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Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor are remote proctoring solutions licensed for use with Brightspace. This article provides detailed instructions for faculty and students on installation, test preparation, troubleshooting, and best practices.
More Information
Respondus LockDown Browser
LockDown Browser is a custom web browser that secures the testing environment in Brightspace. It prevents students from printing, copying, navigating to other websites, accessing external applications, or closing the test before submission. To take an exam, students must launch the LockDown Browser App from the quiz page in their browser. 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)
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Windows - Download & Install “Lockdown Browser”
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macOS - Download & Install “Lockdown Browser”
- iPhone/iPad - Additional Info
- Chromebooks - Download and Install LockDown Browser for Chrome
Exam Preparation
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Select a quiet location to take the test.
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Ensure your computer meets system requirements.
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Close all unnecessary applications.
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Connect to a stable Internet source.
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If using Respondus Monitor, complete the pre-exam system and webcam checks.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
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LockDown Browser Will Not Launch
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Ensure OS, browser, and Respondus App are up to date.
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Disable pop-up blockers and allow Respondus traffic through firewalls.
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Close other video recording, screen-sharing, or screen-capturing applications.
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Ensure 3rd-party cookies and pop-ups are enabled in your browser.
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Always launch the exam from the Brightspace Course Exam Page, not the Respondus App.
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Face Not Detected in Respondus Monitor
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Improve lighting and adjust camera angles.
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Remove reflective eyewear.
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Avoid hats with brims or face coverings.
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Try an external USB webcam if detection issues persist.
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NOTE: LockDown Browser does not work with the Linux operating system, nor can it be used when a virtual machine (VM host applications, Windows emulators, or other virtualization tools) is detected on the user's computer. Antivirus software may also result in a usage error. Shutting down the anti-virus software temporarily while using LockDown Browser may help.
For Faculty
Brightspace Quickstart Guide (PDF)
Brightspace Exam Prep Video
Training Webinars Registration
Setting Up Respondus LockDown Browser in Brightspace
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Navigate to Assessments > Quizzes & Exams.
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Click the Respondus LockDown Browser tab.
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Grant permission for Respondus to connect to your course (if prompted).
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Click Continue to LockDown Browser to configure exam settings.
For a step-by-step guide, refer to the Brightspace Exam Preparation Video.
Best Practices
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Set up a practice quiz for students to test their setup.
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Customize facial detection settings based on exam needs.
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Monitor student behavior alerts in the Respondus Dashboard.
Sample Syllabus Wording
LockDown Browser Only
This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Students must install the application and complete a system check before taking tests. See the Student Quick Start Guide (PDF) for details.
LockDown Browser & Monitor
This course requires LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be built-in or external. Follow the guidelines in the Student Quick Start Guide (PDF) to prepare for your exam.
For troubleshooting and system requirements, visit the Respondus Support Page.
We cannot modify the way the facial detection step works or is calibrated. But there are options for facial detection instructors can consider:
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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.
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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.
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Faculty can customize their exam settings using two facial detection options.
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Whatever options you select, the student will still have to navigate the initial facial detection step in the start-up sequence.
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The two options are:
Prevent students from starting the exam if the face cannot be detected during the startup sequence.
- Deselecting this option means that if their face cannot be detected, they will still be able to enter the exam.
- Despite 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)
Respondus Lockdown Browser will not launch:
- Ensure that your device OS 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 pop-up blockers are turned off, and if a firewall is installed, it is paused or allowed for Respondus Traffic.
- Close 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, pop-ups, 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
- Applies to: Brightspace LMS
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Chromebooks, iOS (limited functionality)
- Unsupported Platforms: Linux OS variants, Virtual Machines, OS Emulators
- Software Required: LockDown Browser Application
- Additional Tools: Respondus Monitor (if enabled by instructor)