Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

Table of contents:

LockDown Browser

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment in Canvas. When students use LockDown Browser to take a Canvas Quiz, they are unable to print, copy, go to other websites (unless you allow a particular website), or access other applications.  If a student closes the quiz before they are finished, they will be required to give a reason that the instructor will be able to review. Quizzes with LockDown Browser enabled cannot be taken with standard browsers. 

LockDown Browser functions much like a standard browser, but some options have been removed or work differently. The list below highlights some of these differences. 

  • Modified Toolbar - the condensed toolbar includes only Forward, Back, Refresh, and Stop functions.   

  • Test Mode - tests are shown full-screen and cannot be minimized, resized, or exited until submitted for grading.  

  • Disabled Controls - all printing, keystroke combinations, screengrab, function keys, and right-click menus have been disabled.   

  • Links - links to other web servers will open in a new, secure window and prevent browsing beyond that page.  

  • Blocked Features and Applications - the Start button (Windows), system tray, and menu bars have been removed. 

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Installing LockDown Browser

Students must install LockDown browser on their personal device, or use LockDown on a lab computer in order to take a LockDown enabled quiz in Canvas. 

Copy that link and post it somewhere in a Canvas course for students to access.

LockDown can be installed on:

Windows: 10 and 11 (cannot be run in S mode)
Mac: macOS 11 - 15.0+
iPad: iPadOS 12.0+, LockDown can be installed from the App store and then the student will be asked for their institution name upon first launch.
Chromebook: LockDown Browser for Chromebook minimally requires the version of ChromeOS that Google makes available via their Long Term Support (LTS) channel. More information

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Enable LockDown Browser in Course Navigation

The LockDown tool is disabled in a Canvas course by default.  To enable it, see our page for enabling a tool in the course navigation.

Once the tool is enabled, LockDown can be enabled on individual Quizzes in Canvas:

  1. Click the LockDown Browser link in the Course Menu.

    Screenshot of a Canvas course menu, the LockDown Browser option is highlighted.
     
  2. Click Authorize, this will be a one-time authorization.
  3. A list of all Canvas Quizzes is displayed.  Find the desired quiz, click the Drop-down arrow next to it and click Settings.
  4. Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.
    Screenshot of the option, Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.
  5. If desired, set a Password
  6. Click Advanced Settings for more options, for example, if you want to allow a particular website to be accessible during the test, that is enabled in the Advanced Settings.
    Screenshot of the Respondus Lockdown settings in a Canvas course. The advanced settings area is expanded and the option to allow students to use an iPad is enabled.
     
  7. Click Save + Close.

Note: We strongly encourage instructors to set up a no-stakes practice Quiz that requires LockDown Browser to give students a chance to practice, and ensure that the process works smoothly on their personal devices.

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Classic Quizzes vs New Quizzes

The way students access a quiz in Canvas with LockDown enabled depends on if it is a Classic Quiz or New Quiz.

For a Classic Quiz: students will start by opening LockDown Browser, access the course and launch the quiz.

For a New Quiz: students will start in a regular browser like Chrome or Safari, access the course and launch the quiz, they will then be prompted to allow LockDown Browser to launch.

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Respondus Monitor

Respondus Monitor is a webcam feature for LockDown Browser that records students during online, non-proctored exams. When this feature is enabled for a Canvas quiz, students are required to use a webcam with LockDown Browser. After the exam is complete, a course instructor can review the details of the assessment and watch the recorded videos for the specific quiz attempt.

Our current license includes 200 "seats" of Monitor. A seat is one student per course where Respondus Monitor is used. If a course has four exams that use Respondus Monitor, only one seat is counted per student. If a student uses Respondus Monitor in two courses, it is counted as two seats.

Please Note:

  • Respondus Monitor is intended for online, non-proctored exams and should be used only in fully online courses 

  • Instructors teaching in-person or hybrid courses should use LockDown Browser only, without enabling the Monitor component 

  • For questions regarding these guidelines, contact academicaffairs@stonehill.edu 

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Create the Quiz 

Before Respondus Monitor set up, create the quiz in Canvas.  

Note: We strongly encourage instructors to set up a no-stakes practice Quiz that requires LockDown Browser to give students a chance to practice, and ensure that the process works smoothly on their personal devices.

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Enable LockDown Browser in Course Navigation 

  1. On the course homepage, click Settings. 
    Screenshot of the Course Navigation with Settings selected.

  2. Select the Navigation tab, then choose the LockDown Browser option.
    Screenshot of the Canvas Course Settings page with navigation tab highlighted.

  3. Click the Edit Course Navigation icon (3 dots), then select Enable, then Save.
    Screenshot of the Enabling of the LockDown browser in Course Settings.

  4. LockDown Browser is now added to your course menu. 

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Enable LockDown Browser on a Quiz 

  1. From the course navigation, click LockDown Browser, then Continue to LockDown Browser button. 
    Screenshot of the LockDown Browser option in the Course Menu.

    • If the About Respondus Monitor dialog displays, you can choose to disable it and continue to Respondus Monitor.
      Screenshot of the Respondus MOnitor dialogue.

  2. Click the down arrow to the left of the quiz name and choose Settings. 
    Screenshot of the Quiz settings option in Respondus.

  3. Enable the option, Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam. 
    Screenshot of the option, Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.

  4. From the Monitor Webcam Settings area, enable the option, Require Respondus Monitor for this exam. 
    Screenshot of he Monitor Webcam Settings area, enable the option, Require Respondus Monitor for this exam.

  5. Determine whether you want Respondus Monitor to record your students Webcam Only (default selected), Webcam and Screen, or just their Screen Only.
    Screenshot of the Required items for Respondus Monitor with Webcam highlighted.

  6. Set the Startup Sequence for Respondus Monitor.  For more startup options, review the Canvas Instructor Quick Start Guide. 
    Screenshot of the Startup Sequence of optional events to occur before the webcam session begins.

  7. Set any other options, for example, under Advanced Settings, you can allow the use of an iPad if desired. When finished click Save + Close. 

  8. From the LockDown Browser dashboard on your Canvas course, confirm that LDB & Respondus Monitor are required. Make sure to publish the quiz when you're ready for students to access it.
    Screenshot of LockDown Browser dashboard on Canvas course, confirming that LDB & Respondus Monitor are required.

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Sample Syllabus Language  

Communicate your plans to use Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor with students in your syllabus or Canvas course at minimum. Clearly outline expectations when requiring LockDown Browser and Monitor. Below is some language we encourage you to use and adapt to your instructional needs: 

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.  

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Download & Install Respondus Lockdown Browser  

First, you will need to download and install LockDown Browser using the link located on the Stonehill College IT Knowledge Base. 

When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and Monitor, 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 quiz, 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 has changed since a previous test, run the Webcam Check and System & Network Check again prior to starting the quiz 

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 other surface where the device (or you) is 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 Canvas quiz until all questions are completed and submitted. 

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Additional Resources for Instructors 

Respondus frequently runs instructor-focused, comprehensive training webinar is intended for instructors who plan to use LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor with online exams. Consult their up-to-date training calendar for live sessions.  

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