Respondus LockDown Browser is a secure browser that restricts access to other applications, websites, and browser windows during an assessment. Respondus Monitor adds recorded webcam, audio, and screen monitoring and flags potentially suspicious events for instructor review
Important Considerations
- All-or-Nothing Activation: Once enabled for a quiz, Respondus requirements apply to all students assigned to that quiz. Students who require an alternative assessment experience may need a separate quiz or accommodation.
- Plan for Alternatives: Some students may not be able to use Respondus due to:
- Inability to install software.
- Chromebook or mobile-only access.
- No webcam (if using Monitor).
- No second device available (if using a second-camera setup).
- Installation Link: Students receive the installation link within the quiz instructions.
- Communicate Technology Requirements: Inform students of all Respondus requirements before the assessment, including webcams, microphones, and second-camera devices when applicable, and provide an opportunity to test their equipment in advance.
- Practice Quiz Required: Create a practice quiz with multiple attempts so students can test their technology before completing a graded assessment. Sample quiz descriptions are available in the Respondus Testing course and can be copied directly into Canvas quizzes.
- Help Desk Support: Direct students to the Help Desk located in VLL 1106 for installation or troubleshooting assistance.
Enable in Canvas
To use Respondus LockDown Browser or Respondus Monitor in a course, first enable the Respondus LockDown Browser navigation item.
- Access your course and click the Settings button.
- Click Navigation along the top.
- Scroll to the bottom, click the three dots next to Respondus LockDown Browser, and select Enable.
- Scroll down and click Save.
Once enabled, instructors can configure Respondus settings for individual quizzes and exams. Refer to the Preparing a Quiz section of the Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor – Quick Start Guide Canvas for more information.
Screen Reader Accommodations
NaturalReader is available for student use during Respondus assessments when properly configured. Complete the following steps to add it to your quiz instructions and allow access within Respondus.
- Edit the quiz and create a hyperlink to NaturalReader in the instructions area.
Link: https://www.naturalreaders.com/online/ - Go to the Respondus LockDown Browser link in the navigation bar.
- Click the arrow next to the name of the test and select Settings.
- Click Advanced Settings > Allow access to specific external web domains checkbox > and enter naturalreaders.com in the box.
- Click the Save + Close button.
TIP: If students use other screen readers (JAWS, NVDA), add their domains as needed.
Sample Quiz Instructions
To help students prepare for Respondus assessments, provide a practice quiz and clear instructions about any technology requirements. Sample quiz descriptions are available in the Respondus Testing Canvas course. Use copy and paste to add them to your own quizzes.
Resources
Explore helpful links about using Respondus LockDown Browser; there are also helpful links and tutorials available when instructors access it via the navigation bar: