Respondus Lockdown Browser Required
Respondus Lockdown Browser software enables instructors to proctor an online exam by restricting desktop features, applications and other elements that might contribute to academic dishonesty. Students taking Canvas quizzes requiring locked down environments should install this program beforehand.
Students logging on to the program are informed they must close certain applications, such as Dell Dock, Google Desktop and Skype for Windows users. A live chat assistant can assist in troubleshooting issues.
Requirements
Respondus Lockdown Browser is software that securely locks down testing environments within Canvas, preventing students from printing, copying, changing pages or going to other URLs during exams or accessing other applications during assessments. In addition, this tool records each test taker’s webcam video feed and audio to monitor their activities during an assessment quiz.
Respondus Browser is available on PCs and Chromebooks, prompting students when they launch it to enter a password provided via Respondus Options page and agree to Terms of Service agreement before beginning installation of Respondus software.
As part of the installation process, it is critical for students to close all programs on their computer except those necessary for connecting to the internet and choose “Yes” when asked by Respondus whether to accept its program. They should then follow any on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Once the software is installed, students can launch it by clicking on a link in their exam instructions or the “Launch Lockdown Browser” button on Tools page of their course. Once launched, students will be ready to take their quiz or exam.
Students should ensure they are running up-to-date versions of browser and OS software, and any older versions must be updated before taking an exam that requires it. Furthermore, it’s crucial that they familiarise themselves with online test taking strategies.
Some courses utilize Respondus Monitor, an additional layer of security for Lockdown Browser that records video of test taker and uses facial recognition technology to detect suspicious behavior during assessments. If you’re uncertain whether your course uses Respondus Monitor, contact your instructor for more details.
Respondus requires specific course requirements that instructors can use as a check list to make sure all their students possess all of the required hardware/software, which should be included as part of a syllabus for any examination using Lockdown Browser or Monitor. For more information, please see Specifc Course Requirements for Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor (Word document). This document features an instructor checklist to ensure students possess everything necessary.
Installation
If your instructor has enabled a virtual proctoring tool such as Respondus Monitor or Respondus Lockdown Browser for an online quiz in their Canvas course, you will receive an invite to download and install this software on the computer where you will take it. The software limits desktop usage and applications while monitoring web search activity as well as recording screen recordings to prevent academic dishonesty during tests.
Respondus Lockdown Browser is available on both PCs and Mac computers, with limited support now also being made available for iPads and Chromebooks. The browser acts like a custom app that does not close when you exit it; upon clicking its download link a pop-up window will appear asking you to accept terms and select where on your machine to install the ZIP file containing Respondus Lockdown Browser; once downloaded it will automatically launch whenever a quiz requires its presence.
Xavier University provides several computer labs equipped with Respondus Lockdown Browser, where students should take practice quizzes prior to taking tests that require Lockdown Browser use. A practice quiz will enable students to get acquainted with this new experience while simultaneously helping instructors identify any technical difficulties with a student’s machine that might impede its proper operation for Respondus use.
To take a practice quiz in Canvas, log in, locate the quiz you wish to take, click “Take Quiz,” and then “Requires Respondus Lockdown Browser” with download link displayed as explanation text – simply click it for respondingus lockdown browser launch!
Once you’re in a full browser session, make sure that all other programs on your computer have been closed before starting the quiz. Lockdown browser should handle this for you automatically; to verify this by using its Info icon in the upper right corner. If any issues arise please view Respondus video or Student Quick Start Guide or reach out directly to your instructor for help.
Practice Quiz
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor require students to possess a full computer (not a tablet, Chromebook, or iPad) with at least Windows 7 installed and later. A webcam will also be required. Laptop owners with Windows 8 or 10 can download Respondus Monitor app instead of using online version; please see Lockdown Browser and Monitor Student Guide for further guidance on this matter.
Students taking Lockdown Browser-required quizzes for the first time should complete a practice quiz to familiarize themselves with downloading and using it prior to an actual graded exam. Aim for creating a practice quiz with sufficient questions covering different kinds of exams you expect your class will face; additionally, instructors should keep their practice quiz available throughout semester with unlimited attempts so students can test out their software at any point during term.
Teachers can add practice quizzes to their courses by accessing their Course navigation menu and clicking “Practice Quiz”. In addition, teachers can edit their quiz to specify whether Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor are required or just the browser by clicking “Edit Quiz” and choosing “Require Respondus Lockdown Browser for this exam.
Once students are registered on the campus network, they can visit their Canvas @ Yale courses and look for quizzes that require Respondus by clicking “Take Quiz.” They will then be required to sign into Blackboard and start up Lockdown Browser before taking their test. All other programs must first be closed before starting this test.
At their first Respondus quiz, students are prompted to install it on their computer. If successful, their quiz will open within Lockdown Browser program with a message confirming its successful launch, providing access to their answers, results page, video recordings and Dashboard.
Support
Canvas exams that require Proctoring tools like Respondus LockDown Browser software require students to download and install this special proctoring software prior to taking an exam that requires it. It provides academic integrity by restricting printing, copying, going back pages or other outside tools from interfering during examinations – this proctoring solution serves to preserve academic integrity in online courses. Students should download and install Respondus LockDown Browser prior to beginning an exam that requires Proctoring tools.
Some students may encounter issues when taking an exam on Respondus software or their computer, which can increase anxiety levels. We recommend instructors create a one question practice quiz using RLDB so their students can test out this software prior to an actual test and reduce stress if there are technical difficulties during actual exams. Furthermore, downloading and testing RLDB ahead of any deadline helps avoid last minute technical issues.
If you are having difficulties with the computer you will use for an exam, make sure that it has the latest Respondus software version installed. To check, launch Respondus and navigate to its toolbar by selecting “About,” “Check for Update,” or clicking “About Again.” If newer versions exist of Respondus that require installation, prompts will appear for this.
Before locking down your browser, it’s also advisable to close all other programs on your computer and disable Skype’s screen-sharing and multi-monitor features as these may interfere with its proper functioning and cause it to crash or malfunction.
If you need assistance with the software, please reach out to the Help Desk or your instructor for assistance. Faculty can receive training and support in implementing Respondus Monitor in their classes through the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development (CAT+). For information regarding CAT+ Brightspace workshops please reach out to Janice Florent.