- Find the Respondus LockDown Browser module on the Blackboard page once you login. Click on the click here link to start the download. If you have a Mac, click on Do you need the Mac Version? Then click Install Now. If you have a Windows device, click Install Now. If having problems downloading to a Mac, use the Chrome browser to.
- Below are some tips for downloading and using Respondus Lockdown Browser for your course. Downloading Respondus: Lockdown browser is only available for Windows and macOS. A link to download Lockdown Browser is typically available within your course, but if it's not available you can download the LockDown Browser here.
- The Respondus Lockdown Browser is a special web browser that 'locks' a user's computer while they are taking an online quiz or exam. It is an anti-cheating application used to protect the integrity of online exams. How do I install the Respondus Browser? Visit one of the following links to download the browser - Download PC Version.
Click on Downloads and select the Install Respondus LockDown Browser. Select Continue in the popup and then Continue in the Respondus window.
LockDown Browser
The Respondus LockDown Browser (RLDB) is a locked browser that prevents students from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during an assessment. When the RLDB is enabled for a quiz, students will be required to download and use RLDB to take the quiz or exam. Watch an overview video on LockDown Browser.
Monitor
Respondus Monitor is an automated proctoring feature that can be turned on when using the LockDown Browser that uses a student’s webcam and video analytics to help instructors catch cheating. Watch an overview video on Monitor.
See comparison of proctoring services available at UAB.
Features:
- Faculty can customize settings for each quiz/exam
- Assessments are displayed full-screen and cannot be minimized or exited until exam is submitted
- Prevents access to other applications including messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines, and network monitoring applications
- Copy and paste, print, and screen capture functions are disabled
- Students can take online exams 24/7 without pre-scheduling
- Records and analyzes student exam sessions
- Suspicious behaviors are flagged and ranked
- Advanced Facial Detection can prevent exam from starting or prompt students to stay in frame
Instructors
Faculty can enable Respondus LockDown Browser & Monitor for a Canvas Quiz by following the following directions:
- Make sure the quiz has been deployed in the Canvas course.
- From the Course Navigation in Canvas, select LockDown Browser.
- A list of quizzes in the course will be displayed.
- Quizzes will labeled with Required/Not Required under the corresponding features that are turned on for that exam (LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor)
- To change the settings, select Settings from the context menu (down arrow) to the left of the quiz title and select the desired option.
See the guides below for more instructions and options.
Students
When students land on the quiz page of a RLDB enabled quiz, they will be provided a link to download RLDB. Students will not be able to access (start) the quiz until they are accessing the quiz page from the RLDB.
Students can download the RLDB for their computer or the iPad app. This app is not currently available for android devices.
Note: Chromebooks are not supported. Please refer to your instructor to see if iPads are allowed for your quiz as this setting must be enabled by the instructor.
Instructors
Guides:
Tutorials:
Students
Guides:
Install Lockdown Browser On Mac
Tutorials:
Instructors
Who can enable LockDown Browser and access the Dashboard Results?
Only users with a “teacher” role in Canvas courses are able to access the Respondus LockDown Browser Link in the course navigation. Users with “Instructional Designer” or “Teaching Assistant” role can still create quizzes but only users with “teacher” role can enable the RLDB or access the dashboard to see results.
What should I say in my Syllabus?
The sample text below can be used in your course or syllabus. It explains that students must use LockDown Browser for their online tests and possibly use a webcam.
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 thisshort video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student Quick Start Guide is also available.
Then download and install LockDown Browser.
Setup
To ensure LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, do the following:
- Start LockDown Browser, log into uab.instructure.com, and select this course.
- Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
- Run the Webcam Check and, if necessary, resolve any issues.
- Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base.
- Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz named [NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: CREATE A BRIEF PRACTICE QUIZ AND INSERT NAME OF QUIZ HERE; IF NECESSARY, INCLUDE LOCATION OF QUIZ].
- Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.
Taking the Exam
When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, 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 test, 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 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) 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.
How long does it take for videos to appear in the LockDown Browser Dashboard?
The average time for an exam video to be processed and available to an instructor is eight hours. The time can be greater during periods of high volume, and may take up to 24 hours. During periods of low volume, the time to process the video is roughly equal to the actual length of the video.
Can Spreadsheets be used with LockDown Browser?
LockDown Browser includes a tool that enables .xls/.xlsx spreadsheets (csv not supported) to be viewed and manipulated during an exam session. This functionality is available for Windows, Mac, and iPad editions of LockDown Browser.
Within the quiz tool of the learning system, an instructor should embed/insert the spreadsheet file in the question wording. When a student selects the link within LockDown Browser, an Excel-like spreadsheet tool will open. The spreadsheet can be pre-populated with content or it can be a blank spreadsheet created in Excel that students use to prepare their answers.
As an example, the spreadsheet tool might be used with a multiple choice question. As shown below, a link provides access to a pre-populated spreadsheet. The student calculates the answer and then selects one of the answer choices.
The image below shows the spreadsheet that was used for this exam question.
Alternatively, an instructor can require students to create or modify a spreadsheet and submit it for grading. The example below shows how a short answer or essay question can be used for this purpose.
The question wording itself should provide guidance on the steps a student should follow. As shown above, students are instructed to:
- select the link that opens a pre-populated spreadsheet,
- create the required formula or calculation,
- select the button “Click here to save your work”, and
- paste the resulting URL into the answer field for the essay or short answer question.
After the spreadsheet file has been saved, a dialog will remind students to copy the resulting URL to the answer field using CTRL + V.
Following the exam, the instructor will see a unique URL within the LMS for each student who provided an answer for the essay or short answer question. Upon selecting the URL with a standard browser (not LockDown Browser), the Excel-like spreadsheet tool will open and the student’s work will be shown for that question.
Do I have to do anything for quizzes imported from other courses?
Yes, when a quiz that has Respondus LockDown Browser or Monitor enabled is copied or imported into another course, the instructor must visit the Respondus LockDown Browser Tab in the destination course one time so that it will authorize those settings to transfer to that course.
If this step is not completed, students may receive errors similar to the ones shown below that prevent them from taking the exam.
To fix this issue:
- Go to the Canvas course, click Respondus LDB and Monitor in the course navigation on the left.
- You should see the success message shown below.
Note: It is not necessary to re-save each individual quiz's settings. Once you visit the dashboard, the errors will typically cease for all students who subsequently take their exams.
What can I do if students experience issues with images in my Quiz loading?
The issue of images not loading in Canvas Quizzes is most commonly attributed to students having low bandwidth. There are 2 recommendations when utilizing a lot of images in Canvas quizzes that can help prevent any issues with them loading.
Compress image size
We recommend compressing your images so that they are small files and can therefore be loaded quicker even with lower bandwidth internet connection. See this wiki on possible methods of compressing your images.
Change Canvas Quiz Settings to show one question at time
Canvas Quizzes show every question on a scrolling page by default which makes the web browser load all the images and may take a while. If instructors have a lot of images, they can change the quiz settings so that questions display one at time.
Use this Canvas guide to see more information.
Students
Can I use a Chromebook with Respondus LockDown Browser or Monitor? What are the full system requirements?
No, students cannot use a chromebook to take a Canvas Quiz that requires Respondus LockDown browser or Monitor. See below for the full system requirements.
Operating Systems
Windows: 10, 8, 7
Mac: OS X 10.12 or higher
iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only). Must be enabled by the instructor in the Respondus LDB settings.
Note: LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor may continue to run in older operating systems that have reached “end-of-life” but students may encounter unexpected results. Students running OS X 10.13 (High Sierra) should use LockDown Browser version 2.0.2.05 or newer for best performance.
Memory
- Windows: 2 GB RAM
- Mac: 512 MB RAM
Respondus Lockdown Browser Download Macos
Hard Disk Space
- Windows: 75 MB of free hard disk space
- Mac: 120 MB of free hard disk space
Find out more here.
How much bandwidth is required to take Respondus Monitor enabled quiz?
There isn’t a specific kb/s requirement for using a webcam with Respondus Monitor because the recording quality automatically adjusts when a slower connection is detected.
Generally speaking, if the user has a decent broadband connection that doesn’t result in significant delays when accessing the learning system, the bandwidth will be fine for Respondus Monitor. If using a shared Internet connection, students should ensure that others on the same connection don’t use bandwidth-hungry services during the exam (such as online movies, games, file sharing, etc.).
Below are some tips to help ensure the best results:
- If possible, plug an Ethernet cable into the computer to ensure the best possible network connection/speed. Otherwise, be as close to the Wi-Fi router as possible.
- Shut down all other applications other than LockDown Browser. This will help reduce the bandwidth being used by other applications running in the background.
Is LockDown Browser accessible to those with disabilities?
The Mac version of LockDown Browser works with VoiceOver (the standard screen reader that comes with the Mac OS). LockDown Browser's functions and security remain the same when VoiceOver is used. Be sure you are using LockDown Browser version 2.0.3.03 or newer.
As of LockDown Browser 2.0.1.07 for Windows, accessibility is enabled for all users. Improvements to accessibility were added to version 2.0.3.00 for Windows. Please have all students on Windows platforms upgrade to version 2.0.3.03 and newer. The Windows version of LockDown Browser allows a student to use some screen reader accessibility programs, such as NVDA, JAWS, MS-Windows Narrator, ReadSpeaker webReader, and Windows-Eyes. In our experience, NVDA works the best. NVDA is free and available to download.
- Zoom Text is compatible in regards to increasing the text size, but the reader is not currently compatible.
- Read&Write Gold, Kurzweil 3000 are not compatible with LockDown Browser. Most 'literacy' programs like these have a number incompatibilities and potential exploits that cannot be addressed in LockDown Browser. These programs are standalone Windows programs which cannot be brought on top of an active LockDown Browser exam. Also, for use with a browser, these programs require a custom browser plug-in that is not compatible with LockDown Browser.
- For 'speech to text' with Dragon Naturally Speaking, users have reported adjusting the settings to 'not use the dictation box' in Dragon Naturally Speaking, will allow it to work with LockDown Browser.
To upgrade LockDown Browser, either download and install the full installation package, or start LockDown Browser, select the “i” button from the toolbar (Windows) or 'about' button (Mac) and then click “Check for Newer Version”. The version will be displayed and you will be able to download a newer version if one is available.
Keep in mind that the security level of LockDown Browser is lowered when screen readers are used.
What do I do if I have downloaded LockDown Browser, but it is still asking me to download?
LockDown Browser (LDB) is a completely separate browser not a plug in. After downloading the LDB, the student needs to open the LockDown Browser software (found in applications) and access the exam through that browser. If the student is getting a message saying to download LDB, then they are still accessing the exam through a normal browser like Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari.
Respondus offers webinars on this topic periodically.
Group, one-on-one, or virtual sessions are also available to faculty.
Respondus Lockdown Browser Privacy & Accessibility
The Respondus Lockdown Browser is a special web browser that 'locks' a user's computer while they are taking an online quiz or exam. It is an anti-cheating application used to protect the integrity of online exams.
How do I install the Respondus Browser?
Visit one of the following links to download the browser -
- - Download PC Version
- - Download Mac Version
What does the Respondus browser do?
- Assessments are displayed full-screen and cannot be minimized
- Users cannot access other applications including email, messaging tools, screen-sharing, virtual machines etc.
- Print, Print Screen and screen capture functions are disabled
- Copying and pasting anything to or from an assessment is prevented
- Right-click menu options, function keys, keyboard shortcuts and task switching are disabled
- An assessment cannot be exited until the student submits it for grading
- Browser menu and toolbar options are removed, except for Back, Forward, Refresh and Stop
- Assessments that are set up for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with other browsers
- Supports screen readers (see details)
- Available for Windows, Mac, iOS and other systems (see System Requirements)
How do I know if a quiz requires the Respondus browser?
- Typically your instructor(s) will let you know if the Respondus browser is required for any of their quizzes
- You will also see a notation after the quiz name that says, 'Requires Respondus LockDown Browser'
Can I take a Respondus quiz on my iPad? What about other types of tablets?
- Instructors have the option of enabling iPad use for Lockdown quizzes. It is a setting that they have to specifically set. It is not enabled by default.
- Currently the only supported tablet for higher education clients is the iPad.
- Download and install the Lockdown Browswer from the iTunes app store
- The first time you use the app it will ask you to select your institution.
- For detailed instructions on using the iPad Lockdown app visit this link.