Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor
Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor is an invaluable tool instructors can utilize to secure online testing environments. It serves as a customized browser that prevents students from printing, copying text or accessing other websites during an exam.
Instructors can utilize Respondus software for their assessments in Canvas by selecting it from the Course Navigation menu. TLT also provides resources, including videos and guides, that support instructors who choose this approach to assessments.
It’s easy to use
Many students report that their professors employ Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor program during tests to keep students from using textbooks or notes during exams. Facial recognition technology ensures that only the individual taking the test are taking it; otherwise someone may help or look over their shoulder. Furthermore, certain behaviors like leaving the room or walking in front of cameras are flagged immediately.
Monitor can integrate with various learning systems, such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Brightspace Pearson MyLab and McGraw Hill ALEKS. Students using Monitor must use webcams with iPad compatibility; additionally it may also be used to proctor exams in lab settings provided that reliable high-speed Internet connectivity exists – wired connections preferable; mobile hotspot or phone data usage must not occur during testing sessions; the Teaching & Learning Technologies team would be pleased to consult faculty with questions regarding using Monitor or other remote testing tools for remote proctoring tools in remote testing sessions if required.
Once their course has been configured for online proctoring, instructors can easily assign exams or quizzes to students. By clicking “Require Respondus Lockdown Browser for this Exam,” instructors will ensure students cannot copy/paste, print out, take screenshots or access other programs during this exam – the software works seamlessly across both PCs and Mac computers.
Students can download a browser and follow instructions to begin taking their exam. The software disables several features and applications, such as Start menu, system tray and menu bars; printing/keystroke combinations prevention; function keys removal and blocking outgoing and incoming links as well as blocking hundreds of screen capture, messaging and network monitoring applications can all be blocked simultaneously.
Once students complete their assessment, their instructor is notified that it’s ready to be graded. The class results page displays each student’s status as “Low”, “Medium”, or “High”. In addition, instructors can view a video recording of the entire session, with thumbnails that highlight moments where proctoring violations may have taken place.
It’s secure
Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor is a secure web-based proctoring system designed to prevent students from accessing other URLs and applications on their devices during assessments, copy-pasting information from other sources into tests, using notes or textbooks for support, etc. It provides institutions looking for a safer examination environment an affordable solution.
This browser works seamlessly with any learning system and doesn’t require additional software or hardware – such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Brightspace Schoology Pearson MyLab McGraw Hill ALEKS etc. Students don’t even need a separate account on Respondus website – they can access exams directly within their learning system while receiving notifications of proctoring events as they happen.
Respondus stands out from many browsers by not gathering or processing any personal information, including usernames or passwords. There are two instances when Respondus processes personal data – when students use its “Help Center” to troubleshoot technical issues with Respondus itself; or use its early exit feature to terminate an assessment early and provide their reason for doing so, which will be visible to instructors.
Students should install Respondus tools well in advance of taking any quiz or exam to identify any issues with their equipment and address them before their quiz or exam begins. If they experience difficulties, the Respondus Student Support FAQ or Submit a Support Ticket feature provides solutions. Alternatively, Teaching & Learning Technologies team consultants are always available.
Some students have complained of the test anxiety caused by using lockdown browsers during exams, particularly Francesca Balestrieri who experienced it firsthand when her professors started using these browsers during tests. She eventually adjusted to using them saying it has helped increase her score better.
It’s customizable
Students using the web-based version of this program can tailor their interface by choosing language and theme options as well as tab display settings and default window size preferences. This makes taking assessments without distraction easy for students; students can also access support materials through this website for questions they might be having difficulty answering or extra help understanding the test format.
If they experience technical difficulties, students can use the “Help Center” button on the toolbar and run the System & Network Check to help identify whether it is related to hardware or software issues. In addition, this website features a Knowledge Base where troubleshooting tips and other relevant information may be found; its browser compatibility makes it compatible with most operating systems including Windows, Mac OSX and Linux; in addition, video tutorials on how to use the program are also provided on its webpages.
Respondus Monitor can serve as an effective alternative to online proctoring for non-proctored exams. It utilizes students’ webcams to record them during an assessment, which can then be reviewed by instructors afterwards. Respondus Monitor’s purpose is to prevent cheating and foster student accountability by recording each assessment; its use can be enabled per exam by accessing its settings menu; instructors may select any required settings as well as whether Chromebook or iPad access will be permitted during testing.
Some students have voiced concern that this program infringes upon their privacy, yet many professors require its use in their courses. Francesca Balestrieri, a third-year studying biological sciences who took Organic Chemistry I and II and ST 311 was required to have her laptop camera on during exams for these courses.
Teachers can easily add a link to the lockdown browser into their course navigation and give students access through uTech support center. If students experience problems with browser or hardware issues, they can submit a ticket directly with CITR for assistance; additionally, Teaching & Learning Technologies team provides consultations on its use with instructors.
It’s affordable
Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor offers an affordable solution for automatically proctoring online tests. Students take their test in a classroom-like environment while using facial recognition technology to verify they are the only person taking part. In addition, instructors can flag any suspicious activity such as someone leaving or entering their testing environment.
This software stands out from other automated proctoring tools with several key features that set it apart, including its support of iPads and mobile devices as well as meeting all web content accessibility guidelines and working with most assistive technologies. Installation and use are both straightforward, making this the ideal tool for distance education courses.
Respondus Lockdown Browser requires students to download the application and follow its instructions in order to launch it on their computer. After it has been launched, they should close all other applications or websites before accessing Respondus Lockdown Browser again; then when asked for their exam password (should they forget it), Respondus Lockdown Browser will alert them and allow them to log back in if necessary.
Once a student completes a test, their instructor will receive an alert in Canvas notifying them that their video/report is ready for review. The report includes thumbnail images and video footage as well as any flagged behaviors for viewing by instructors to assess whether there has been any violations to test rules.
Faculty should carefully consider the risks and benefits of remote proctoring software before making their decision to rely on this form of technology for proctoring exams. They should ensure their students understand its technological requirements – including needing a computer (not Chromebook, tablet or iPad), no personal web browser such as Chrome or Firefox and Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor requirements as well as providing links to quick start guides for the system.