Respondus LockDown Browser

  • Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within BeachBoard for securing online exams in classrooms or proctored environments.
  • Respondus Monitor is a companion tool to the LockDown Browser; it uses a webcam and algorithms to detect suspicious activity during exams.
  • Respondus is an application that facilitates the publishing of quizzes and exams created offline to a BeachBoard course.

Respondus LockDown Browser

  • Assessments are displayed full-screen and cannot be minimized
  • Browser menu and toolbar options are removed, except for Back, Forward, Refresh and Stop
  • Prevents access to other applications including messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines, and remote desktops
  • Printing and screen capture functions are disabled
  • Copying and pasting anything to or from an assessment is prevented
  • Right-click menu options, function keys, keyboard shortcuts and task switching are disabled
  • An assessment cannot be exited until the student submits it for grading
  • Assessments that are set up for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with other browsers

NOTE: LockDown browser should only be used when administering BeachBoard exams in proctored  environments.

Video:  How to Set Up Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor for Your Class

Video:  Protecting the Integrity of Online Exams

Video:  Preparing an Exam for Use with Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

Video:  Introduction to Respondus LockDown Browser for Students

Video:  Taking a Quiz with Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

Respondus Monitor

For students to be able to use Respondus Monitor, they will need to install Respondus LockDown Browser and have the following technical requirements: 

PC

Mac

  • Mac: OS X 10.10 to 10.14:  Find out which macOS your Mac is using
    • LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor may continue to run in older operating systems that have reached “end-of-life” but students may encounter unexpected results. Students running OS X 10.13 (High Sierra) should use LockDown Browser version 2.0.3.03 or newer for best performance.
  • 512 MB RAM: Check your RAM
  • Webcam & mic: Test your webcam with Photo Booth

iPad 

All

Common Troubleshooting Issues 

Some students may not have the time or resources to acquire the correct equipment before you begin using proctored testing, so you may need to determine what your students' readiness is and also consider giving the affected students an alternative assignment to demonstrate what they have learned.

Survey Your Students 

To use Respondus Monitor, students will need the right equipment and will need to download the application.  However, some students may not have the correct operating system, or webcam, or some other technical limitation. We recommend you survey your students to see what technology they have. 

Possible Questions to Ask:

  • Do you have either a laptop or desktop computer available? 
  • Are you using Windows (10, 8, or 7) or Mac OS X (10.10 or higher)? 
  • Do you have a web camera (internal or external) and microphone? 
  • Do you have a broadband internet connection? 
  • Is your only device a Chromebook, iPad, or other device that does not use Windows or Mac OS X? 
  • Anything else you deem relevant for your course that you may need to know about your students

Using the Results to Adjust Your Course:

  • If some students do not have the necessary equipment to do proctored testing, you may want to consider giving these students an alternative assignment to demonstrate what they have learned.
  • Randomized quizzing is an option to help with academic integrity.
  • If they have the right kind of computer and operating system but no webcam,  you can use the Lockdown Browser with a randomized quiz.

Proctored remote exams require substantial planning and setup on the part of instructors and students.  It may be helpful to consider alternative formats for assessing learning. Below is a selection of articles and resources to guide your planning: