• Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor provide faculty with the ability to offer proctored assessments for our online and hybrid courses. The two programs used together deter cheating and increase student identity verification capabilities.

• Specifically, Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom web browser that prevents a student from printing, copying, accessing other applications or content, or visiting websites on their computer during an online test. Test content or questions cannot be copied or printed, and students are locked into the assessment until it is submitted for grading. Through an unlimited site license, the  LockDown browser provides a secure online testing solution for traditional courses, whereby students take assessments in a faculty-proctored setting such as a campus computer lab.

  Working with Lockdown Browser, Respondus Monitor captures webcam video during a test session in non-proctored environments. The monitor is available to faculty teaching online or hybrid courses, providing a secure testing solution for distance learning at GVSU.  Instructors can review the recorded videos of test sessions through a dashboard that includes the automated flagging of suspicious behaviors.

• In the summer of 2019, GVSU piloted a new academic integrity solution for online tests and quizzes that are delivered through Blackboard. This pilot was supported by the Office of the Provost, the Online Education Council, and eLearning and Emerging Technologies, and the software was selected to be adopted. After the pilot was completed, GVSU chose Respondus to assist with academic integrity, to serve as a deterrent and to help ensure equity around assessment for all students, and to equip faculty with monitoring their students remotely. The software became available to all faculty and students beginning in Fall 2019.

• Respondus has been providing online testing applications for nearly 20 years, and it is used by over 2,000 educational institutions worldwide, along with 10 colleges and universities in Michigan such as Center Michigan University and Grand Rapids Community College. Over 150 million exams are delivered through LockDown Browser each year, and over 10 million exams in higher education use Respondus Monitor, which is the most widely-used solution for exam integrity. 

This web page contains a variety of support resources and self-help guides.

If we can provide additional support, please contact:

eLearning and Emerging Technologies
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (616) 331-2101
Web Site: Teaching with Technology Support

Respondus LockDown Browser now has a new Instructor Live Proctoring option that enables instructors to use a web-based video conferencing system (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet) to proctor students in real-time while taking their online Blackboard quizzes and exams. Recommended for small (up to 25), synchronous classes where instructors can effectively manage and observe students during the exam, Instructor Live Proctoring can be enabled in the exam’s Lockdown Browser settings.

Instructor Live Proctoring with LockDown Browser video demo

Best Practices for Using Instructor Live Proctoring

• Instructor Live Proctoring can be used with the Windows, macOS, and Chromebook versions of Lockdown Browser. The iPad version of Lockdown Browser doesn’t directly support this option (the iPad assessment mode doesn’t allow multiple apps to run simultaneously), but similar results can be achieved if the student uses a second device.
• The Instructor Live Proctoring option has been formally tested with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, but it should work with any web-based video conferencing system. GVSU recommends the use of Zoom. Note: Students must use the web browser version of Zoom to remain in the session after launching Lockdown Browser. Break-out rooms are not supported.
• Instructor Live Proctoring is recommended for use with smaller classes of up to 25 students. There isn’t a technical limit on the number of students supported, but since the instructor must oversee the logistics of getting students logged into the video conference system, take attendance, watch students during the exam, and track whether students leave the video conferencing session, it may be difficult to manage larger class sizes.
• Set up a practice test to help familiarize students with the procedures for connecting to the videoconferencing session and launching Lockdown Browser. This will help to minimize technical issues that may be encountered during a gradable exam. Provide students with an alternative method for contacting the instructor (telephone or text) if they do experience a problem.
• Develop clear guidelines for addressing suspected suspicious behavior during a Live Proctoring session. Review this policy with your students and include it in your syllabus.
• Respondus does not support the use of Instructor Live Proctoring and Monitor at the same time. If a recording is desired, be sure to choose Record to the Cloud , so that the video, audio, and chat text will all be recorded in the Zoom cloud. NOTE: The gallery view recording can display a maximum of 25 participants, but must first be configured to "Record gallery view with shared screen" in your Zoom cloud recording settings.

If students are unable to install the browser on their device, and accessing a different device is not possible, there are on-campus proctoring, laptop loan, and potential alternative assessment options:

• All campus computer labs have the Respondus LockDown Browser installed. Students can be observed by faculty or staff in the lab at an arranged date, time, and location, in this case, ONLY LockDown Browser is required to be used. The instructor will need to select the LockDown Browser or Monitor option in the Respondus test configuration settings. If students will not be proctored in person, using Monitor is recommended. The Respondus LockDown Browser application can be found as an icon on the desktop on a PC, and in the "Applications Folder" on a Mac.
• If using a webcam with Respondus Monitor is required (for non-proctored settings), here are the locations on campus where students can access computers to take an assessment:

  • The following PC labs are equipped with 4 workstations that have webcams each: SCB-2009, MAK-D-2117 (Computer Lab Hours and Locations)

  • All Mac labs are equipped with built-in webcams.  Here are the campus locations: 112 LSH, 1312CAC, 1310CAC, 703CAC, 211DEV, 1206PAC, 2129MAK, 2131MAK, library Macintosh computers. (Computer Lab Hours and Locations)

• Laptop loans may be available depending on student needs. Using a laptop loan, a student can download and install LockDown Browser and Monitor to complete the assessment. Short-term loaner laptops are available for 4 hours from the IT Services counter in the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons.  Students must reserve a laptop by contacting: IT Services. Supplies are limited.
• Depending on the semester and availability, the Disability Support Resources Office can facilitate tests in the Allendale and downtown campus locations using LockDown Browser. In this case, DSR will observe the students ensure the instructor's testing conditions are met. The instructor will need to select the LockDown Browser or Monitor option in the Respondus test configuration settings.
• If none of the above will work, at the faculty member's discretion, an alternative assignment/assessment for the student that is more of an open book format to help minimize cheating can be an option.

The testing tools in Pearson MyLab now offer seamless integration with the Respondus Monitor proctoring system, providing a powerful solution for exam integrity. 

To use Respondus Monitor with your Pearson MyLab course: 

1. Navigate to the MyLab course settings and locate "Learning Aids and Test Options".
2. Select "Use automated proctoring in this course" and then “Respondus Monitor Proctoring.”
3. MyLab will then prompt you to "Complete the Respondus Monitor Proctoring license setup," which is a one-time process.

There are two licensing options for using Respondus Monitor with a Pearson MyLab course. Please select the "Link to an existing Respondus Monitor license through my university" option using the following procedures.

To link a MyLab course to GVSU's Respondus Monitor license: 

1. Login to Blackboard and navigate to your course.
2. In the course Control Panel > Course Tools menu click "Respondus Lockdown Browser".
3. On the "Lockdown Browser Resources" page select the "Other Systems" tab.
4. Expand the section for "Pearson MyLab" and copy the code shown (the code is unique for each instructor).
5. Return to the MyLab course and use “Enter Code” to complete the linking.

Respondus Monitor for Pearson MyLab works with Windows and macOS. The LockDown Browser Chromebook extension is not currently supported.

If technical assistance is needed with Respondus Monitor, 24/7 Live Chat support is available to students, right from the application. Alternatively, go to respondus.com/support to open a ticket with Respondus Support.

A new Chromebook extension for LockDown Browser and Monitor is now available. However, several limitations or known issues have been reported when using Lockdown Browser for Chromebook. These limitations can directly impact a student’s ability to complete the exam.

• (Blackboard) Quiz passwords (specified via the "optional password" field in the LockDown Browser Dashboard) aren’t currently supported for Blackboard Learn "original course view" exams that use only LockDown Browser. For exams requiring Respondus Monitor, the optional password field is supported.
• LockDown Browser’s Calculator and Spreadsheet features aren’t currently supported
• The extended keyboard functions (for adding symbols and special characters) isn’t currently available
• LockDown Browser’s “Help Center” is currently unavailable, and there is no Live Chat support for students taking exams that require Respondus Monitor.
• "Allow access to specific external web domains" option is currently not supported
• Students will not be able to search for the app directly from the Chrome web store. Students must click on the same GVSU RLDB download link as the Windows/Mac versions to obtain the extension link for installation. 

Please consider the following suggested best practices if your students will be using a Chromebook for taking an exam with Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor.

• Faculty should review their exam questions to ensure that none of the known limitations would prevent a student from completing the exam as expected.
• A practice test with unlimited attempts needs to be made available in the course and is essential for the setup and configuration of the extension by their students.
• Students should complete the practice test multiple times before their first gradable exam to ensure that they are familiar with the user interface, are aware of the browser’s limitations, and can properly navigate between screens.

Additional information about Lockdown Browser for Chromebook can be found on the Respondus Technical Support website.

Before starting your assessment, be sure to prepare your environment:

1. Find a location where you will not be interrupted.
2. To prevent distractions, turn off all audio sources in the environment (mobile phones, tablets, radio, tv, etc.) and also be sure there is no one else in the room or any movement in the background.
3. Remove any materials not permitted by your instructor from your desk and surrounding area (eg. books, papers, other devices, etc.)
4. Reboot your computer before the start of the exam.
5. If possible, use a wired rather than a wireless connection.
6. Close all open applications on your computer except for LockDown Browser.
7. Avoid wearing a hat and be in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting.
8. Place your laptop on a table or other sturdy surface so it will not move during the assessment period.

Note: As you begin the assessment, if you are presented with a password prompt, likely, you are not using the LockDown Browser application. Close your browser and locate the LockDown Browser application on your computer and then sign into Blackboard to access your test.

Several resources are available if you encounter problems with downloading, installing, or using LockDown Browser as a student, the first step is to notify your instructor, then please consult the following resources:

1. The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Live chat may also be available. 
2. Respondus Inc. has a Knowledge Base available from support.respondus.com. Select the "Knowledge Base" link and then select "Respondus LockDown Browser" as the product. If your problem is with a webcam, select "Respondus Monitor" as your product.
3. If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue please contact:

GVSU IT Services
Email:  [email protected] 
Phone: (616) 331-2101 Toll Free: (855) 435-7488
Web Site: IT Services

• Respondus complies with a variety of privacy and security standards, including FERPA, GDPR, U.S. Privacy Shield, CCPA, EDUCAUSE HECVAT Participation, PCI-Compliance Scanning, SOC 2 Type 1 Certification, and LTI.  Respondus facilitates third-party penetration testing and monthly vulnerability scanning. Respondus engineers have achieved AWS Solutions Architect Certification or higher. More information on data privacy is available from the Respondus Privacy Center.
• GVSU followed a strict process during procurement ensuring student privacy and security of the Respondus application. Further, as Respondus is licensed by over 1,100 educational institutions, the technology, security, and privacy stance has been vetted by some of the largest online learning programs in the world. In fact, Respondus Monitor proctors more than 25+ million exams per year.
• Respondus licensing terms of use, FERPA, and video retention length were reviewed by GVSU Legal, Information Technology, the Registrar, and the Office of the Provost.
• A 3rd Party Vendor Security Confidentiality of Customer Data was approved by GVSU Legal and Information Technology with a Security Addendum Signed by Respondus/Countersigned by GVSU during procurement.
• No outside sources can access the Respondus webcam recorded videos of students. Only the instructors that are enrolled in the Blackboard course can access the recordings for playback.
• The video that is captured during a Respondus Monitor session is streamed using encryption that is unique for each session to a server that only accepts streaming connections. Respondus Monitor servers only “render” the video review user interface for instructors, and the video itself is stored in a separate Amazon Web Services (AWS) server, therefore, no video is stored at Respondus.com. 
• The only way to access a Respondus video is for the instructor to authenticate through our GVSU Blackboard learning management system, and then accessing the video through the Respondus dashboard which uses a secret key that is unique to our institution.
• GVSU's license agreement with Respondus indicates that Monitor recordings will be saved for a period of “5” years before they are erased by Respondus. This time frame was agreed to by the Registrar's Office and approved by university legal counsel as part of the license agreement.
• See also: Respondus Monitor Data Privacy Overview

Respondus partners with Online ADA, experts in user accessibility and compliance. Every six months, Online ADA will audit, produce and certify the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) for LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. This ensures that their accessibility documentation is kept up to date, and can alert Respondus to issues missed with internal accessibility testing.

LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor – VPAT

Certification of WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA Conformance

The VPAT demonstrates that LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor meet the basic standards for web accessibility, but that’s only part of their story. Some assistive technologies have toolbars or features that compromise a locked browser environment. That’s why Respondus works with third-party accessibility vendors including Kurzweil Education, ReadSpeaker and Texthelp to ensure seamless compatibility and exam security.

Respondus maintains a knowledge base article that provides the latest details on how LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor work with various assistive technologies. If you have a question you can email Respondus directly at, [email protected].

Accessibility Knowledge Base Article