Answer

The Respondus LockDown Browser is a locked browser for taking tests.  It prevents you from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during a test.  If a test requires that Respondus LockDown Browser be used, you will not be able to take the test with a standard web browser.  LockDown Browser should only be used for taking Canvas tests.  It should not be used in other areas of Canvas. Watch a 2-minute video explaining Respondus LockDown Browser.

LockDown Browser is compatible with computers (Windows or Mac), iPads and Chromebooks (if they are enabled by your instructor).  LockDown Browser is not compatible with smartphones.  

INSTALLING LOCKDOWN BROWSER    

(Skip this step if you borrowed an NWTC laptop or if LockDown Browser has already been installed. Look for the Respondus desktop icon or search for Respondus in the Windows menu.)                      

Windows or Mac computers:

  • Use this link to download and install LockDown Browser for NWTC: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=796437354.
  • Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the install.
  • Windows minimum requirements are Windows 10/11 with at least 4GB of RAM.
  • Apple or Mac minimum requirements are OS 10.13 or higher with at least 4GB of RAM.

iPads (requires iOS 11 or higher):

  • Use this link to download the Respondus LockDown Browser app from the Apple Store: iPad Respondus Browser
  • Start the LockDown Browser app. (Some Learning Management Systems require you to first log in via a standard browser, then launch LockDown Browser from your quiz page.)
  • The first time the app is used, you will be prompted to select your institution and server. Search for “Northeast Wisconsin Technical College”. Searching for “NWTC” will not produce any results. If you later need to change the institution or server, select the settings icon on the toolbar for the LockDown Browser app.

Chromebooks:

TAKING A QUIZ WITH RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER

Windows or Mac computers:

  1. Close all programs, unless one is used to connect you to the Internet.
  2. Locate the “LockDown Browser” shortcut on the desktop and double-click it. (For Mac users, launch “LockDown Browser” from the Applications folder.)
  3. If prompted, either close a blocked program (e.g. screen capture, instant messaging) by choosing Yes. Or, close LockDown Browser and close the blocked program before restarting.
  4. Login to your Canvas course.
  5. Navigate to the quiz and select it.
  6. Read the quiz instructions and select Take the Quiz to begin.
  7. If the instructor requires a quiz password, a new window will appear asking for the Access Code. Enter the password and click Submit.
  8. The quiz will then start. (Note, once a quiz has been started with Respondus LockDown Browser, you cannot exit until the Submit button is clicked.)

*Note: If your instructor uses "New Quizzes" within Canvas, you must enter Canvas in a regular web browser first, then access the quiz from the regular web browser.  Respondus LockDown Browser will automatically launch and open then.

iPads:

  1. Launch the Respondus LockDown Browser app.
  2. Login to Canvas.
  3. Go into the course, navigate to the quiz and select it.
  4. Read the quiz instructions and select Take the Quiz.
  5. If the instructor requires a quiz password, a new window will appear asking for the Access Code. Enter the password and click Submit.
  6. The quiz will then start. (Note, once a quiz has been started with Respondus LockDown Browser, you cannot exit until the Submit button is clicked.) 

Chromebooks:

  1. Open the Google Chrome web browser.
  2. Navigate to Canvas and login.
  3. Go into the course, navigate to the test and select it.
  4. Read the quiz instructions and select Take the Quiz. LockDown browser will automatically launch.
  5. If the instructor requires a quiz password, a new window will appear asking for the Access Code. Enter the password and click Submit.
  6. The quiz will then start. (Note, once a test has been started with Respondus LockDown Browser, you cannot exit until the Submit button is clicked.) 

USING WITH A WEBCAM (RESPONDUS MONITOR)

You may be required to use LockDown Browser with a webcam, which will record you during an online, non-proctored exam. (The webcam feature is sometimes referred to as “Respondus Monitor.”) Your computer must have a functioning webcam and microphone. A high-speed internet connection is also required. 

  • If an quiz requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, follow steps 1-5 in the previous “Taking A Quiz” section. At this point the Startup Sequence for the webcam begins. You will first need to review and agree to the Terms of Use.
  • The System Check available through the Help Center button in Respondus LockDown Browser will confirm that your computer meets the system requirements and your webcam and microphone are working properly.
  • The remaining steps of the Startup Sequence will depend on settings chosen by your instructor. Follow the instructions and note your progress along the top of the screen.
  • Instructors may turn on a feature called Screen Recording. This captures a video of what is happening on your screen throughout the entire testing session. Note: Screen recording does not work on iPads.  Students won't be able to access an exam requiring screen recording if their version of Lockdown Browser is not current.
  • Students will see an indicator displayed in the upper-right corner of the browser throughout the entire testing session notifying them about which features are in use.

 Screenshot of Webcam and screen recording alert

  • If you encounter a problem, select the It’s not working link for troubleshooting tips. The test will begin after the Startup Sequence is complete. You cannot exit LockDown Browser until the test is submitted for grading.

PROBLEMS?

If you have problems downloading, installing, or taking a test with Respondus LockDown Browser:

 

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