Overview of Respondus Lockdown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser (RLDB) is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within the learning management system. Instructors can enable Respondus Monitor as an add-on feature that requires students to use a webcam for non-proctored exams.
Respondus Lockdown browser is a proctoring solution that instructors can integrate when creating Assessments in Canvas. Respondus Lockdown Browser works by:- Requiring assessments full screen where the user can’t be minimized
- Removing browser menus, except for Back, Forward, Refresh and Stop
- Preventing access to other applications including messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines, and remote desktops
- Disabling printing and screen capture functions
- Preventing copying and pasting anything to or from an assessment
- Disabling right-click menu options, function keys, keyboard shortcuts and task switching
- Requiring submission prior to exiting the browser
Troubleshooting most common issues
- Browser fails to launch: ensure you have the latest version of RLDB. Download from here: Respondus website. Also, close any application that uses a microphone or webcam.
- Crashes or freezes during exams: restart or force a shutdown by holding the power button for several seconds. Do not open any application that uses a microphone or webcam.
- Connectivity issues: use a stable and reliable internet connection. If at home, restart your router, or use an ethernet connection.
- Compatibility problems: verify that your operating system is compatible with LockDown Browser. Check out the computer requirements.
- Firewall and security settings: temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software that might be blocking the browser. Ensure that the necessary domais and ports are allowed through your firewall settings.
- Respondus not enabled. When students receive an error message that says the instructor needs to use the LockDown Broswer "dashboard" to enable the settings for the exam, go to Respondus LockDown Browser menu, and there will be an Error and Fix it box. Click on the Fix it box.
- Download from here: Respondus website
How to Access Quizzes
First step is to download LockDown Brower App for Texas A&M University.
In Canvas, there are two options for quizzes: Classic Quiz and New Quiz, and LockDown Browser opens differently depending on the type of quiz.
- Classic Quiz
If the instructor has built a Classic Quiz, then you would need to open LockDown Browser App first, log in with your NetID credentials, navigate to your Canvas course and start your quiz.
- New Quiz
If the quiz was built as a New Quiz in Canvas, then, you would need to open your browser (Chrome or FireFox), log into Canvas, go to your course, and select the quiz. This will prompt you to open LockDown Browser App to take the quiz in a secure environment.
Canvas Integration
An assessment must already be created so LockDown Browser can be added to it. Currently, LockDown Browser only integrates with Quizzes.
- Navigate to Quizzes in the course navigation pane
- Click Add Quiz in the top right corner.
- Choose either Classic or New Quiz from the pop up window and select Submit.
- Create the quiz as needed
- Navigate to Settings in the Course navigation pane
- Select Navigation from the top menu
- Locate LockDown Browser
- Click the three dots menu icon and select Enable
- Scroll to the bottom of the screen and Save the settings.
Once the assessment has been created and LockDown Browser has been enabled, instructors can require LockDown Browser. To do this:
- Navigate to LockDown Browseron the course navigation menu
- Instructors should see a list of the quizzes in the current Canvas course
- Locate the quiz that LockDown Browser will be added to, click the down arrow and select Settings
- Select the ‘Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam’radio button
- Select Require Respondus Monitor for this exam’ under the proctoring options to add Respondus Monitor and require a webcam,
- Adjust any additional settings for the exam.
- Click Save + Close
- Navigate back to Quizzes in the course navigation pane
- Confirm that the title of the quiz now includes ‘Requires LockDown Browser’
- If Respondus Monitor was enable, the title will also list ‘+ Webcam’
- Prior to using Respondus LockDown Browser for the first time, students will need to download the browser to their device. Students can find the download on the Respondus website.
- Many instructors find it useful to create a practice quiz that requires Respondus. This can help students and instructors navigate any issues they may encounter with the software prior to taking a higher stakes assessment.
- No screen recording software can be enabled a device when Respondus is active. This means students or instructors may need to disable extensions on other web browsers. If students are using Chrome, this may include disabling extensions on all profiles.
- If an instructor copies a course, LockDown Browser will need to be reconfigured for each quiz. Instructors may want to remove any ‘LockDown Broswer Required’ or ‘Webcam Required’ prior to reconfiguring quizzes to avoid confusion.
- Do not use emojis in the titles of quizzes that will use LockDown Browser. This will create issues.
- If students will need to access a URL outside of the assessment, ensure it is included in the Advanced Settings of the quiz.
- Check the instructions on accessing Lockdown Browser on an iPad.
For more information regarding this tool, please visit the Respondus support page.
