Respondus Monitor Lockdown Browser
Respondus Monitor Lockdown Browser is a proctoring software program that prevents students from accessing other programs or websites during online exams, requiring they use webcam and microphone monitoring capabilities as part of this procedure.
Integrates seamlessly into Canvas and work alongside any current proctoring system you already use, providing scalability to over 1,500 universities that proctor over tens of millions of exams annually.
Features
Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor are invigilation tools designed to prevent students from browsing the internet or opening other software during an online test. Utilizing webcam technology, instructors can periodically review student activity using this invigilation system. Students typically download it through links in their quiz instructions or exam dashboard and once their exam has ended, its software automatically closes itself off before returning back to its normal settings.
Both browser and monitor are optimized for use in proctored environments such as labs, classrooms and testing centers. They should not be used as replacements or alternatives to in-person proctoring; students should never take exams without an administrator present. However, when taking tests at home or other non-proctored locations these tools should be utilized.
As well as preventing cheating, the monitor also helps detect issues such as inconsistent head movements or use of different heads while recording. This feature can be enabled for every exam and instructors can choose to have it notify them if a face no longer recognized so they can prompt students to adjust their webcam properly aligned.
Respondus monitor is compatible with various screen reader accessibility programs for students who require them. Both Mac OS and Windows versions of Respondus Monitor are compatible with VoiceOver – Apple’s standard screen reader on that platform – while both versions support JAWS and Windows-Eyes commonly found on PC platforms; however, Respondus security levels will be reduced when used alongside these accessibility programs; should a student needing this technology contact their instructor immediately for instructions on how to set it up according to their individual requirements.
Instructors should provide students with a practice quiz requiring the use of these tools prior to taking an online test that uses these devices, in order to test both hardware and internet connection in a low stakes environment and reduce anxiety about using such tools. It will also familiarize them with software procedures they will be expected to follow during tests with monitor enabled.
Benefits
Respondus Monitor Lockdown Browser and Monitor are invigilation tools designed to limit certain activities on student computers during online tests, including browsing the internet or installing additional software applications. It also records videos of each student taking an exam so instructors can review it post-exam to verify identity and ensure academic integrity for those taking online exams using Canvas; such tools must be used alongside web conferencing platforms like Zoom; they cannot replace live proctoring of exams by instructors. IU endorses their use for student exams taken using Canvas; instructors live proctoring exams cannot replace instructor proctoring live proctoring by instructors live proctoring during exams taken through Canvas – instead replacing instructor live proctoring by live proctoring instructors live proctoring instructors live proctoring exams live proctoring takes place within Canvas to ensure academic integrity for exam takers taking online exams in Canvas; such tools should not replace instructor live proctoring during exams held within Canvas itself.
Respondus Monitor Lockdown Browser and Monitor users must have access to Canvas via an Ethernet connection for it to function correctly, especially if using mobile devices such as iPads or Chrome computers. Wireless connections may disrupt software functionality; to protect students against this risk, faculty should include exam policies in their course syllabus/test instructions to inform students to only utilize wired connections when taking an online assessment like an exam quiz in Canvas.
If a device is infected with malware or spyware, its software could become inoperable and prevent students from taking tests. Therefore, all students should ensure they use an up-to-date operating system and antivirus software suite.
Lockdown Browser can be made accessible to students with disabilities who use screen reader accessibility programs such as VoiceOver (Mac OS) and JAWS or Windows-Eyes (Windows). However, security levels of the software decrease with such applications being utilized and faculty should make special arrangements for such students.
Monitor now offers faculty the capability to live proctor a student exam using web conferencing platforms (like Zoom). Instructors can observe students taking exams while monitoring real time, viewing their screens during quizzes or assessments. This feature joins LockDown Browser as available in Canvas Classroom Services courses for instructors; to make use of it faculty must notify and gain approval from their Dean’s office prior to Spring 2021.
Requirements
Respondus Monitor is an add-on to Lockdown Browser that offers students a secure, automatically proctored testing environment. Requiring both a webcam and microphone, it works with Canvas to ensure students remain within the test window at all times. When students click “Start Test” in Canvas, a system check is run to verify their computer meets minimum requirements for using it as well as to ensure all components work as intended, webcam and microphone included. When an exam begins, video recordings capture student behavior during an exam; instructors can review these recordings through Blackboard course dashboard dashboard for review so instructors can identify students who might be engaging in cheating or not following exam instructions properly.
Faculty who create quizzes requiring Respondus Monitor have the option of requiring students to accept its terms of use and pass a short practice test on their machine before being permitted to take the real test. To do this, instructors need to check off “Require Respondus Monitor.” Furthermore, instructors should ensure their settings have been configured as described in “Settings” section above and the “Proctored Testing” setting has been selected before taking their exam.
If students are having difficulty certifying their home network/computer/camera/microphone, they should refer to the Student Quick Start Guide for Respondus Monitor/Lockdown Browser and follow its steps for downloading and installing it. In addition, they must clear their browsing history on either Internet Explorer or Safari prior to taking the test, while setting their security level to Medium before taking their final examinations.
This browser is built using Chromium and will run on any PC and Mac running Google Chrome; however, it won’t interfere with a browser already installed on their computers. Students should consult our Troubleshooting Page to solve any common setup issues they encounter.
The browser is a client application installed directly onto each student’s local machine and cannot be used with virtual machines. It does not collect biometric facial data or compare it against an existing database; rather, its software has been optimized specifically for use within online testing environments rather than as an automated face recognition algorithm.
Installation
Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser are tools designed to allow instructors to remotely proctor exams from any computer, providing a secure testing environment and verifying students are taking the test they claim they are. There’s no scheduling or registration on Respondus website required – instead they automatically launch from your student’s preferred browser when accessing an exam in Canvas requiring Respondus tools – plus practice quizzes are provided so students are comfortable using the tool before their first official assessment takes place.
As soon as a quick one-time installation has taken place, the software immediately launches from any browser to start the pre-exam sequence and webcam check based on instructor settings. Compatible with Windows, Mac and Chromebook devices; students may click ‘It’s Not Working’ link for assistance if any problems arise while using this program.
Preparing for their exam requires students to ensure their environment is well-lit and they are visible to the camera, remove any face/head accessories like headphones, earbuds, dark sunglasses or hats that might obscure vision, and ensure they have access to stable internet with maximum speeds possible. When taking their test they should follow all instructions shown on screen and once finished click the red “X” at the top left of Respondus Monitor browser window in order to exit and return back to regular browsing settings.
If any issues arise during an exam, students should click on the ‘It’s Not Working’ link in the upper right hand corner of their screen and submit a message. A tutor will assist them in troubleshooting, such as making sure both their microphone and camera are functioning as intended.
If they still are unable to resolve the issue, restart their machine and attempt again. If the problem persists, contact the ETS Help Desk for assistance; otherwise if a machine cannot be restarted they must find another computer (at their instructor’s discretion) where they may take their exam.