Respondus Support
Download Respondus LockDown Browser
Respondus Computer Requirements
For additional technical assistance, contact the RCC Student Help Desk:
Email: rcchelp@rappahannock.edu
Phone: 804-333-6786
Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) instructors may require students to use Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor when completing certain online exams or assessments. These tools are designed to help maintain the security and academic integrity of online assessments.
What is Respondus LockDown Browser?
Respondus LockDown Browser is a secure browser used for taking online assessments in Canvas. When an exam requires LockDown Browser, certain functions on your computer are restricted until you submit the assessment.
While taking an exam in LockDown Browser, students generally cannot:
- Access other websites or applications
- Print or copy exam content
- Use screen-capture functions
- Navigate away from the assessment
- Access messaging or other applications that are not permitted by the instructor
Once the assessment is submitted and LockDown Browser is closed, your computer returns to its normal operating environment. Your instructor will let you know if an assessment requires Respondus LockDown Browser.
What is Respondus Monitor?
Some assessments may also require Respondus Monitor. Respondus Monitor works with LockDown Browser and uses your webcam and microphone to record video and audio during the assessment. Depending on the settings selected by your instructor, Respondus Monitor may also record your computer screen during the exam. Respondus Monitor uses automated analysis to identify events during the assessment that may warrant additional review. For example, the system may identify instances when a student repeatedly moves out of the webcam's view or other activity occurs during the testing session. These indicators are provided to the instructor for review.
Respondus Monitor does not use a live human proctor to continuously watch you while you are taking the exam. Instead, the recording and automated results are made available after the assessment for authorized review. A flag or automated indicator from Respondus Monitor does not by itself establish that an academic integrity violation occurred. The information is provided to the instructor for review in context.
Before beginning an assessment using Respondus:
- Read your instructor's directions carefully. Your instructor determines what materials and resources are permitted during the assessment.
- Install or update LockDown Browser before the day of the exam.
- If Respondus Monitor is required, check your webcam and microphone before starting.
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- Close all open programs before opening LockDown Browser.
- Choose an appropriate location where you can complete the assessment without unnecessary interruptions.
- Do not begin the assessment until you are ready to complete it.
When Respondus Monitor is used, you will be guided through a start-up sequence before the assessment begins. Depending on your instructor's settings, you may be asked to complete a webcam check or other verification steps.
Respondus Monitor may require an environment check as part of the standard startup sequence.
Depending on the settings selected for a particular assessment, Respondus Monitor may record your computer screen in addition to webcam video and audio. When screen recording is enabled, the recording allows the instructor to review activity displayed on the computer during the assessment. Not every Respondus Monitor assessment necessarily uses screen recording. The features used depend on the settings selected for the individual exam.
Respondus stores exam-session recordings on its servers. Recordings may be accessed by the course instructor and authorized college personnel who have a legitimate need to administer the assessment or review a potential academic integrity concern. Respondus personnel may access information when necessary to provide technical support, maintain or troubleshoot the service, or when otherwise required by law.
Students with approved accommodation should communicate with their instructor and RCC's Student Accessibility and Accommodations staff before completing a proctored assessment if an accommodation may affect the testing process. Students should contact RCC as early as possible if assistance or an alternative testing arrangement is needed.
Students are responsible for following their instructor's testing requirements and RCC's academic integrity and student conduct policies while completing an assessment. Respondus Monitor's automated system may identify portions of an exam session for instructor review. These indicators are intended to assist with review and should not be interpreted independently as a determination that misconduct occurred.