LockDown Browser Student Guide. LockDown Browser is a web browser that “locks down” what you can do during a quiz in Canvas. When your instructor has you use LockDown Browser, you will be unable during the quiz to print or copy questions, visit other websites, access other applications, or close the quiz until it is submitted. You should see a hyperlink that says “ Download Respondus Lockdown Browser.” Clicking this will bring you to the download page. Click the Install Now button to download a zip file (.zip). Open the downloads folder and run the file titled “Install Respondus Lockdown Browser.”. Respondus LockDown Browser is an online proctoring software that is used in the education field to monitor students while they take tests. A free trial is available.Both students and teachers will need to download the app to use the program to take exams online and to review test results. Students: If an instructor has required you use Respondus LockDown Browser for added security when taking a quiz, you must download and install Respondus LockDown Browser before you can start the.
Respondus LockDown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser creates a restricted test-taking environment. The Respondus LockDown Browser does not allow other windows to be opened during the quiz and helps mitigate cheating. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. This is particularly helpful for tests/exams in supervised classrooms or lab environments.
Students can access LockDown Browser by installing it on their PC, Mac, or iPad (access via iPad requires additional setup by instructors). Loaner laptops are available on campus for students who do not have access to compatible devices.
- LockDown Browser can also be downloaded directly from the unique Respondus LockDown Browser URL for Montclair State University
- Students who attempt to take a Canvas quiz which requires LockDown Browser from any other browser will be directed to download LockDown Browser
Note: Faculty do not need to download and install LockDown Browser application to require it for their quizzes.
LockDown Browser integrates with the Canvas Learning Management System. Faculty can create quizzes that can only be accessed using LockDown Browser. For more information about implementing, using, installing, and finding LockDown Browser, please consult the documentation below:
As of November 2018, LockDown Browser is now a default menu item. If you do not see LockDown Browser in your course menu, use the following steps to enable it.
- Navigate to your course in Canvasin the left menu.
- Click Settings.
- Click on the Navigation tab.
- Click on the cog adjacent to LockDown Browser and select +Enable.
- Click Save.
- After you have created your quiz(zes), navigate to LockDown Browser from your course menu.
- Select a dropdown box next to the quiz for which you want to enable LockDown Browser.
- Click Modify Settings from the dropdown.
- Select the radio button for “Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.”
- Click the Save and Close button – your students will now be required to use Respondus LockDown Browser on your exam.
The iPad option for LockDown Browser can be enabled on a quiz-by-quiz basis. Instructions for both faculty and students are listed below:
Note: LockDown Browser is not compatible with other mobile devices.
LockDown Browser can now be used jointly with Zoom. In order to activate Zoom for usage with your LockDown Browser quiz, follow these steps, which are also indicated in the step-by-step screenshot below:
- Click on LockDown Browser in your course menu
- Select a dropdown next to a quiz
- Select Settings from the dropdown
- Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam
- Under proctoring, select Allow instructor live proctoring for this exam (via Zoom, Teams, etc.)
- Select Zoom as your video conferencing system
- Set a start code
- Click Save + Close
Additional instructions are available under How to Conduct Live Proctoring. These instructions state the following:
- Provide students the instructions for downloading and installing LockDown Browser
- Convey to students that LockDown Browser and a video conferencing system will be used for online exams. (Important: Schedule a practice exam where everything can be tried by the class in advance.)
- Locate the LockDown Browser Dashboard in the learning system, select “Require LockDown Browser for this exam,” select “Allow” live proctoring for this exam …” and then supply a “Start Code” (which prevents students from starting the exam early).
- Use your normal process to create a meeting for the video conferencing system (Zoom, Teams, etc.). Distribute the meeting information to students prior to the exam.
- At the scheduled time, take attendance and confirm you can see and hear all students in the video conferencing system. When ready, provide the Start Code to students to commence the exam.
- Remind students the video conferencing system will continue to run in the background, enabling you to see and hear them during the exam. However, they will be unable to access the system during the exam. It is up to you to ensure students stay in the video conference during the exam.
- Note: An iPad doesn’t allow you to run a video conferencing app and LockDown Browser at the same time. Consider these alternatives: 1) Have the student use a different device altogether (Windows, Mac, Chromebook), 2) have the student use a second device for the video conferencing itself, or 3) allow the student to shut down the video conferencing system on the iPad when it’s time to start the exam.
Respondus Monitor (LockDown Browser + Webcam)
Respondus Monitor is an extension to LockDown Browser that uses students’ webcams and analytics to generate automated reports assessing any possibility of cheating for each user. In order to use Monitor, LockDown Browser must be required for the assessment. Additional documentation, including Quick Start Guides, are available on the Respondus Web Site.
- Create a Canvas Quiz
- Navigate to the LockDown Browser tab on the left side course menu, authorize your account if you have not done so yet, then click “continue to LockDown Browser”
- On the LockDown Browser Dashboard, you will see all of your Canvas Quizzes, published and unpublished, and whether they require LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor
By default, a newly created Quiz with LockDown Browser required will NOT require Monitor
- To enable Monitor for a quiz, select the dropdown arrow on the left of your new quiz, then select Settings
- Next, select “Require Respondus Monitor for this exam”
- From the LockDown Browser Dashboard, select the left-hand dropdown menu then select ‘class results,’
- Along with the student’s information and quiz score will be a ‘Review Priority’ ranging from LOW, MED, and HIGH. The priorities are generated automatically by Monitor’s recording analyticsNOTE: Flags do not directly correlate to cheating, there will be MORE false positives than true positivesDISCLAIMERS: The Respondus website hosts more information and disclaimers regarding Monitor’s accuracy
- Click the ‘+’ button to the left of a student’s name to review their Monitor results
- Here you will be able to view the student’s recording as well as the number of flags (warnings of suspicious behavior) detected by Monitor
- Check ‘Milestones’ to view specific timestamps in relation to the student’s progress in the quiz (Exam Start, Question 1 answered, End of Exam, etc.)
- Depending on your Quiz settings you can also review student pretest verification photos, video clips (Student, Photo, Environment video, etc.)
- You can leave also leave notes for yourself as well as check students off as “reviewed” to help stay organized
Launching a quiz with Monitor is an identical process to launching a regular LockDown Browser Assessment
- Launch LockDown Browser on your device (install LockDown Browser beforehand)
- On launch, you should see a dropdown menu next to “connect to:” YOU MUST select “Montclair State University Canvas” or you will not be able to sign in
- Log into Canvas as you normally would
- Navigate to your course’s quiz and begin the quiz
- Proceed through the Monitor Startup Sequence (note that the number of steps may vary depending on your instructor’s settings)
- Take your assessment
- Remember, any alerts from Monitor will be reviewed by your professor, so as long as you honestly take the assessment as is intended, there should be absolutely no issue
- Try to focus your gaze as much as possible on your computer screen so that the webcam can maintain facial recognition
Respondus Offerings and Resources
- Others Resources (these are also available right within the LockDown Browser Dashboard in Canvas):
- Respondus Monitor
- Respondus Monitor Video (new!) – This brief video is ideal for administrators, CIOs, department chairs, or any faculty member wanting a quick overview of Respondus Monitor. It emphasizes flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency.
- LockDown Browser + Respondus Monitor Feature Checklist – This 1-sheet PDF provides a features list for both applications. It’s quite handy for common questions (i.e. types of devices supported, technical support options, etc.).
- “Flexible Testing” Webinars and PDF – “Flexible Testing” webinars are a huge hit. They cover common testing scenarios at colleges – and how to use LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor with each. Attendees received this Flexible Testing PDF that summarizes it nicely.
- Respondus Monitor
Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom web browser that is used to access quizzes in Canvas. When the LockDown Browser is enabled, students are prevented from opening additional tabs, accessing other applications on their computer, and taking specific actions while on the quiz (e.g. taking screenshots, copying, printing).
Respondus Tools are only deterrents and cannot fully prevent cheating. Additionally, Respondus LockDown Browser is intended for in-person exams, and should, therefore, not be considered an ideal solution for remote/online exams. The best way to prevent academic integrity violations is with a well-designed assessment. If you suspect cheating behavior is occurring, contact the Academic Integrity Office.
Please note that Respondus Monitor will not be available after August 1, 2021.
For Instructors
Complete the instructor training
Respondus has daily webinar trainings for instructors, including a detailed rundown of the LockDown browser settings and student experience. View the full training schedule.
Communicate with students
Distribute information to your students by embedding instructions in Canvas, sending reminder emails, and directing students to the Respondus Resource Center.
Put it on the SyllabusInform students you will be using a proctoring service for their exam(s). Provide instructions on how to install Respondus LockDown Browser on their device. Remind students of the requirements needed for proctoring and what they need to do if they cannot meet the requirements. See 'Students' below.
Sample Syllabus Statement:
Give instructions to students
Direct students to the 'For Students' section of this page, or provide the information directly to your students by embedding instructions in your Canvas course.
Be sure to add this to your course materials so students can access and reference the instructions.
Provide alternate accommodationsRespondus LockDown Browser has minimum system requirements in order to run properly. Students who aren't able to meet these requirements will be unable to use Respondus, and will need alternate accommodations to take their exams.
Add Respondus LockDown Browser to the Course Navigation
- Go to the Course menu and click Settings at the bottom
- Click the Navigation tab
- In the listing of items, drag and drop LockDown Browser to the top list to unhide it from students
- Drag LockDown Browser to where you want it to appear in the Course Navigation
- Select Save at the bottom of the screen
Configure the Canvas Quiz
Access the LockDown Browser DashboardYou can access the LockDown Browser dashboard in the left-hand navigation menu of your Canvas course. If you do not see this in your menu, you can enable it within the Navigation menu of your Canvas course settings.
Enable LockDown Browser for QuizzesIn the LockDown Browser Dashboard, you will be able to see a list of your course’s quizzes.
- Find the Quiz you want in the listing and click the icon to the left of the quiz name
- Select Modify Settings
- Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam
- Select Save and close.
For Students
In order to take a Quiz that requires the use of Respondus, you must download the LockDown Browser before you can begin the exam. The Canvas quiz will prompt you to download the LockDown Browser if you attempt to take it from any other browser.
Check the System Requirements
Lockdown Browser Download For Windows
You must use either Windows or Mac in order to install Respondus LockDown Browser. Chromebooks may be able to make use of LockDown Browser. However, the Chromebook offering is available through a Beta trial and may not be fully supported. Windows tablets are not supported. View the full Systems Requirement list for more details.
If you are unable to meet the system requirements, reach out to your instructor or IA as soon as possible to arrange for alternate accommodation.
Download and Install LockDown Browser
- Go to the Canvas quiz for your course
- Click Take the Quiz
- Click Download Respondus LockDown Browser (NOTE: you must have administrator access to download and install software)
- On the Respondus webpage, select Install Now. Open the downloaded folder and complete the installation.
If you are prompted to select a version, choose Student Version
Important: You must download the browser from the link above. Even if you have used the LockDown Browser at another school, it will not work unless you use the UCSD version.
Before the Quiz
- Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted
- Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach
- Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other devices
- Before starting the exam, know how much time is available for it, and that you’ve allotted sufficient time to complete it
- Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
- If the computer or networking environment is different than what was used previously with the System & Network Check in LockDown Browser, run the check again prior to starting the test
- Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you may be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and/or submitted
Take the Quiz
Depending on how your instructor configured the exam, you may not be able to leave the webpage until the Quiz has been submitted. Be sure to take the Quiz at a time when you will be uninterrupted.
- Launch LockDown Browser from your computer
- You may be prompted to close other applications. Select Close Applications to continue, or quit LockDown Browser and relaunch it once you have closed other applications.
- Log onto Canvas and enter the quiz
- Select Take the Quiz
- Once you have taken the exam, select Submit the Quiz
- Close the LockDown Browser
System Requirements
Respondus LockDown Browser is an internet browser that has certain minimum requirements in order to run properly. View the system requirements below:
Operating System
- Windows: 10, 8
- Mac: macOS 10.12 or higher
- iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only). Must have a compatible LMS integration. Additional iOS Compatibility Details.
LockDown Browser does not support Windows tablets nor 10S devices.
LockDown Browser may continue to run in older operating systems that have reached “end-of-life” but students may encounter unexpected results.
Memory
- Windows: 2 GB RAM
- Mac: 2 GB RAM
Hard Drive Space
- Windows: 75 MB permanent space on the hard drive
- Mac: 120 MB permanent space on the hard drive
Internet Connection
You must be connected to a stable internet connection. Connecting to the internet via Ethernet is highly recommended.
Browser Requirements
LockDown Browser is a client application that is installed on a local computer. Both the Windows edition and the Mac edition of the browser are based on Chromium, Google's open-source framework. Students do NOT need Google's Chrome browser installed; nor will this version affect a Chrome browser that's already installed.
Learning Management System
All exams using LockDown Browser must be hosted through UC San Diego’s main instance of Canvas at canvas.ucsd.edu, and rady.instructure.com for Rady graduate courses.
Privacy and Security
LockDown Browser prevents access to other applications and files during an exam, but it doesn’t access any of your files or documents, nor does it transmit those files to a Respondus server. Once an exam has started, LockDown Browser is designed to block access to other applications and functions to prevent the use of unauthorized materials for the duration of the exam. When the assessment is complete, the locking and blocking features are turned off.
Respondus Lockdown Browser Free Students
Protecting student privacy remains a top priority. If you have concerns about the usage of Respondus in your course, please reach out to your instructor to discuss what alternative accommodations may be available.
Additional Privacy Resources
- Visit the Respondus Privacy Center for additional information about their privacy policies.
- Visit the Campus Privacy Office for additional information and resources for protecting your privacy.
Support
If you need help troubleshooting a technical issue with Lockdown Browser, view Respondus’s Knowledge Base articles, or submit a support ticket with Respondus.
Respondus Lockdown Browser Student Download
If you are an instructor or a TA are experiencing a non-Respondus issue with Canvas, contact the EdTech Support Team.
If you require more information related to live proctoring solutions, please contact the Digital Learning Hub at online@ucsd.edu.