When and how do I use Respondus?

Respondus provides assessment tools to help prevent cheating in an online testing environment. It can be used in face-to-face classes for proctored exams or assigned homework quizzes. It can also be used in a fully online class for either exams and quizzes.

When to use LockDown Browser

It is recommended to use Respondus LockDown Browser for in-class online quizzes or tests in Canvas where an instructor is present. It deters students from cheating by not allowing them to print, save, take a picture of their screen, go to any websites, or open up applications while they are taking the exam. It is recommended that an instructor or proctor is present because it does not prevent them from using a book or using their phone while they take the quiz.

NNU's license includes unlimited use of LockDown Browser.

When to use Monitor

It is recommended to use Respondus Monitor for online quizzes or tests that are completed outside of the regular classroom or for fully online courses. Respondus Monitor requires the use of the LockDown Browser plus a webcam and microphone. Monitor will record students taking the quiz/exam and flag any suspicious behavior for the instructor to review. Instructors can require a photo ID check to ensure the person taking the exam is the actual student. Instructors can also require an environment check that has the student record their surroundings to show their textbook and phone are out of reach or that they are the only person in the room.

NNU's license includes a limited number of seats for Respondus Monitor. Each student utilizes one seat for each class they use Monitor in, but they can use that one seat for as many quizzes and tests as needed for that class. For example, if Jane Doe is registered in two classes that require Respondus Monitor, Jane will use two seats (one for each class). However, each class can make an unlimited number of quizzes or tests using Monitor, and she'll still only use one seat for each class.

Using a Practice Quiz

Both instructors and students want a smooth experience using Respondus tools. Provide an ungraded (or low grade) practice quiz that requires Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor (if applicable) within your course, or provide them with the link below so that they can take the IDT LockDown Browser Pretest. This will require students to download the browser and troubleshoot issues before they have a deadline or graded activity. If the use of Respondus is required in week 1, instructors may consider making a syllabus quiz that requires Lockdown Browser to serve as the practice quiz.

Need help deciding?

You can contact the Center for Instructional Design and Technology with your assessment needs, and we can help you find the right tools and settings.

Full Respondus Training

This video is Respondus's official instructor Training video and it fully explains how to use both Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor and goes in-depth on every setting and option available. It also offers a demo of the student view of using the browser and Monitor features. A caveat, while at the time the video was made the auto-launch feature didn't function in Canvas, that feature is now live in Canvas as well specifically when using Respondus Lockdown Browser together with New Quizzes.

Shorter Tutorials

How to Add Respondus to an Exam/Quiz

Advanced Settings in Respondus

Difference Between Respondus LockDown Browser & Monitor

Reviewing Respondus Monitor Test Results

All Respondus tools connect to Quizzes in Canvas. To use any of Respondus features, you'll need to add "LockDown Browser" to your Canvas navigation menu from "Settings." 

1. Create your quiz or exam under Quizzes in your course. Add questions, directions, due dates, and time limits as usual. Don't forget to add instructions for using Respondus within your quiz/test instructions (see suggested directions below).
2. After you have created the quiz, to go to "LockDown Browser" in your course navigation menu.
3. Find the quiz you want to require Respondus and click on the arrow next to the title. Click Settings.
4. From here you can enable Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor and adjust any settings as needed.
5. Click Save & Close to save your settings.

Copy/paste these instructions into your syllabus and the quiz instructions if you require Respondus in the course. You may also link to the student section of this guide.

Using LockDown Browser for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the optional webcam feature (which may be required for some exams).

Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

NNU's Respondus LockDown Browser 

To take an online test, start LockDown Browser and navigate to the exam. (You won't be able to access the exam with a standard web browser.) For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review this Student Quick Start Guide (PDF).

Additionally, you can access and take a practice quiz from this link so as to discover any bugs beforehand:

IDT LockDown Browser Pretest Link

Finally, when taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

• Select a location where you won't be interrupted
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don't have them within reach
• Clear your area of all external materials — books, papers, other computers, or devices
• Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test
• 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

Using LockDown Browser and a Webcam for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student Quick Start Guide (PDF) is also available.

Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

NNU's Respondus LockDown Browser 

To ensure LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, do the following:

• Start LockDown Browser, log into Canvas and select this course.
• Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
• Run the Webcam Check and, if necessary, resolve any issues.
• Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base. Troubleshooting information can also be sent to our institution's help desk (help.nnu.edu).
• Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz named [NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: CREATE A BRIEF PRACTICE QUIZ AND INSERT NAME OF QUIZ HERE; IF NECESSARY, INCLUDE LOCATION OF QUIZ].
• Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.

Additionally, you can access and take a practice quiz from this link so as to discover any bugs beforehand:

IDT LockDown Browser Pretest Link

When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, remember the following 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
• Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other devices
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
• If the computer or networking environment is different than what was used previously with the Webcam Check and System & Network Check in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to starting the test
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
  • Ensure your computer or tablet 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 tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room and 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.

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