Here you will find information about the purpose of this tool, what to consider when implementing, and helpful resources to get started.

What are Respondus LDB and Monitor? Things to Consider Getting Started Checklist Helpful Tutorials

On a tight schedule? ⏰ Click the links above for quick access to the topics found on this page.

What are Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB) and Monitor?

Respondus LockDown Browser® (LDB) is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Canvas. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB), they cannot print, copy, go to another URL or access other applications. When an assessment is started, students are locked out of these functions until they submit their exam for grading.

⏰ 3 Reasons to Use Lockdown Browser

Locks down the testing environment: Students have to stay within Canvas until they submit their exam.

Blocks application switching: Students can’t access other applications when using LockDown Browser. This prevents them from viewing class notes, searching the internet, accessing email, using instant messaging, and more

Protects exam questions: Significant time goes into preparing test questions, yet students routinely copy, share, and print the exams. LockDown Browser protects exam questions by blocking print functions, copy-and-paste, and screen-capture programs.

Respondus Monitor ® builds upon the power of LockDown Browser, using a student’s webcam and industry-leading video analytics to detect & deter cheating during non-proctored exams. When this feature is enabled for a quiz, students are required to use a webcam and microphone with LockDown Browser. After the quiz is complete, an instructor can review the details of the assessment, even the recorded videos. Requiring the use of Respondus Monitor is useful when giving remote exams without a live proctor.

Instructors can choose to use Respondus LockDown Browser with or without Respondus Monitor feature enabled when choosing their LDB testing settings in their Canvas course. Respondus Monitor is a ‘proctored remote exam’ whereas LockDown Browser just locks the testing environment.

⚠️ Important Note: Respondus LockDown Browser only prevents digital cheating. This tool does not prevent external resources (external devices, people, etc.) and student identity.

Getting Started with Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor Checklist

Within the "Helpful Tutorials" section below, you will find additional resources to help you get started with Respondus LDB and Monitor, but here is a quick checklist of the tasks you will need to do to access Respondus LDB and Monitor at UNCW successfully:

Step 1: Enable Respondus LockDown Browser on your exams in Canvas ✅

As the instructor, you have to manually turn on the Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor feature for each exam in your online course. To get started, please check out our "Using Respondus Lockdown Browser" page.

Step 2: Provide installation instructions via syllabus and/or assignment to your students prior to the exam 💻

To avoid technical issues with this tool, please provide instructions on how they can download Respondus Lockdown Browser software on their computers. Instructors do not have to download and install the LockDown Browser software. Only students need this installed. The following resource can be shared with your students:

How Do I Take an Exam using LockDown Browser? (TAC Knowledge Based Article)

Please note that in normal circumstances, students should be made aware of the need for a webcam BEFORE the course begins as part of their required course materials if requiring the use of Respondus Monitor.

Sample Text to Provide Students for Using LockDown Browser for Online Exams:

Completion of the course will require the use of the Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor (as integrated with Canvas). LockDown Browser prohibits the use of other software while completing assessments, and Monitor is a video recording system that notes irregular movements during an assessment for the instructor (only) to potentially review at a later time as appropriate. Thus, students will need to download the Respondus software (requiring administrator rights for the device) and utilize a device with a camera and microphone when completing quizzes.

With Monitor, students will also be required to display for the camera a legal picture ID card at the start of each quiz and will need to fully scan the testing environment of their choice with their webcam before each quiz. Prior to completing any assessments, students should carefully select proper test-taking areas which are free of distractions, personal or private information, and anything unrelated to the educational process.

Note: Privacy is central to the Respondus Monitor architecture. It minimizes the personal data being collected, uses an automated system to analyze it, and then restricts access to the results. To learn more about data privacy within Respondus Monitor, please check out Respondus' Data Privacy.

Please review TAC's KB article to get a basic understanding of the LockDown Browser and the webcam feature (which may be required for some exams). Students may contact Respondus LockDown Browser Support for technical assistance if needed.

When taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

Select a location where you won't be interrupted.
Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and be sure that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it.
Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc., and don't have them within reach.
Clear your area of all external materials — books, papers, other computers, or other devices.
Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test.
LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications.
Depending on the settings selected by your instructor, you may not be able to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.

Things to Consider

To save yourself from some technical headaches, here are some things to keep in mind when using Respondus LDB and Monitor:

Tip 1: Be Mindful of Possible Red Flags for Proctored Remote Exams 🚩

Traditional timed, proctored exams are possible remotely using the tools available in Canvas and Respondus LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor. However, proctored remote exams have several drawbacks:

Proctored remote exams require substantial planning and setup on the part of the instructor and the student, and may generate many “false positive” flags that must be reviewed by an instructor after the exam.
Not all students have access to the appropriate technology to use services like Respondus Monitor that requires a webcam; instructors will have to make accommodations for such students.
The technical infrastructure of services like Respondus LockDown Browser & Monitor has not been utilized at this scale before, so planning must include what to do if the proctoring service crashes during the exam.
Students may have privacy concerns about third-party recorded remote proctoring. Unlike when students agree to the use of such systems when they register for online courses, students did not agree to remote instruction when they registered for spring 2020 and instructors will need to make accommodations for these students.
LockDown Browser features do not address all access needs for students with approved accommodations. If faculty intend to use Respondus LockDown Browser (with or without Monitor), they should consult Disability Resource Center for those students who have identified themselves to faculty for accommodations. That way, students can avert any accusations of cheating that may be due to use of approved assistive technology or accessibility issues.

📍DEeL Tip: Large courses reliant on in-person exams should consider open-book exams or frequent low-stakes assessments as alternative assessment strategies that are relatively easy to grade.

Tip 2: Explore Alternatives to Proctored Exams (If Possible) 🧭

Your learning goals are an excellent place to start when considering alternative assessments: What do you hope students will be able to do by the end of your course, and in what ways can they demonstrate what they know?

Please visit the Rutgers University Tips for Exams & Alternative Assessments to explore more alternatives.

Tip 3: Practice makes Perfect 🎯

Instructors are encouraged to create a practice, non-graded exam that requires students to use LockDown Browser. This will familiarize students with the application and ensure everything is installed correctly before beginning a graded exam.

Tip 4: Share Data Privacy Statement ⚠️

Privacy is central to the Respondus Monitor architecture. It minimizes the personal data being collected, uses an automated system to analyze it, and then restricts access to the results. To learn more about data privacy within Respondus Monitor, please check out Respondus' Data Privacy.

Tip 5: Only You Can Prevent Technical Forest Fires 🔥

To prevent technical forest fires within your online courses, it is crucial to provide your students with support resources to ensure they are able to take your exams successfully. To help your students get started, please share the "How do I Take an Exam using Respondus Lockdown Browser?" article.

Tip 6: Ensure Students with Accommodations have Access to Respondus LDB ♿

If you have students in your course who require approved accommodations from the DRC then Respondus LDB and Respondus Monitor may cause accessibility issues by not allowing access to assistive technology. To ensure access, please contact the Disability Resource Center with any questions regarding specific student accommodations in the online testing environment.

Helpful Tutorials

The resources listed below provide both UNCW's internal resources and curated external resources that may help you as you use this tool within your online courses. These pages will continue to evolve as additional resources are identified.

Using Respondus Lockdown Browser (Instructor Role Only): This support resource will provide a quick guide on enabling and using the Respondus LDB tool within Canvas.

Using Respondus Monitor (Instructor Role Only): This support resource will provide a quick guide on enabling and using the Respondus Monitor tool within Canvas.

Taking an Exam with Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor (Student Role Only): TAC has provided students with a quick getting started guide on taking an exam with Lockdown Browser/Monitor within Canvas. This article will also provide students with step-by-step instructions and UNCW's unique download link.

Respondus LDB and Monitor Technical Support: This support resource provides technical support resources for you and your students.

Don't see what you are looking for on this page? No worries, DEeL is here to help! You can schedule an appointment with us today by clicking the "Contact DEeL Team" button down below or you can email us directly at elearning@uncw.edu.

🧭 Contact DEeL Team

For technical assistance, please contact UNCW Technology Assistance Center (TAC).

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