Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser

Table of Contents:

Technical Support

If you need help installing or using the LockDown Browser, please call the Help Desk during the support hours.

If tech issues persist, students have the option to take an exam on-site (ALEKS assessments with Respondus not currently supported on-site). Each site listed below has computers that are pre-configured with Respondus Lockdown Browser and have web-cams available. To take an exam in a proctored setting, view the hours for the following locations (*It is recommended to call ahead to confirm hours and availability):

If tech issues persist and you are unable to get to an on-site location for testing, other options for proctored online tests may be available, at the discretion of the faculty member teaching your course. Please consult your instructor if you’re unable to use Respondus LockDown Browser.

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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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System Requirements

Hardware Requirements

Download Respondus Lockdown Browser

This short video provides a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature.

How Do I Install Lockdown Browser?

For installation instructions for ALEKS, refer to ALEKS Assessments with Respondus.

Using a Windows or Mac computer is recommended as they offer the most complete support for Respondus. 

Install for Assessments in Canvas

Here are the three steps that students must follow to use Respondus with an assessment in Canvas:

  1. Review the tutorial videos below.
  2. Click the following link to download and install LockDown Browser. 
  3. To take the Respondus exam, start LockDown Browser, log in to Canvas, and then navigate to the exam.  You will not be able to access the exam with a standard web browser such as Microsoft Edge 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 have a built-in webcam; however, students can also purchase a low cost webcam directly through the Wilmington University Campus Store using financial aid funds. Webcams can be purchased from many online stores and/or local retailers.
  • 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.
  • You won't be able to access the exam with a standard web browser such as Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox. For additional details on using Browser, review this Student Quick Start Guide (PDF).

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Tutorials for Students

To take an online test, start LockDownBrowser 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.

The tutorials below are for using Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor for exams in Canvas.  If you are using ALEKS, refer to ALEKS Assessments with Respondus for additional information.

Windows/Mac

How to Download and Install Respondus LockDown Browser - Windows and Mac

Using Respondus Monitor with LockDown Browser to Take an Exam in Canvas - Windows and Mac

Chromebook 

Using a Chromebook to take a Respondus LockDown Browser exam

iPad

Using an iPad to take a Respondus LockDown Browser exam

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How much bandwidth is required for Respondus Monitor to run?

A high-speed broadband Internet connection is necessary to take a Canvas exam in the Respondus Monitor system. A minimum bandwidth of 2 Mbps is recommended Respondus Monitor. The most common reason a test would fail is a connectivity issue or a slow Internet connection.

Canvas exams are ideally taken on a computer that is hardwired to a modem or router. If you cannot use an Ethernet cable to connect directly, there are a few other things will help boost your Wi-Fi speed:

  • Move your computer, so it is as close to the Wi-Fi router as possible.
  • Be sure the router is 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 and online gaming 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.
  • Additional troubleshooting tips

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Additional Troubleshooting Tips

Here are a few other tips to troubleshoot issues you may be having:

  • Reboot your computer just before starting the test.
  • Ensure you have closed other programs.
  • Some anti-virus software may prevent Respondus LockDown Browser from running properly. Try temporarily disabling your anti-virus software while completing the exam and turn it back on once you are finished.
  • Make sure your webcam and microphone work and are fully connected before you open Respondus LockDown Browser. You can try testing them in another application to verify they are working.
  • The Respondus Lockdown Browser has a built-in Help Center that can help troubleshoot issues.
  • You can search for other common issues and troubleshooting suggestions in the Respondus Technical Support Knowledgebase.
If you need further assistance, contact the Help Desk.  It is recommended to call or use live chat during support hours.

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ALEKS Assessments with Respondus

Install for Assessments in ALEKS

Here are the steps that students must follow to use Respondus with an assessment in ALEKS:

  1. Download and install the LockDown Browser from ALEKS for your system.
    1. *Even if you already have LockDown Browser installed for other exams in Canvas, this one will need to be downloaded too specifically for assessments in ALEKS.
  2. Review the instructions here for support with installing the LockDown Browser from ALEKS.
  3. Once it is installed, you should return to the ALEKS assignment page and click the button to Launch LockDown Browser and begin your assessment.

How to Use Respondus

To learn more about how to use Respondus Monitor for an ALEKS assessment, refer to this ALEKS Respondus Monitor Student Startup Guide. 

*Reminder you should not need to pay a licensing fee for Respondus Monitor to complete the assessment in ALEKS. 

** Chromebooks are now supported with ALEKS and Respondus

Additional Support

When completing an assessment in ALEKS, you should use the following support resources from ALEKS before contacting the Help Desk:

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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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