Respondus LockDown Browser in Canvas (Students)

Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the online testing environment within Canvas. When students use LockDown Browser with Canvas Quiz, they are unable to print, copy, go to other websites, access other applications, or close the test until it is submitted for grading. Tests created for use with Respondus LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with standard browsers, either. The scenarios in which Respondus LockDown Browser is typically used:
  1. Respondus LockDown Browser ONLY for online tests delivered in a proctored setting, such as a classroom lab or testing center.
  2. Respondus LockDown Browser + Respondus Monitor as an automated proctoring system that allows students to take exams from home using a student’s web camera to record and analyze the examination environment. Screen recording is only available for exams that use both Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. Proctoring results are available to the instructor after the exam is complete.
  3. Respondus LockDown Browser + Zoom where an instructor will proctor students using a student's web camera in real-time during an online exam.
Respondus LockDown Browser should ONLY be used for taking Canvas assessments and reviewing assessment feedback. It should NOT be used for any other activities in Canvas.

Respondus LockDown Browser Quick Start Guides (Student)

Step-by-step guides are available for the three Respondus LockDown Browser scenarios used at TWU:
  1. Respondus LockDown Browser ONLY for online tests delivered in a proctored setting, such as computer labs or testing locations where multiple students will be testing at the same time. Available resources include:
  2. Respondus LockDown Browser + Zoom where an instructor will proctor students using a student's web camera in real-time during an online exam. Available resources include:
  3. Respondus LockDown Browser + Respondus Monitor as an automated proctoring system that allows students to take exams from home using a student’s web camera to record and analyze the examination environment. Proctoring results are available to the instructor after the exam is complete. Available resources include:

Download and Install Respondus LockDown Browser for Canvas

Respondus LockDown Browser is a locked browser for taking quizzes in Canvas. It prevents you from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during an assessment. If a Canvas quiz requires that LockDown Browser be used, you will not be able to take the quiz with a standard web browser. LockDown Browser should only be used for taking Canvas Quizzes. It should not be used in other areas of Canvas.

Desktop, Laptop, or Chromebook Installation

To download and install Respondus LockDown Browser (this only needs to be done once):
  1. Verify that the desktop or laptop meets the minimum system requirements to download and install Respondus LockDown Browser.
  2. Download and install the TWU Edition of Respondus LockDown Browser on a desktop, laptop, or Chromebook workstation.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the correct version of Respondus LockDown Browser for your computer.

iPad Installation

This application can ONLY be used if the instructor has enabled the use of the "iPad edition" of Respondus LockDown Browser for the assessment. Respondus LockDown Browser is a free application available to download and install in the App Store.  Open the App Store on your iPad and search for Respondus, Inc. to find the Respondus LockDown Browser application. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the Respondus LockDown Browser application for your iPad.
 
Note: There are currently no plans to offer screen recording for iPad users.
 

Check Your Computer Speed and Connect Your Computer Directly to the Router

To function properly, Respondus LockDown Browser works best with a high-speed Internet connection. The minimum Internet connection speed to access Respondus LockDown Browser is a consistent 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second) or higher. You can  check your Internet speed settings using the speed test on this website.
 
If you use a wireless, USB modem, laptop connect card, or mobile hotspot connection you are more likely to run into problems due to dropped/interrupted connections while taking your test. This is because Respondus LockDown Browser is more bandwidth intensive than normal Internet surfing. Ethernet connections are the most stable connection to the Respondus LockDown Browser session. If you have a router, plug your computer directly into it when taking a test to reduce the chance of connection interruptions.
 
Warning: There are several features in Respondus LockDown Browser to remember and avoid:
  • Respondus LockDown Browser should ONLY be used for taking Canvas assessments and reviewing assessment feedback. It should NOT be used for any other activities in Canvas.
  • Students can experience unexpected results with Respondus LockDown Browser if their computer has been compromised with spyware or a virus.
Note: There are several limitations that will make it impossible for students to download and used Respondus LockDown Browser:
  • Respondus LockDown Browser is not available to be downloaded on the Chromebook or Android devices.

The Importance of Taking the Practice Online Assessment

There are several reasons to complete a practice assessment before taking your first graded online assessment:
  1. Verify that a Canvas online assessment can be successfully completed using Respondus LockDown Browser on your computer.
  2. Start the Respondus LockDown Browser Practice Quiz. Click the Help Center button on the toolbar. From there, run the Webcam Check and the System Check to make sure everything is working properly. 

Who to Contact for Help

Students can search for a solution to issues they encounter in the Respondus Knowledge Base or contact the instructor for Respondus LockDown Browser questions and issues. The TWU Service Desk is available for instructors and students to resolve Respondus LockDown Browser technology related issues. Examples include:
  1. Cannot Install and/or Launch Respondus LockDown Browser - The TWU Service Desk will work with the instructor or student to resolve the technical issues installing and launching Respondus LockDown Browser. In some situations Respondus LockDown Browser will NOT be successfully installed on the user's personal workstation. If Respondus LockDown Browser cannot be installed the student will need to contact the instructor to discuss a contingency plan.
  2. Respondus LockDown Browser Froze During an Assessment OR Reboot Workstation while Respondus LockDown Browser Running – If a computer is powered down while Respondus LockDown Browser is running, the Windows Task Manager will continue to be blocked when the computer is restarted. To remove the block, restart Respondus LockDown Browser and exit the program properly (click the "X" in the top right corner). Then go to Start > Log Off to complete the process. Contact the TWU Service Desk for any technical assistance needed to exit or close Respondus LockDown Browser. Any questions regarding the assessment (e.g. successfully submitted. can be retaken) need to be discussed with the course instructor.

Technical Support

  1. Search the Respondus Knowledge Base for a solution.
  2. To request technical support, contact the Technology Service Desk.
  3. When Respondus LockDown Browser cannot be successfully downloaded, installed, or used to complete online assessments, you will need to contact and discuss a contingency plan with your instructor.
Print Article

Related Articles (1)

Webcam Troubleshooting
If your webcam isn't operating as expected, try these steps.