Respondus LockDown Browser

Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor are two solutions licensed for use with remote proctoring. This article has detailed information for faculty and students related to their use.

More Information

Respondus LockDown Browser  

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment in Brightspace. When students use the “LockDown Browser” application to take a Brightspace test, they are unable to print, copy, go to other websites, access other applications, or close a test until it is submitted for grading. Tests created for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with standard browsers unless the Lockdown Browser App has been installed. You must launch the “Lockdown Browser App” from the quiz in your browser to locate and take Exams. 

For Students

Student Overview Video

Student Quickstart Guide (PDF)

  1. Windows - Download & Install “Lockdown Browser”

  2. macOS -  Download & Install “Lockdown Browser”

  3. iPhone/iPad - Additional Info
  4. Chromebooks - Download and Install LockDown Browser for Chrome


For Faculty

Brightspace Quickstart Guide (PDF)

Brightspace Exam Prep Video

Training Webinars Registration

Where is the tool in Brightspace?

  1. Under the Assessments menu in your course, select Quizzes & Exams.
  2. The Quizzes & Exams tool will appear. Click the Respondus Lockdown Browser tab. If this is the first time you’ve accessed the tool, you may be asked to give permission for Respondus to connect to your course. This is normal.
  3. The Respondus Lockdown browser Dashboard screen will load. Click the Continue to LockDown Browser button to load the setting dashboard for your exams.
  4. For step-by-step configuration  please see: Brightspace Exam Preparation Video 
  5. Set up a Practice Quiz (recommended)

To ensure your first exam with LockDown Browser runs smoothly, have students take an ungraded practice quiz that requires the use of LockDown Browser. Ideally, have students use the same computers/devices they'll later use with the graded quizzes, including the same network/Wi-Fi environment. Leave the practice quiz available for the duration of the course, with unlimited attempts, so students can access it again if they use a different computer or Wi-Fi network.

Respondus Monitor

Respondus Monitor® builds upon the power of the LockDown Browser, using a student’s webcam and industry-leading video analytics to prevent cheating during non-proctored exams. 

For Students

Student Overview Video 

Student Quickstart Guide (PDF)

  1. Windows - Download & Install “Lockdown Browser”
  2. macOS -  Download & Install “Lockdown Browser”
  3. iPhone/iPad - Additional Info
  4.  To install the new extension to a student-owned Chromebook, students will need to use the regular LockDown Browser installation link for your school (they will NOT be able to search for the app directly from the Chrome web store.)  This LockDown Browser installation link will direct students to the Chrome web store, at which point they should select “Add to Chrome” to install the LockDown Browser Extension.

For Faculty

Faculty Quickstart Guide (PDF)

Brightspace Exam Prep Video

Training Webinar Registration

Resource Guide

Where is the tool in Brightspace?

Respondus Monitor is an additional option in the Respondus Lockdown Browser tool in Brightspace. 

  • Under the Assessments menu in your course, select Quizzes & Exams.

  • The Quizzes & Exams tool will appear. Click the Respondus Lockdown Browser tab. If this is the first time you’ve accessed the tool, you may be asked to give permission for Respondus to connect to your course. This is normal.

  • The Respondus Lockdown browser Dashboard screen will load. Click the Continue to LockDown Browser button to load the setting dashboard for your exams.

  • For step-by-step configuration  please see: Brightspace Exam Preparation Video 

Sample Information to add to your Syllabus

For Lockdown Browser Only

The sample wording below can be used in your course to explain that students must use the LockDown Browser for their online tests.

Using LockDown Browser for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the optional webcam feature (which may be required for some exams).

To take an online test, start LockDown Browser and navigate to the exam. (You won't be able to access the exam with a standard web browser.) For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review this Student Quick Start Guide (PDF)

  • Windows - Download & Install “Lockdown Browser”
  • macOS -  Download & Install “Lockdown Browser”
  • iPhone/iPad - Additional Info
  • To install the new extension to a student-owned Chromebook, students will need to use the regular LockDown Browser installation link for your school (they will NOT be able to search for the app directly from the Chrome web store.)  This LockDown Browser installation link will direct students to the Chrome web store, at which point they should select “Add to Chrome” to install the LockDown Browser Extension.

Finally, when taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

  • Select a location where you won't be interrupted

  • Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it, and whether “forced completion” is set on the exam for completion in one sitting.

  • Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don't have them within reach

  • Clear your area of all external materials — books, papers, other computers, or devices

  • Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test

  • LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

For Lockdown Browser & Monitor

The sample wording below can be used in your course to explain that students must use the LockDown Browser and a webcam (Respondus Monitor) for their online tests.

Using LockDown Browser and a Webcam for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student Quick Start Guide (PDF) is also available.

  • Windows - Download & Install “Lockdown Browser”
  • macOS -  Download & Install “Lockdown Browser”
  • iPhone/iPad - Additional Info
  • To install the new extension to a student-owned Chromebook, students will need to use the regular LockDown Browser installation link for your school (they will NOT be able to search for the app directly from the Chrome web store.)  This LockDown Browser installation link will direct students to the Chrome web store, at which point they should select “Add to Chrome” to install the LockDown Browser Extension.

To ensure LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, do the following:

  • Start LockDown Browser, log into Brightspace and select this course.
  • Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
  • Run the Webcam Check and, if necessary, resolve any issues.
  • Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base. Troubleshooting information can also be emailed to our institution's help desk.
  • Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz named [NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: CREATE A BRIEF PRACTICE QUIZ AND INSERT NAME OF QUIZ HERE; IF NECESSARY, INCLUDE LOCATION OF QUIZ].
  • Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.

When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, remember the following guidelines:

  • 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 test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it, and note whether “forced completion” is set on the exam for completion in one sitting.
  • 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 Webcam Check and System & Network Check-in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to starting the test
  • To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
  • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or another surface where the device (or you) are likely to move
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window
  • Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.

Common Respondus Monitor Troubleshooting Steps:

Student receives an error message that their face is not on the screen, despite being on camera.  

This is generally an issue with lighting, angles, or network bandwidth. To improve the quality of your video (and reduce flags), remember:

  • If you are wearing eyeglasses, try removing them temporarily as a reflection in the lenses can sometimes cause issues.

  • Don't cover your face with your hand.

  • Don't wear sunglasses, baseball caps, or hats with brims.

  • Try adjusting your position, the camera angle, or the lighting.

  • Avoid backlighting and ensure there's enough light on your face.

  • If you're on a Windows 10 computer, be sure no automatic updates are running in the background as this can interfere not only with facial detection but other parts of the pre-exam webcam check. To perform this check:

  • Exit LockDown Browser

  • Type "update" in the Windows search field in the lower left of your Windows taskbar

  • If the problem persists, try using an external USB webcam, a different WiFi network, and if necessary, a different computer

 

We cannot modify the way the facial detection step works or is calibrated. But there are options for facial detection instructors can consider:

  • Facial detection checks before an exam – Respondus Monitor now performs a facial detection check before the start of an exam. This required step helps students identify problems with badly positioned webcams or poor lighting, and will prevent the intentional covering of a webcam. By default, students will be unable to start the exam until facial detection is achieved. This setting can be turned off by the instructor on a per-exam basis.

  • Facial detection alerts during an exam – We wish we could prevent students from slouching in their chairs or readjusting their computer screens (and webcams) once an exam begins. That’s why Respondus Monitor will now alert students during the exam when facial detection is lost for a certain length of time. This setting can also be turned off by the instructor on a per-exam basis.

  • Faculty can customize their exam settings using two facial detection options.

  • Whatever options you select, the student will still have to navigate the initial facial detection step in the startup sequence. 

  • The two options are:

Prevent students from starting the exam if the face cannot be detected during Startup-Sequence.

  • Deselecting this option means that if their face cannot be detected, they will still be able to enter the exam. 
     
  • In spite of the warning that appears, the student can select "Continue" and enter the exam.

Notify students during the exam if face cannot be detected (prompt for a fix)

  • Deselecting this option means that students will not be alerted mid-exam if their face cannot be detected. If you keep this option enabled, students will see an alert when their face cannot be detected for a certain length of time.

  • If a student decides to turn off the alerts, a notification of this choice will appear to the instructor in the LockDown Browser Dashboard.

Respondus Lockdown Browser will not launch: 

  • Ensure that your device OS and Browser, and Respondus App are up to date. 
    • TIP: Google Chrome Browser works the best for this, but is not a necessity.
  • Ensure that all popup blockers are turned off, and if a firewall is installed it is paused or allowed for Respondus Traffic.
  • Close any and all video recording, screen capturing, and/or video sharing software,
    • With the exception of Zoom or MS Teams - If your instructor has given directions to have these open for Exam proctoring.
  • Ensure that your browser allows 3rd party cookies, popups, and redirection from https://courses.maine.edu for the exam app to run.
  • Ensure that you are opening the exam from the Brightspace Course Exam Page, not from the Respondus App directly.

Environment

  • Client Application
  • Web Browser

 

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