Respondus LockDown Browser is FSU's supported security solution for in-class Canvas exams and quizzes. This downloadable browser prevents students from accessing other applications, browsers, and screen capture tools during assessments. Instructors can enable it on any Canvas quiz to better secure their self-proctored exams.

How It Works

• Respondus LockDown Browser (“Respondus”) is for in-class, Canvas exams only. It should not be mistaken for Respondus Monitor, a webcam-based remote proctoring product that has not been purchased by FSU.

• Before accessing exams, students must install the lockdown browser on a supported testing device. Students needing assistance accessing a supported testing device can consult with Case Management Services or University Libraries to lease or rent a compatible laptop on a short-term basis

• You or your TA must be physically present and actively monitor students during the exam. While Respondus fully locks down the testing device, it can’t prevent access on secondary devices or detect the use of unauthorized materials.

Limitations

• Respondus is not compatible with Honorlock or any other remote proctoring tool. Neither is it compatible with assessments hosted in third-party platforms such as McGraw-Hill Connect and Pearson MyLab & Mastering.

• Respondus does not permit the use of Microsoft Excel or other installed applications. Instructors can, however, enable a built-in standard or scientific calculator to display within the browser.

Setup Instructions

Step 1: Enable Respondus on your course.

1. Navigate to the Settings page of your course in Canvas.
2. Select the Navigation tab.
3. Scroll down until you find the “LockDown Browser” course navigation item.
4. Click the ellipsis icon on the right and select Enable.
5. Press the Save button.

Step 2: Enable Respondus on each exam.

1. Navigate to the LockDown Browser page of your course in Canvas.
   1. When using Respondus for the first time, click Authorize to allow its use in your Canvas course site.
2. Under the “Dashboard” tab, find the exam you are securing.
3. Select the dropdown icon (gray square box and black down arrow) beside the exam’s name.
4. Select Settings to make changes per individual exam.
5. Select the radio button entitled “Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.”
6. If enabling Respondus on a Classic Quiz, we recommend entering an access code that matches the access code in the Canvas Quiz settings.
7. Under the radio button, expand the Advanced Settings options by selecting the “+” icon.
8. Carefully review each of the options presented by hovering your cursor over the “[explain]” links and consider our recommendations below:
   1. (Classic Quizzes only) Require LockDown Browser to view post-exam feedback and results. This prevents students from accessing the questions and answers once they exit the secured exam session.
   2. Lock students into the browser until the exam is completed. Use a passcode that only you and your TAs know. This can prevent students from leaving Respondus and reentering the exam without your knowledge.
   3. Keep your exams in Respondus simple by not including external web domains. While Respondus supports whitelisting websites, it can prove difficult to cover every link and embedded content like images, videos, and iFrames that pull from other domains.
   4. If you permit a calculator to be used, we recommend enabling the built-in calculator to completely disallow students from using handheld devices during the exam. This vastly simplifies proctoring.
   5. Do not enable printing from the toolbar as this can allow students to collect and share your exam content after class.
9. Press the Save + Close button.

At the Start of the Term

• Tell your students you’re using Respondus. Insert our recommended Respondus LockDown Browser syllabus statement. In class or in a Canvas announcement, mention that you require them to install and use Respondus LockDown Browser for one or more of your exams and point them to your syllabus or the Respondus Student Guide for instructions.
• Try out Respondus yourself! You can do this by using the Student View feature in Canvas.
• Set up a low-stakes practice quiz with Respondus enabled. This allows you and the students to troubleshoot any computer installation issues and better understand the general workflow.

The Week of the Exam

1. Remind students to carefully review the Respondus Student Guide. This includes important instructions like fully charging their testing device, bringing their ID card, and turning off all unauthorized devices prior to beginning their exam.
2. Prepare for an attendance check-in process that includes ID verification of each student. For larger classes, consider reserving a table or two with multiple check-in sheets to speed this process along. While cumbersome, this step is essential in maintaining academic integrity because students can too easily share your exam access code with peers outside the classroom. Plan to cross-reference your attendance list with the gradebook to ensure no one took the exam outside of the classroom.

During the Exam

1. Take attendance as students arrive to class.
2. Advise students to connect to FSUSecure Wi-fi to keep their data secure and to avoid disconnects.
3. Advise students to log into Canvas using the Respondus LockDown Browser and then navigate to the exam. Wait to give them the exam access code.
4. Advise students to turn off unauthorized devices and place them and any unauthorized materials into their backpacks. You could go a step further and ask students to place their backpacks in a certain area of the classroom. Watch out for water bottles, clothing with front pockets (like hoodies), and other means of sneaking in unauthorized materials.
5. When everyone is seated and ready, share the exam passcode so they can start their exam.
6. Look out for any raised hands and be prepared to assist students with reentering the test if needed. Disconnects may occur due to being on a wireless internet connection.

Getting Help

Respondus has embedded their best resources into their app. Take a few minutes to review them by navigating to the Getting Started, Video Tutorials, and Guides & Support tabs within the LockDown Browser page of your course.

Respondus also has an expansive knowledge base. Navigate to the LockDown Browser + Respondus Monitor section and browse their support catalog or use the search bar at the top to find answers to frequently asked questions.

For personalized support, go to support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it. If you get stuck or need immediate help, contact FSU’s ODL Technical Support (850-644-8004 / [email protected]) or Assessment & Testing (850-644-3017 / [email protected]).