UMass Boston

Respondus Browser and Monitor

We are currently offering Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor for added security when offering online exams. These two products work together to ensure that students are not viewing anything online during an exam, and that their behavior during an exam doesn't put in question their academic integrity.

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Respondus LockDown Browser

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment while a student takes an exam. Students need to download and use the browser to access their exam in Canvas. During the exam the students are unable to copy or print the exam for other students, access other applications or visit other websites.

Respondus Monitor

Respondus Monitor builds on the power of LockDown Browser by using a student’s webcam to record video and audio of them while taking the exam. Using industry-leading video analytics, Monitor will flag any behaviors that may represent instances of cheating. Instructors can then view the recording and decide for themselves. 

Resources

If you decide to use Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor, it is important to communicate this to your students. We highly recommend you set up a practice exam for students to get accustomed to the browser and work out any technical issues before the actual exam. Visit the resource pages below for information to use in your course Syllabus and other resources.   

Respondus LockDown Browser Extension for Chromebook

Respondus LockDown Browser is now available for use on Chromebooks through a Chrome browser extension. Instructors no longer need to check a box to allow students to use a Chromebook for the test. Students will be prompted to download the extension through the download link (specific to our institution) that you provide in the course. Please note that students will not be able to find the browser extension from the Chrome web store. The 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.

Authentic Assessment

We encourage you to keep in mind the many other ways of assessing your students' learning, such as reflection papers, presentations, or group projects. Frequent and varied forms of assessment give your learners the opportunity to apply the information they've learned and increase the chance of retaining that information.

Setting Up Respondus Exams

To use Respondus LockDown Browser or Respondus Monitor first you will need to create a test using the Tests tool in Canvas and deploy the test in a content area in Canvas. Then you will be able to associate the test with the Respondus LDBM add-on in Canvas. You will also need to provide the link to download the browser to your students. 

Associate Test with Respondus in Canvas

To set up a quiz in Canvas that requires students to use LockDown Browser, follow these steps: 

  1. Make sure the quiz has been deployed in the Canvas course. 
  2. From the Course Menu  in Canvas, select LockDown Browser. 
  3. A list of quizzes in the course will be displayed.
    • Quizzes labeled with Required require students to use LockDown Browser.
    • Quizzes labeled with Not Required do not require students to use LockDown Browser.
  4. Select the down arrow to the left of the quiz title and select Settings from the drop down menu.
  5. Select the radio button next to ‘Require Lockdown Browser for this exam’.
  6. Proctoring options are available:
    1. Select the appropriate radio button
  7. Several Advanced Settings are available
    1. Lock students into the browser until the exam is completed. This is sometimes used in testing centers where a proctor can enter a password to exit an exam early.
    2. Allow students to take the exam with an iPad, using the free LockDown Browser app.
    3.  Allow students to access a list of specified web domains during the quiz.
    4. Enable Calculator or Print functions in the LockDown Browser toolbar. For additional information, select the [explain] link that follows each setting. 
  8. Click Save and Close to apply the settings. 

Resources to Provide to Students Before an Exam

Provide the following resources to students ahead of the exam time (see Resources above for tips and boilerplate text you can use):

Troubleshooting Student Issues During an Exam

Students experiencing problems with access to exams should be instructed to do the following:

  1. Run a system and network check from the Help Center in LockDown Browser and retain the 9-10 digit System Check ID
  2. Submit a ticket directly with Respondus Support and include the 9-10 digit System Check ID (not the entire report)

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Write to us: learningdesign@umb.edu

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