Respondus Lockdown Browser

Respondus LockDown Browser is a program that is used to prevent students from opening other browser windows or copying and pasting text while completing an online test in Canvas.

If you plan to test students using an online test, Respondus LockDown Browser can help you facilitate a 'closed book' online test through Canvas. This tool prevents students from looking through unauthorized material during the test. If you program your test to require Respondus LockDown Browser, students need to open this program on their computer first, with all other programs closed, in order to access their test in Canvas.

Note: Respondus LockDown Browser is not the same as Respondus 4.0 Campus-wide, which is not compatible with Canvas and not supported by the Teaching and Learning Centre.

Getting Started

The program is installed on Ontario Tech-issued computers for students and can also be installed by students in BYOD programs.

After you have created a quiz in Canvas, you can apply the Respondus LockDown Browser to the quiz. This means that students will require the Respondus LockDown Browser in order to complete the test.

You should give students a practice test to complete using Respondus LockDown Browser in order to make sure their software is up-to-date and they understand how to use it before a test or exam. Exam support can be requested through IT Services.

For frequently asked questions about Respondus Lockdown Browser, click here.

Resources

• Higher Ed Training Resources for Respondus
• View Upcoming Webinars
• Respondus for Beginners - This infographic provides a helpful overview of the process students will need to go through to set up Respondus Lockdown Browser, along with Accessibility features, troubleshooting tips, prohibited activities, and links to additional resources. 
• NEW Feature: "Screen Only" video recording. This option only records a student’s screen during an exam, which is useful for in-classroom assessments where the instructor wants to observe how questions were answered. 
• NEW Feature: "Switching to Microsoft Word". If enabled by the instructor, students can switch to Microsoft Word during an online exam. This complements earlier support for switching to Excel. For more details, visit Using MS Excel or Word with Respondus Monitor. 
• Handheld Device Flag - This feature alerts instructors when a device is detected in a student’s hand during an online exam.
• Show Your Work - If enabled, this feature will allow students to upload photos of their work immediately after submitting an exam.
• Screen Recording - This feature allows instructors to see a student's screen during an online assessment using Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser.
• Sensitivity - Instructors can now choose between three sensitivity levels when proctoring an exam with Respondus.
• System Requirements for Respondus LockDown Browser - Before installing Respondus, review this article to ensure your device meets the minimum requirements to operate the software.
• Setting a Quiz to Require Respondus LockDown Browser (Instructor Resource) - Instructions for pairing a quiz with Respondus LockDown Browser in Canvas
• Linking a Spreadsheet in a Quiz That Requires Respondus LockDown Browser (Instructor Resource) - Steps for including a spreadsheet within a quiz that will be paired with Respondus LockDown Browser
• Preparing Your Laptop for an Online Exam - Important tips for students shared by IT Services
• Troubleshooting: Security Software - Review this article for solutions to common issues with Firewalls, Content Filters, and other security software that may interact with Respondus LockDown Browser

Help and Support

Exam support can be requested for tests or exams that will be facilitated in class. This support includes having technical support analysts (TAs) who are familiar with Respondus LockDown Browser attending your class at the time of the test or exam with spare laptops. Contact the IT Service Desk or complete the Exam Support Request form to make this request at least ten days prior to your test.

If you’d like one-on-one support using Respondus Lockdown Browser, book an appointment with an Educational Technology Analyst by emailing teachingandlearning@ontariotechu.ca.