Respondus Monitor and Lockdown Browser

Table of Contents:

Technical Support

If you need help installing or using the LockDown Browser, please call the Tech Support number during the support hours at 1-877-708-2905 or via live chat. If tech issues persist, students have the option to take an exam on-site. Each site listed below has computers that are pre-configured with a web-cam and the Respondus Lockdown Browser.  To take an exam in a proctored setting, view the hours for the following locations:

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What is Online Proctoring?

Online proctoring is software that monitors students taking an online exam through a webcam. The purpose of this software is to verify the students’ identities and help improve academic integrity in the online classroom. Many universities require students to complete high-stakes final exams at a physical testing center. Online proctoring is a convenient alternative, since exams can be completed in the comfort of each student’s home.

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Download Respondus Lockdown Browser

This short video provides a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. It can be installed on the following operating systems: Windows: 10, 8, 7, Vista and Mac: OS X 10.7 or higher.

Here are the three steps that students must follow to use Respondus:

  1. Review the two tutorial videos that are posted below on this webpage.   
  2. Click the following link to download and install LockDown Browser. 
  3. To take the final exam, start LockDown Browser, login to Canvas, and then navigate to the exam in the week 7 folder.  You will not be able to access the exam with a standard web browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.

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Webcam and Testing Information

Students taking select online courses will be required to take an exam in a proctored environment using Respondus Monitor. There will be no cost for the exam, however students will be required to use the following:

  • A webcam - The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Many computers come built-in with a web cam; however, students can also purchase a low cost web cam directly through the Wilmington University Campus Store using financial aid funds. Web cams can be purchased from many online stores, such as  Amazon,  for as little as $14.99.
  • A form of photo ID - The photo ID can be your WilmU ID, a Driver's License, or any form of legal photo ID.
  • This course requires the use of LockDown Browser. It can be installed on the following operating systems: Windows: 10, 8, 7, Vista and Mac: OS X 10.7 or higher.
  • You won't be able to access the exam with a standard web browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review this Student Quick Start Guide (PDF).
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Tutorials for Students

To take an online test, start LockDown Browser and navigate to the exam. After you have completed the exam, the exam session recording is reviewed by your instructor. Prohibited behavior  will automatically be “red flagged” and the instructor will make the determination if the academic integrity policy has been violated.

 

 

 

 

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Common Tech Support Questions and Answers

Here are the two most common problems that students encounter: 

Common issue #1: Password Issue

Some students run into a technical issue when they attempt to access the Respondus exam using a regular web browser, such as Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer. When they try to take the exam, it prompts them for a password. 

Solution to Issue #1: Use the Respondus Lockdown Browser 

Respondus actually adds in a password, but oddly it's for a different purpose.  Respondus uses the password field to set up the necessary integration with Respondus Monitor. 

If a student needs a password to complete the exam, they are likely in the wrong web browser. If you try to access the final exam in a regular browser (such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox), the system will ask you for a password.  It's a confusing interface and we've received this exact question from other adjunct instructors and students.

The only way to complete the exam is within a special web browser, called Respondus Lockdown Browser.  Sometimes students do not realize that after they've downloaded the software, they still need to install the software and then use it to complete the exam.  Below are the three steps to use the Respondus software.  Please note when you launch the exam in the Respondus Lockdown Browser, it will not prompt you for a password.

Common issue #2: Test session drops

If a student does not have a high-speed connection, Canvas exams may time out. 

Solution to Issue #2: Use a hard-wired connection or try another way to speed up your Internet Bandwidth

High-speed Internet and a reliable Internet connection are necessary to take a Canvas exam. The most common reasons a test would fail in Canvas are connectivity issues or a slow Internet connection.

Canvas tests are ideally taken on a computer that's hardwired to a modem/router. It's preferable to use a hard wired connection rather than a wireless connection to the Internet to take an online test. 

If you don't have a Ethernet cable to connect directly, there are a few other things will help boost your Wi-Fi speed:

  • Move your computer, so it's located closer to router.
  • Be sure the router not blocked behind a wall or really far away from your computer.
  • Other electronic devices that use Wi-Fi will also take up your network speed. You may want to turn them off or disable their Wi-Fi.  For example, iPads, tablets, and other streaming TV services like Netflix will use the same bandwidth as your computer.  Try turning off these devices until after you complete your exam to boost the strength of your Wi-Fi signal. 

 Here are a few other tips to troubleshoot your issue:

  • Reboot your computer just before starting the test.
  • The Respondus Lockdown Browser has a built-in Help Center that can troubleshoot issues. The 2nd tutorial video on this webpage explains how to use the Help Center: http://www.wilmu.edu/edtech/respondus.aspx#tutorials
  • If tech issues persist, students have the option to complete the exam on campus. 

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Academic Integrity

Additional information about cheating and test tampering may be found in the Wilmington University Code of Conduct.

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