Basic Information
Loyola has an unlimited license for Respondus Lockdown, but a limited number of seats in Monitor. We do not need to add course fees for its use.
- Lockdown is a separate browser that is used to access the test - it locks students into the test screen and prohibits printing, accessing other areas on the internet, and screen sharing. You do not need permission to use Lockdown.
- Monitor adds onto the lockdown browser and live records students taking the exam and will "flag" problem behaviors such as materials shown on the desk, multiple people on the screen, or student leaving the testing area. Students are required to show some form of picture ID before taking the exam. Monitor is not live proctoring by a real individual, but gives the instructor more view into the student's testing environment and behaviors.
If you plan to use either Lockdown or Monitor, please add the appropriate technology specifications to your syllabus. See the "syllabus language" post below on this page. Respondus provides such language with our University download link on the detailed resource pages on Canvas - see video under "setting up Lockdown". You also need to offer a practice quiz to ensure students work out any kinks before taking a graded assessment.
Another option is to use live proctoring via Zoom in addition to Lockdown Browser. Please watch this video tutorial before you begin: https://web.respondus.com/instructor-proctoring/. Note, Zoom proctoring replaces Monitor. They cannot be used at the same time. This option is not available in asynchronous courses.
For more information, see this video (from the student perspective) and/or reach out to Erin Dupuis at edupuis@loyno.edu. For detailed resources visit these pages, Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor.
For information about Respondus' data privacy policies, please see this pdf.
Using Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor
The LockDown Browser is a single program that can behave differently within different tests, depending on the options selected by the test builder. The LockDown Browser can be installed on computers running current versions of the Windows, Mac, and Chrome operating systems. There is also a version for iPads, but some limitations apply. The LockDown Browser automatically updates itself to the latest version whenever it is started, provided computer settings allow such an update.
Tests in Canvas
How the LockDown Browser is accessed and what exactly it does depends on the settings of each individual test, as determined by the instructor who created that test. An instructor can create two basic types of tests in Canvas, Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes.
Classic Quizzes. The long-established quiz engine on Canvas, called Classic Quizzes, is deprecated. It will remain available through 2022, but is scheduled to stop working early in 2023. If a Classic Quiz is set to use the LockDown Browser, the test taker must begin by starting the LockDown Browser, then logging in to Canvas, opening the course, and starting the quiz.
New Quizzes. The newer quiz engine on Canvas, called New Quizzes, is now available, and will become the only choice during 2023. If a New Quiz is set to use the LockDown Browser, the test taker must start in a standard browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. From the standard browser, the test taker must log in to Canvas, open the course, and start the quiz. Canvas will then start the LockDown browser on the test taker’s computer.
For any quiz in Canvas, whether built with Classic Quizzes or New Quizzes, the instructor can select one of three LockDown options: No LockDown Browser, LockDown Browser Required, or LockDown with Monitor Required.
No LockDown Browser. By default, quizzes in Canvas do not require the LockDown Browser to be used. The test taker can use any browser that is compatible with Canvas to take the test.
LockDown Browser Required. If selected by the instructor, the quiz will always require the LockDown Browser to be used. The test taker will either have to start the LockDown browser before logging in to Canvas (for Classic Quizzes), or Canvas will automatically start the LockDown Browser (for New Quizzes).
LockDown Browser with Monitor Required. The LockDown Browser will be required to take the test, and in addition, the test taker’s activity will be recorded through the computer’s webcam. This option requires that the test taker’s computer have and allow access to a webcam and microphone.
Known Issues
Some of the difficulties more likely to be encountered while using the LockDown Browser include those listed below.
Confusing New Quizzes and Classic Quizzes - Unless informed by the instructor, a test taker has no way to know whether a particular Canvas test is implemented with New Quizzes or Classic Quizzes. Because the process of starting the LockDown Browser differs depending on the type of quiz, it is helpful if the instructor informs students in advance about the proper steps to take. If the test taker follows the wrong steps for a particular test, error messages will explain the mistake and how to fix it. These messages are reasonably clear, but can be confusing to test takers who were not expecting them.
Incomplete Installation - Some test takers might download the LockDown Browser and then omit the necessary step of installing the program on their computer. The test taker might not be aware of the need for the installation step, or might have difficulty locating the downloaded file.
Installation not Allowed by System - System privilege settings on a particular computer might prevent a test taker from installing the LockDown Browser. Some virus-protection and other security software might similarly interfere with program installation.
Unable to Use WebCam or Microphone - If a particular test is set to require online proctoring (Respondus Monitor), the LockDown Browser will need to be able to access a webcam and microphone attached to the computer. System settings on some computers might interfere with the ability of the LockDown Browser to gain access to the microphone or camera, or might require additional steps to permit such access. It is also possible that other programs running on the computer might prevent that access. Drivers on the computer might need to be updated to ensure smooth operation of the microphone and camera.
Multiple Institutions - Each instance of the LockDown Browser is tailored to communicate with only one type of Learning Management System at one learning institution. If a test taker’s computer has an instance tailored to another institution, that instance will have to be removed and replaced with an instance tailored for Loyola University New Orleans.
Internet Connectivity Problems - By itself, the LockDown Browser needs no more than the same internet speed and bandwidth as any other browser to access a test on Canvas. At about 15 megabytes, downloading the program is easily within most network capacities. However, if required for a particular test, online proctoring (Respondus Monitor) significantly increases the need for internet bandwidth, as it records video to the cloud. In addition, an unstable internet connection may cause problems with a test on Canvas (rather than with the LockDown Browser), especially if the test is set to allow only one attempt and to require completion of the test in a single session.
Installing the LockDown Browser
The easiest way for most test takers to install the LockDown Browser is to attempt to begin a quiz that requires it. If the browser is not already installed on the computer, a page will appear containing a link for downloading a version of the LockDown Browser that is appropriate to Loyola University New Orleans and the operating system being used by the test taker. The following link can be used to start the download:
Remote proctoring required syllabus language.
Additional syllabus or canvas module information for students:
You may need to edit this if you are not using monitor.
RESPONDUS FOR QUIZZES & EXAMS
LockDown Browser + Webcam Requirement
This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be the type that's built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable.
Watch this brief video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature.
https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml
Download Instructions
Download and install LockDown Browser from this link:
https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=603463844
Once Installed
- Start LockDown Browser
- Log into to Canvas
- Navigate to the quiz
Note: You won't be able to access a quiz that requires LockDown Browser with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.
Guidelines
When taking an online quiz, follow these 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
- Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
- Clear your desk or workspace of all external materials not permitted - books, papers, other devices
- Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
- If the computer, Wi-Fi, or location is different than what was used previously with the "Webcam Check" and "System & Network Check" in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to the exam
- To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
- Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
- Ensure your computer or device 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 readjusting the tilt of the screen after the webcam setup is complete
- Take the exam in a well-lit room, but 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
Getting Help
Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:
- The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area
- The Loyola help desk number is 504-865-2255. Students should run the "System & Network Check" and the "Webcam Check" before contacting the help desk.
- Respondus has a Knowledge Base available from support.respondus.com. Select the "Knowledge Base" link and then select "Respondus LockDown Browser" as the product. If your problem is with a webcam, select "Respondus Monitor" as your product
- If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, go to support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it
Please review the Quick Start Guide for Students.
There is a live chat feature that is available to your students during Respondus Monitor. They can access it 24/7, 365 days/year in many different languages.
Here is a link to all the student resources: https://web.respondus.com/student-help/
Links to Help and How-To Pages from Respondus
Documentation and a knowledge base maintained by Respondus address the needed steps and most likely problems:
Frequently Sought Pages:
Built-In System and WebCam Checks
Student Quick Start Guide (Canvas New Quizzes)
Student Quick Start Guide (Canvas Classic Quizzes)
Instructor Quick Start Guide (Canvas New Quizzes)
Instructor Quick Start Guide (Canvas Classic Quizzes)
Additional Questions
Where are my proctoring results?
Everything an instructor does with LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor occurs from the LockDown Browser Dashboard within Canvas.
Once students have completed an exam using Respondus Monitor, go to the LockDown Browser Dashboard and select “Class Results” from the context menu to the left of the exam name. The class roster and proctoring results for the exam will appear. The flags (if any) will be shown on the timeline and you can review any part of the exam video.
What do my proctoring results mean?
A note about Monitor flags: please check your videos carefully. Respondus does not always "flag" problematic behaviors if they do not match the detection algorithm. For example, Monitor will not flag audio such as the student asking somebody nearby for help.