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Respondus Tools for Online Exams

What is Respondus LockDown Browser?

Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom web browser that is used to access a quiz in Canvas. When the LockDown browser is used, students will be 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).

View the Introduction to LockDown Browser video for a detailed overview.

 

Respondus Monitor 

Respondus Monitor is a fully automated add-on to the LockDown Browser that uses the student's webcam to  provide a full audio and video recording of the test attempt. Respondus Monitor creates a video for the instructor to review at a later time - it is not a remote live proctoring program.

 
Respondus Tools are only deterrents and cannot fully prevent cheating. 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. 

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 PDF instructions in Canvas, sending reminder emails, and directing students to the Respondus Resource Center. 

 

Put it on the Syllabus

Inform your students you will be using a proctoring service for their exam(s). Provide the Respondus instructions on this site for students to set up their profiles and sign up for courses. Remind students of the requirements needed for proctoring and to inform you early if they cannot meet the requirements. See "Students" below.

Sample Syllabus Statement:

 

Online Exams and Proctoring

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. If you cannot meet the Respondus requirements, please reach out as soon as possible to determine what alternate accommodations can be provided.

 

View the System Requirements 

Download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=953813920 

Important: You must download the browser from the URL above. Even if you have used the LockDown Browser at another school, it won’t work unless you use the UCSD version.

 

To ensure LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, please refer to the Student Setup instructions.

 

Give instructions to students

Direct students to the "For Students" section of this page, or provide this 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 the LockDown Browser Installation link

Be sure to provide the following information for your students:

 

LockDown Browser: University of California - San Diego
Install the LockDown Browser at the following link:
If you are prompted to select a version, choose Student Version
Important: You must download the browser from the URL above. Even if you have used the LockDown Browser at another school, it won’t work unless you use the UCSD version. 

 

Provide alternate accommodations

Respondus LockDown Browser has minimum system requirements in order to run properly. Students who aren't able to meet these requirements (such as students using Chromebooks) will be unable to use Respondus, and will need alternate accommodations to take their exams. 

Add Respondus LockDown Browser to the Course Navigation

  1. Go to the Course menu and click Settings at the bottom
  2. Click the Navigation tab
  3. In the listing of items, drag and drop LockDown Browser to the top list to unhide it from students
  4. Drag LockDown Browser to where you want it to appear in the Course Navigation
  5. Select  Save at the bottom of the screen

Configure the Canvas Quiz

Access the LockDown Browser Dashboard

You 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. 
In this portal, you will be able to access multiple resources such as Video Tutorials, materials to include in your syllabus, as well as the settings for your course. 

 

Enable LockDown Browser for Quizzes

In the LockDown Browser Dashboard, you will be able to see a list of your courses quizzes.
  1. Find the Quiz you want in the listing and click the icon to the left of the quiz name
  2. Select Modify Settings
  3. Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam
  4. Select Save and close.

Using Respondus Monitor

Enable Respondus Monitor

If you decide to have students record their session for high stakes exams, you can enable Respondus Monitor within the LockDown Browser dashboard.

  1. Find the Quiz in the listing 
  2. Select Modify Settings 
  3. Select Require Respondus Monitor for this exam (NOTE: LockDown Browser must be enabled in order to use Monitor)
  4. Review and select any additional security settings 
    • Startup Sequence are events that the student completes before starting the Quiz

 

Review Respondus Monitor Webcam Videos

After students have completed the exam, you can review recorded test taking videos. 

It’s important to note that even if a student’s exam session receives a “high review priority,” it does not necessarily mean that cheating occurred. It is highly recommended that you review these videos if you suspect cheating behavior from students. Be sure to notify the Academic Integrity Office of any suspected violations.

  1. Navigate to the LockDown Browser dashboard
  2. Select the drop down arrow to the left of the Quiz
  3. Click Class Results
  4. From the roster, select the [+] icon next to the student you would like to review
  5. View the test taking session details, including the startup sequence and video

Provide a practice exam

A practice exam is highly recommended for students to get a chance to familiarize themselves with LockDown Browser before a high-stakes exam. This will reduce student anxiety and can help you address any issues that may arise before a real exam. 

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

You must be using either Windows or Mac in order to install Respondus LockDown Browser. Chromebooks and 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 an alternate accommodation.

Download and Install LockDown Browser

  1. Go to the Canvas quiz for your course
  2. Click Take the Quiz
  3. Click Download Respondus LockDown Browser (NOTE: you must have administrator access to download and install software)
  4. On the Respondus webpage, select Install Now. Open the downloaded folder and complete the installation. 

You can also directly install the UC San Diego Respondus version:

LockDown Browser: University of California - San Diego
Install the LockDown Browser at the following link:
If you are prompted to select a version, choose Student Version

 

Important: You must download the browser from the URL above. Even if you have used the LockDown Browser at another school, it won’t 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 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 iPad is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed or other 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

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.
  1. Launch LockDown Browser from your computer
  2. 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. 
  3. Log onto Canvas and enter the quiz
  4. Select Take the Quiz
  5. Once you have taken the exam, select Submit the Quiz
  6. Close the LockDown Browser

Using a webcam for Respondus Monitor

Your instructor may have configured your exam to use Respondus Monitor, an automated service that records your video and audio input from your web camera. Recorded videos will be made available to your instructor to review after the exam is completed.

After launching the LockDown Browser and navigating to your course, you will be prompted to follow these steps:

  1. Review and agree to the Terms of Service
  2. Complete the Webcam Check to confirm that your audio and video is working properly
  3. You may be prompted with additional steps, such as showing your Photo ID or completing a room scan, depending on how your instructor configured their exam settings 
  4. Complete your exam, and use the It’s not working link for troubleshooting help

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, 7
  • Mac: MacOS 10.15 to 10.12, OS X 10.11, OSX 10.10
  • iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only). Must have a compatible LMS integration.  Details.
LockDown Browser does not support Chromebooks or Windows tablets. 

Memory

  • 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 to 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 the UC San Diego instance of Canvas at canvas.ucsd.edu 

Privacy and Security

Respondus LockDown Browser, a third-party proctoring service, was selected for campus use to deter cheating for remote exams in instances when alternative assessments are not feasible. The usage of this service on our campus was evaluated and accepted by our campus administration and technology departments. 

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. 

Protecting student privacy during this time 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

Support Services

Support for Instructors

 

Digital Learning Hub

To initiate the use of Respondus in your Canvas course, or for pedagogical assistance with online technologies, contact our team at online@ucsd.edu 


EdTech Support

If you or a TA are experiencing an issue with Canvas, contact the EdTech Support Team: 

Phone: (858) 822-3315

Support for Students

 

Respondus Support + Resources

Need help troubleshooting a techinical issue with the Lockdown Browser?

View Knowledge Base articles, or submit a Respondus support ticket.