assessments on time, students are strongly recommended to download this software prior to starting assessments – click the link provided and follow its prompts for installing Respondus Lockdown Browser onto their computers.
After you’ve downloaded and installed Respondus Lockdown software, navigate to your Blackboard course and locate a quiz that requires Respondus – its link should state “Requires Respondus Lockdown” in the upper-right corner. When prompted to do so, click on this quiz and enter your credentials when prompted.
A quiz will launch in a separate window and will not allow you to close or restart your browser until after submission for grading. Depending on instructor settings, webcam may be required; alternatively, calculator usage could also be considered part of your assessment.
Respondus Monitor includes auto-proctoring capabilities that will record you while taking an assessment. If you need any assistance using this tool, don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor. For more information on how to utilize the Monitor feature, watch About Online Proctoring at Indiana University – Students. NMSU’s Respondus Lockdown Browser installer can be found here; it works on both PCs and Macs. Installers should be placed in a location easily accessible to students, such as in Course Information, Syllabus or Learning Module where you require use of this tool. This enables instructors to provide students with instructions and links for downloading it.
What if I don’t like it?
Respondus Lockdown Browser can be highly intrusive and allow for monitoring of students movements, audio and webcam. This software invades student privacy, making them feel as if they are constantly being watched even when not taking tests; furthermore it requires them to remain as still as possible while disregarding outside obligations like helping with chores or caring for children, making life challenging for some students.
As students adjust to using this program, some have found it frustrating and felt academic dishonesty as a result of it. Some professors have responded positively and removed it from exams; while other still require it. Browser use can create test anxiety which in turn results in poor test performance.
To reduce these issues, it’s vital that students can download and install their browser before taking their quiz or exam. A link is included in the Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor Module in Student-facing materials; students can copy this link into quiz instructions, or directly access it via Online Testing Support Pages. Instructors may also setup no-stakes practice quizzes so students have an easy opportunity to ensure everything is working as it should on their computers.
Teachers should review the RLDB dashboard at least once during a course copy with tests or exams that require RLDB, to make sure all settings have been updated in the new destination course and enable students to take their test. It is also crucial that teachers ensure a strong internet connection (preferably wired), remove unnecessary apps such as screen capture programs that could interfere with its operation, as well as any unnecessary apps which might obstruct its functioning before students take their exam. Instructors might consider including a quick start guide into online tests so students understand all requirements of RLDB as well as general online test taking guidelines.
How do I get help?
Respondus Lockdown Browser, commonly referred to as Monitor, is an online test proctoring software system integrated into Canvas that enables instructors to record and review student details during synchronously proctored exams or quizzes. Students using Respondus Monitor must use webcam and microphone for setup as part of this assessment procedure, with video recordings showing students during their assessments; instructor can then watch these recordings while also making any necessary modifications or amendments to exam or questions if needed.
Canvas assessments that require LockDown Browser and webcam use will guide students through a short series of screens prior to starting an assessment, including checking compatibility of computer and camera with system, as well as making sure webcam is working as planned.
Once students log into their assignment, they will be prompted to download and install LockDown Browser that fits their operating system. Once installed, this browser will regularly check for updates and display their status if there are any available. Students may then download newer versions if any are made available.
If they are having issues using their browser, a quick online chat with one of Respondus’ support agents can be initiated directly from within the software by selecting “It’s Not Working” in the Help Center toolbar. For technical issues that cannot be solved via this approach, tickets can also be opened with Respondus support team.
Respondus provides online support resources, but students can also access training materials directly within their browser using LockDown Browser software’s Dashboard feature. Here they will find various quick start guides and demonstration videos relevant to their institution.
The Run System Check feature in the browser toolbar allows students to quickly test their system compatibility with Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor. It checks for multiple factors including bandwidth, latency and open ports before providing summary results at the top of each page.