Respondus LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor: Faculty Guide
This guide helps faculty determine when Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor are appropriate for online exams and provides a practical overview of implementation in Brightspace.
What Is Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor?
LockDown Browser is a secure browser that restricts access to other applications, websites, printing, copying, and screen capture during an exam. Respondus Monitor adds webcam-based recording and automated flagging of suspicious behaviors for instructor review.
What Are Considered Suspicious Behaviors?
1. Face Missing from the Camera View - Respondus flags situations where the student's face cannot be detected for a period of time. Respondus recently added prompts asking students to adjust the camera when excessive cropping of the face occurs.
2. Low Facial Detection - Flags may occur when the system cannot consistently detect or track the student's face. Respondus notes that poor video quality can increase flagging.
3. Multiple People or a Different Person Appearing - Respondus uses computer vision technology to identify situations. These events are flagged for instructor review.
4. Handheld Device Detection - Respondus has introduced a specific Handheld Device Flag that can identify the apparent presence or use of a handheld device such as a phone during an assessment.
5. Webcam Connection Changes - The system may flag webcam disconnections or a webcam being connected or reconnected during the exam.
6. Attempts to Leave the Secure Testing Environment - Respondus may flag activities such as switching applications, attempting to access other screens or programs, or actions inconsistent with the LockDown Browser environment. These events are included in the Review Priority scoring.
7. Partial Face Visibility (Sensitivity-Based Flags) - With the Strict sensitivity setting, Respondus can generate flags when portions of the face move outside the frame, or both eyes are not visible. Respondus calls these Partial Missing flags.
Respondus recommends that instructors review the actual recording associated with the flag before drawing conclusions.
Benefits for Online Courses
• Supports academic integrity
• Deters digital cheating
• Confirms student identity
• Allows remote testing without scheduled proctors
• Integrates directly with Brightspace
• Provides review tools and flagged events for instructor review
How to Use in Brightspace
1. Create your quiz in Brightspace.
2. Click on Activities and Assessments. Click on Quizzes. Open the LockDown Browser tool from the link above the quiz names.
3. Select the quiz and choose Settings by clicking on the chevron to the left of the quiz name.
4. Require LockDown Browser. This will open the option to use Respondus Monitor.
5. Require Respondus Monitor selecting the option you want.
6. Configure startup sequence options.
7. Inform students in advance and provide practice opportunities.
8. Review flagged sessions after the exam.
Pros
• Strong deterrent to common forms of cheating
• Easy integration with Brightspace
• No appointment scheduling required
• Flexible for fully online students
• Provides evidence for follow-up conversations
• Automatically flags potentially suspicious behaviors
Cons
• Requires webcam and compatible device
• May increase student anxiety
• False flags can occur and require instructor review
• Technology issues can impact testing experiences
• Privacy concerns may be raised by some students
• Does not eliminate all forms of academic dishonesty
Best Practice Recommendations
Use Respondus Monitor primarily for high-stakes assessments. Provide a low-stakes practice quiz, communicate expectations clearly, offer technical support resources, and review flags as indicators rather than automatic proof of misconduct. Consider alternative assessment strategies when appropriate.
Sources
Taylor University Respondus Monitor Intro Letter; Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor official product information.